Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of general and special education course work will I need to obtain certification?

• A student will typically need 48-51 semester hours (16-17 courses) of general and special education courses depending on previous coursework. See the sample course sequences for more information under Coursework

Will I need to take additional undergraduate courses in addition to required general and special education courses?

• Maybe, if you have not already completed the required undergraduate core for certification.  A completed certification plan will reveal any undergraduate deficiencies.

When does the university course work begin, and when do I begin in the classroom?

• The course work may begin in the Fall, Spring, Summer I, or Summer II semesters.  After successful completion of the course work, you will have the option of enrolling in a two-semester internship in which you are hired as a full-time certified teacher for one year.

• Teachers on emergency permit should check with their school districts to determine the designated time period to complete certification requirements.  CASE program classes are offered in the evenings during the Fall and Spring semesters and in the daytime for both Summer semesters.

Will I need extra courses for my Master’s Degree?

• No, a Master’s Degree requires no extra course work provided all graduate college requirements have been met, and all courses are taken at the graduate level.
  

If you want to obtain a Master's Degree:

• Apply to the Graduate College as a degree-seeking student. *Remember, applying as a degree-seeking student requires official transcripts from each college or university attended and may require satisfactory scoreson the GRE.  For additional information please refer to the Graduate Catalog
• Declare major in Special Education with a minor in Methods and Materials
• Take all courses at the graduate level (5000 or above)
• Take a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.  (Thesis is not required)
• Receive Master of Education Degree in Generic Special Education!

However, you may elect to become certified without garnering a Master’s Degree.  In this case, you will apply to the Graduate College as a certification-only candidate.

Please visit the Texas State Graduate College for more information and requirements.

How many students are in the program?

• Typically, 10-20 students start the CASE program each semester.  To date, over 200 students have successfully completed the CASE program.

What will I be certified to teach?

• Upon successful completion of the internship and the state certification test(s) (TExES) you will obtain an all-level Texas Teaching Certificate in the field of Generic Special Education.  This will entitle you to teach special education students spanning ages 3-22 with any type of disability.

How much does it cost?

• You can estimate about $2000 - $2500 per long semester for tuition and fees for an in-state resident, $1200 per summer session depending on the number of courses taken.  You can estimate that books will cost about $200 - $300 per semester depending on the number of courses taken. Refer to the graduate catalog for more information and out-of-state tuition and fees.

Is financial aid available?

• Yes, applicants may apply for financial aid through the financial aid office at Texas State.  The entire process to establish financial need takes approximately 3 ½ months.  Contact the financial aid office  for more information.

Where can I find information on military veterans benefits?

• You may be eligible for the Troops to Teachers program or other benefits.  For more information, try the Texas State Office of Veterans Affairs

Do I have to take all my classes in San Marcos?

• No, some courses are available online and others are offered in North Austin at the RREC (Round Rock Education Center).

When will I be eligible to take the state certification exam(s)?

• You will be eligible to take the state certification exam(s) (TExES) after all course work is completed with the exception of student teaching or the internship.

Where can I find more information about the College of Education?

• A great place to start is the Texas State College of Education web site.

Where can I find out more about Texas State?

• Try the Texas State web site for a variety of information about the university and the surrounding community.