Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Special Education Questions:

Where can I get my degree outline?

    You will receive your degree outline after you apply - and are accepted -  to the university. Your degree outline, which lists the courses required for your Master's degree, will be sent to you by mail.

Do I have to take my classes in a certain order?

    Not necessarily, although some classes do require pre-requisites that need to be taken first. CASE students,  concentration students, and Educational Diagnosticians should refer to any suggested course sequences for their program, or check with your advisor.

How do i get a class over-ride if I haven' t taken the pre-requisite?

    See your advisor.

What if I can't get a required class? Can I substitute a different class?

    Sometimes we can do this, but any substitution must be approved in advance by your advisor.

Is there a computer lab for student use and where is it located?

    Yes, there is a computer lab open for student use and it is located across from The Den, up the stairs, and through the metal doors on your left.

What are the comps?

   The 'comps' refer to the special education comprehensive exams. End-of-program comprehensive exams are required by the university for our Master's programs. The comps may be taken after you have completed 18 graduate hours, but are usually taken during your last semester before graduation. You should notify Dr. Wheeler early in the semester that you wish to take your exams. 

    The comprehensive exam consists of four questions designed to assess your overall knowledge of special education law, instructional strategies, assessment, and knowledge of best practices for teaching students with behavioral disorders or for teaching reading. The exams are completed in the computer lab. You will be provided with study guides for each area tested.

Why are the Special Education classes not offered online?

    At this point, we believe that face-to-face classes are the most effective way to prepare you for the demands of teaching and professional leadership in the field of special education. However, we understand that the demands and challenges of today's world sometimes makes it difficult to attend classes on campus, and therefore we are exploring options for non-traditional formats for some of our classes.

How do I know if I am a Career Alternative in Special Education student?

   You are a "CASE" student if you are seeking special education certification in addition to your Master's degree.

Who can I go to if I have any questions?

    Everyone is assigned an advisor; however, many of the faculty and staff may be able to answer your questions or direct you to the right person.

What are my Special Education cerfication options?

   You will be certified to teach special education, all grades. To meet No Child Left Behind Requirements for highly qualified teachers, you will also be certified in another general education area, such as EC-4 Generalist, 4-8 Generalist, or another area. Most CASE students choose EC-4 Generalist or 4-8 Generalist for their general education certification; your coursework is designed to prepare you for the TExES exams in these areas.

    As a certified special education teacher, you will be highly qualified to teach elementary special education classes, secondary inclusion or support, or life skills.

University Questions:

How do you navigate the Education building?

      Yes, this is a confusing building! The stairs at the west end of the building (off the breezeway) allow access to floors 2 - 4. The elevator provides access to floors 1 - 4. The first floor may be also be accessed from the exterior corridor off the large flight of stairs in the front of the building. The stairs at the east end of the building are exit-only - you may not re-enter the building from that stairwell once you leave.
 

Are the graduate classes only offered at Texas State in San Marcos?

    No, graduate classes are also offered at the Texas State campus in Round Rock. However, we offer only a few special education courses at that campus.

How much does school cost and are there scholarships available?

    Currently, a 6-hour fall or spring semester would be about $1800, plus parking and textbooks. Summers are a bit less. You may check the Curriculum and Instruction website and the Financial Aid website for information about scholarships.