Department Overview
The Department of Special Education ranks high in scholarly production and leads in equipping special educators and applied behavior analyst to deliver outstanding education and services to children and young adults with disabilities. The department has a rich tradition of excellence in teacher education and is routinely ranked as one of the top training programs in the country. Our scholars gain the skills necessary to assess, plan, and monitor the progress of children and young adults with disabilities.
Our undergraduates program graduates typically pursue teaching positions post-graduation or enter master’s degree programs. Our master's program graduates typically receive multiple offers of employment, and doctoral program graduates assume faculty and research positions in leading universities across the country.
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#1
Best Special Education program, U.S. News and World Report 2026
Our mission is to improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities through the preparation of exceptionally competent teachers, behavior analysts, and researchers, conducting research that informs and improves educational programs and behavioral interventions, and leadership in professional associations and advocacy for persons with disabilities.
Online Programs
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Applied Behavior Analysis Online (M.Ed.)
Our online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program offers rigorous preparation for individuals pursuing ABA careers in clinics, schools and other education settings. Students learn the philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis, applications of relevant concepts to develop behavior assessment and behavior change procedures, and considerations for selecting and implementing interventions.
Undergraduate Program
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Special Education (B.S.)
The undergraduate program in Special Education prepares students to work with persons with disabilities and leads to teacher licensure. Students pursue an interdisciplinary major in exceptional learning with emphasis in one of two specialty areas: High Incidence Disabilities (K-12) or Severe Disabilities (K-12).
Master's Programs
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Applied Behavior Analysis
Housed within the U.S. News & World Report No. 1 ranked Department of Special Education, the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) M.Ed. Program is designed for licensed special education teachers who want to practice ABA in educational settings or are specifically interested in training focused on school-based applications that integrate best ABA and SPED practices. -
Integrated Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
The Integrated Early Childhood Education M.Ed. program is for scholars who want to serve infants, toddlers, and young children (birth through kindergarten) with a wide range of needs. Through licensure and endorsement pathways, graduates go on to serve as early childhood educators in home, community, and school settings across the nation.Learn more about Integrated Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
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Special Education: High-Incidence Disabilities (M.Ed.)
The Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities (M.Ed.) program prepares scholars to deliver evidence-based instruction and intervention for children and young adults with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, dyslexia, ADHD, autism and mild intellectual disabilities.Learn more about Special Education: High-Incidence Disabilities (M.Ed.)
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Special Education: Severe Disabilities (M.Ed.)
The Special Education: Severe Disabilities (M.Ed.) program prepares scholars to deliver evidence-based supports and services to children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and multiple disabilities who require extensive educational support.Learn more about Special Education: Severe Disabilities (M.Ed.)
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Special Education: Visual Impairments (M.Ed.)
The Special Education: Visual Impairments (M.Ed.) program teaches scholars the specialized knowledge and instructional skills needed to provide direct services, teach the Expanded Core Curriculum and collaborate with general and special educators to ensure equitable access to learning for those with visual impairments.Learn more about Special Education: Visual Impairments (M.Ed.)
Doctoral Program
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Special Education (Ph.D.)
The Special Education (Ph.D.) doctoral program is designed to prepare scholars for faculty and leadership positions in colleges, universities, research institutes, or human service agencies. The program is competency based, with specific emphases on research and teaching. An individually crafted program of study consists of core requirements and an individually designed series of courses and competencies.
Special Education News
Faculty
Affiliated Faculty
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Melanie Schuele
Associate Professor, Department of Special Education
Research Faculty
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Jessica Awsumb
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education
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Doug Fuchs
Nicholas Hobbs Chair of Special Education and Human Development, Emeritus, Department of Special Education
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Tatiana Peredo
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education
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Hilary Travers
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education
Administrative Staff
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Vahideh Ahlhauser
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Craig Brodie
Administrative Officer
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Erin Hernandez-Hollie
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Maggie Shelton (Simmons)