Master of Education in Special Education Leadership
 What is the degree program?
This new degree program is a collaborative effort between the University of St. Thomas and the Houston Independent School District. It is a 36-credit hour/two-year program that results in a master degree and can lead to principal certification. Coursework includes five special education courses focused on leadership issues and at least four educational leadership courses focused on special education issues. A two-semester practicum and an action research project are required. These experiences will help ensure that students are able to apply theories, concepts and evidence-based interventions and practices learned in coursework to real-world situations. Read more about the program.
What else do I need to know about the program?
You will have a two-year service obligation for each of your two years of program participation. This service obligation will require you to be in a special education leadership role for four years following the completion of the program. This obligation is required because of the financial aid that you will receive for your participation in the program.
Why choose this program?
There are many special education master programs. There are many educational leadership master programs. However, these current master programs often fall short in preparing individuals for the unique challenges of special education leadership.
UST is a close-knit university with small classes where you will develop close relationships with professors and colleagues.
The purpose of this program is to give a boost to HISD efforts to achieve better outcomes for its students receiving special education services. To accomplish this goal, program participants will enhance their evidence-based special education and leadership knowledge, skills and tools. This will create better outcomes and brighter futures for the district’s special needs learners.
Why should I participate in this program?
Because this new program is part of a federal grant project, your cost for tuition and books will be at no cost or significantly reduced. Your specific cost will be determined by your total income and financial need.
Besides the financial incentive, this program will increase your opportunities for special education leadership advancement in HISD and elsewhere. Also, most courses needed for principal certification are included in your program of study. Any additional coursework needed for this certification will be available at a reduced UST tuition rate.
Who can participate in the program?
HISD special education teachers, other teachers, diagnosticians and speech therapists are prime candidates for the program. Individuals already in leadership positions, such as department chairs, are encouraged to apply. You must have a bachelor’s degree. Additional University of St. Thomas graduate school admission requirements also must be met by program applicants. Special consideration will be given to candidates who are members of under-represented groups or who have a disability.
When will the program begin?
The program’s first cohort group of 20 students will start in the fall, 2013 semester. Additional cohort groups of 20 students will begin their programs of study in the fall semesters of 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Where will the classes be held?
Although at least half of the classes will be conducted online, others will be in person. Face-to-face classes will be held at a convenient HISD location.
How will the program work?
You will take two courses in the fall, spring and summer semesters for two years. Some of your classes will be face-to-face in the evenings and others will be online. At least one course each semester will be online. Finally, you will be part of a small student cohort, which lends itself to receiving support from and developing network relationships with fellow cohort members.
How do I find out more about the program and apply for admission?
Dr. Randy Soffer, Director of the Preparation of Special Education Leaders Program, 713-942-5922 or psel@stthom.edu.
Ms. Debbie Fernandez, Program Assistant, 713- 525-3829 or psel@stthom.edu. | 
