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New Mexico State University

Special Education Program

Masters Programs

The Department of Special Education/Communication Disorders offers programs for students wishing to become master special education teachers, special education administrators, educational diagnosticians, school psychologists, and speech-language pathologists. The Master of Arts in Education can be earned in general special education with emphasis in mild or moderate disabilities (behavior disorders, learning disabilities, mental retardation, visual impairments and autism), communication disorders, early childhood special education, bilingual special education, special education administration, deaf/hard of hearing education, educational diagnostics, and Adapted Physical Education. The educational diagnostics program leads to New Mexico certification as an educational diagnostician.

Admission to the department's M.A. programs is based on the evaluation of a portfolio of materials that includes:

  • Undergraduate GPA
  • Graduate GPA (if applicable)
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Psychometric score on the Miller Analogies Test or scores on the Graduate Record Exam (aptitude portion) depending on the program of interest.
  • An academic vita
  • A one-page letter of interest in which the candidate cites relevant background experiences and personal motives for applying to the program
  • Three letters of reference
  • Other optional materials (as available) such as samples of writing, evidence of scholarship, indication of membership in a group traditionally underrepresented in graduate programs, or extenuating factors highlighted by applicants in their letters of interest

Specialist in Education (Ed.S.)

The Ed.S. provides additional study beyond the M.A. to prepare the student for leadership roles within his or her field.An Ed.S. project is required.

 

Doctoral Programs

The Department of Special Education/Communication Disorders offers two doctoral degrees in in Special Education: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Doctoral programs prepare individuals for positions as higher education faculty in special education, fields related to communication disorders, and for leadership positions in public education.

The following psychometric scores are required for admission to the Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs: Miller Analogies Test and Graduate Record Examination (aptitude).

For detailed information on admission requirements, stipends, and program requirements, write to the Department of Special Education/Communication Disorders, MSC 3SPE, NMSU, P.O. Box 30001, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8001.