Program type:
Major
Teaching Certification
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
33
Give every student the chance to succeed by making sure their needs are identified and supported.
The Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Educational Diagnostician prepares graduate students to evaluate learning strengths and challenges across a variety of educational settings. The program provides training in standardized assessments and curriculum-based measures, data-based decision making for eligibility, and the development of individualized educational plans. Coursework also addresses consultation with families and educators, legal and ethical responsibilities, and the design of prevention and intervention strategies. Graduates also develop skills that transfer to clinical and community environments where assessment services are provided.
College of Education
Department of Educational Psychology
940-565-3486
devyn.dougherty@unt.edu
CoursesWhy UNT Online?Tuition & AidHow to apply

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Why Earn an Educational Diagnostician Special Education Master's?

Educational diagnosticians play a critical role in identifying academic, behavioral and developmental needs. They conduct comprehensive evaluations, interpret assessment data and recommend appropriate supports. The position requires consistent collaboration with teachers, families and related service providers to ensure that services are aligned with student needs. Graduates contribute to early identification, support planning and promote meaningful progress across learning environments.
Marketable Skills
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data
  • Advocate on behalf of underrepresented populations
  • Collaborate to improve educational outcomes
  • Oral and written communication
  • Creative problem-solving

Educational Diagnostician Special Education Master's Highlights

Our summer-to-summer option allows you to complete all degree requirements for the diagnostician program in 15 months.
Most courses for the diagnostician program are in an Accelerated Online Program (AOP) format.
We have five start dates throughout the year. The start dates vary slightly by year, but they are generally around mid-January, mid-March, May, August, and mid-October.
The College of Education is one of Texas' top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals.
The Department of Educational Psychology, which oversees this degree program, is affiliated with various research and intervention centers that provide research and development opportunities for faculty and students.

What Can You do With an Educational Diagnostician Special Education Master's?

Graduates are prepared for roles that involve assessment, data interpretation, and educational planning. Many work as Educational Diagnosticians in school districts that require TEA certification. Others pursue opportunities in community centers, clinics, hospitals, or related assessment settings. Graduates who remain in the classroom strengthen their ability to address assessment needs and support instructional decision making.

Top 3 Careers:
  • Educational Diagnostician
  • Psychometrist
  • ARD Facilitator

Educational Diagnostician Special Education Master's Courses You Could Take

Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Introduces students to the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in school settings involving students with special needs. Focuses on the fusion of scientific or evidence-based practices with ethical principles in the design of a function-based behavior intervention plan (BIP) for a person with a disability who displays behavior problems.
Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 hrs)
Focuses on evidence-based practices for the assessment and identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The various components of a comprehensive evaluation are discussed. Various evaluation tools and procedures are reviewed and demonstrated.
Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Examinations of basic testing procedures and terminology as related to the exceptional learner. Analysis of statistics used in test development and interpretation of test data. Use of test data in developing individual education plans. Focuses on the development and use of knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective administration and interpretation of authentic assessment and documenting student achievement gains among diverse and exceptional learners.
Assistive Technology (3 hrs)
Review of recent legislation governing the need and use for assistive technology for individuals with IEP or 504 plans. Issues concerning assessment, ownership, costs and availability are reviewed.
Educational Statistics (3 hrs)
Descriptive and inferential statistical concepts and techniques commonly used in educational research. Organization of data, graphical representation, measures of central tendency and variability, normal distribution curve, sampling theory and tests of significant differences between related and independent samples.
Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators and Professionals (3 hrs)
Communication and collaboration models and strategies in working with parents, caregivers and professionals concerned about exceptional learners. Emphasis on the changing definition of families and changing demographics and the implications these changes have for effectively involving others in the decision-making for exceptional learners.

Educational Diagnostician

Elizabeth Atkins earned a Master's Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Educational Diagnostician from the University of North Texas and works helping to identify learning needs of students.