Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician

About the Degree

The Educational Diagnostician program prepares students for professional certification by the State Board for Educator Certification. Educational Diagnosticians administer individual standardized test batteries, including intelligence, vocational, achievement, language, behavioral, and other tests to determine the eligibility of students for areas of exceptionality. They prescribe diagnostic-prescriptive interventions for exceptional learners and use psychometric evaluations to develop Individual Education Plans.

Graduate students have the opportunity to get practical experience doing charitable testing and work for advocacy groups while at Houston Christian University. Graduate students are provided with standardized assessments through the University. In addition to learning the statistical design of the tests, students are taught administration and interpretation of the instruments. Emphasis is also placed on computer scoring and computer literacy in writing reports and developing documents.

The Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician program is Hybrid in nature in that some of the 12 required courses are offered in an online format while others are residential (on-campus). 

Program Coordinator

For more information about the program, please contact Dr. Shawn Kent (skent@hbu.edu).

Student Learning Outcomes

Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician students acquire the following student learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of federal/ state requirements for the identification and assessment of students to determine eligibility for special education services.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills related to evidence-based instruction and intervention and the role of evaluation and planning in developing appropriate educational programs for students.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of approaches for effective consultation and collaboration with other professionals and families in order to meet the needs of students.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of professional practices, roles, responsibilities, and legal and ethical foundations of evaluation related to special education.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge relative to the analysis of evaluation data for the purpose of determining student eligibility for special education and making evidence-based recommendations.

What Can I Do With My M. Ed as an Educational Diagnostician?

The following examples represent professional settings in which graduates with a Master in Education in Educational Diagnostician may be hired:

• Public or private EC-21 Educational Settings
• Educational and Social Service Agencies
• Residential Facilities
• Healthcare, Clinic, and Therapeutic Settings
• Private Practice

The primary career pathway for students who graduate from this program is an Educational Diagnostician. However, this program can also help prepare individuals to pursue a role as a Special Education Coordinator/Supervisor or other leadership role in Special Education within a school system.

Admission Requirements

• Official Transcripts — Official Transcripts should be sent directly to the Online Graduate School from the college or university that awarded the student’s bachelor’s degree.
• References — Applicants must provide contact information for two references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor; parents of a taught student; or a colleague. One must be for a campus or district leader if the applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
• Résumé/CV and Service Record — Applicants must provide a current résumé and an official school district, charter, or independent school service record. Documents may be sent to the Graduate School (verification@hbu.edu).
• Application to Educator Preparation Program –Complete the online application.
• Interview — An admission interview with the Program Coordinator or the Educator Preparation Program office.

In order to enter this program, graduate students must be certified teachers.

Requirements

In order to enter this program, graduate students need to either be a certified teacher or be working on their teacher certification. Upon successful completion of this 36-hour program, which includes comprehensive exams, students will have earned a master’s degree.

They must meet the following requirements before applying for certification as an Educational Diagnostician:

• Submit a service record documenting three years of full-time teaching in an accredited private or public school
• Successfully complete the required state certification exam (TExES)

Graduate students are required to complete an internship within the public schools. During this internship, potential educational diagnosticians design appropriate test batteries, complete psycho-educational assessments, and write Individual Assessment Reports. In addition, interns summarize and present clinical findings at the Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee meetings and assist in the development of Individual Education Plans.

The Texas Education Agency requires that potential diagnosticians document a minimum of two years of teaching experience to be eligible for this professional certification.

Course Requirements

Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician

Course Name	Hours
EDUC 6320: Research Techniques and Procedures	3
ETEC 5306: Educational Applications of Technology	3
EDSP 5302: Survey of Exceptional Children	3
EDSP 5311: Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching for Exceptional Children	3
EDSP 5319: Teaching Strategies in Special Education	3
EDSP 5335: Identification and Evaluation in Early Childhood	3
EDSP 6305: Individual Psychological Evaluation	3
EDSP 6315: Practicum in Diagnosis	3
EDSP 6344: Educational Appraisal of Individuals with Exceptionalities	3
EDSP 6345: Advanced Assessment in Special Education	3
PSYC 6302: Measurement and Appraisal	3
EDAD 6303: School Law	3
Total Hours	36

Degree Plan

Master of Education in Educational Diagnostician