Mission
Our faculty helps our students gather the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful educators in the 21st Century. We offer various programs, from Early Care and Early Childhood Studies to Special Education, that equip our students with the skills to become competent professionals capable of working in diverse and inclusive environments. We offer graduate studies in Early Childhood, Special Education, and School Psychology with Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Specialist certifications for those wishing to continue their education.
Vision
In the Department of Human Development and School Services (HDSS), students learn to develop healthy knowledge across cultures and lifespans and apply these skills in schools and other settings. HDSS students acquire practical knowledge and flexible thinking. They also learn to work with people and students from diverse backgrounds through their development in social and school environments.
Academic Programs
Bachelor's
Bachelor's Degree
Early Care and Early Childhood Studies (BS)
Bachelor of Science in Early Care and Early Childhood Studies
Program Modality: Campus
The Bachelor’s degree in Early Care and Early Childhood Studies prepares students to become highly skilled professionals in careers that focus on early childhood development. Students are prepared for educational leadership, and research, and gain expertise in the human development of young children from birth to eight years of age in public and private educational settings.
Bachelor's Degree
Early Care and Early Childhood Studies - Teacher Certification (BS)
Bachelor of Science in Early Care and Early Childhood Studies - Teacher Certification
Program Modality: Campus
The Bachelor’s degree in Early Care and Early Childhood Studies with teacher certification prepares students to become educators with an understanding of the unique needs of young children from birth to eight years of age. The program focuses on preparing students with expertise in human development for teaching, research, educational leadership, in public and private educational settings.
Master's
Master's Degree
School Psychology (MA)
Master of Arts in School Psychology
Program Modality: Campus
The Master’s degree in School Psychology prepares students to work with children and adolescents from diverse socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds to help them succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Upon completion, graduates have expertise in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and school systems. The degree satisfies the requirements to apply for state of Texas licensure (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology).
Master's Degree
Early Childhood (MED)
Master of Education in Early Childhood
Program Modality: Campus
The Master’s degree in Early Childhood is ideal for professionals who aspire to develop expertise in the areas of child development, early language, and literacy development, theory of development, and application of developmentally appropriate practices. The program provides the skills to advocate for quality early education of children from diverse backgrounds.
Master's Degree
Special Education (MEd)
Master of Education in Special Education
Program Modality: Online
Special education students need teachers and advocates with the unique expertise to guide them to a successful future. If your passion matches your ambition, you can earn your M.Ed. in Special Education online with UTRGV in as few as ten months.