Graduate Programs
The College of Education and P-16 Integration offers the following graduate programs.
Please review graduate program admission requirements.
Criminal History Acknowledgement:
As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.
- In order to receive a educator certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
- If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
- You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.
For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation:
https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/
Accelerated Online Programs
Our 100% online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education enhances your ability to serve the needs of elementary students. Learn advanced skills in curriculum development and implementation while becoming a content specialist in the high-demand areas of math and science. This online M.Ed. program can advance your specialized knowledge and skills for use in the classroom or in a variety of education settings.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with
a Specialization in Elementary Math and Science Education accelerated online program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jair Aguilar Associate Professor |
665-8768 | jair.aguilar@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.658 |
This online M.Ed. C&I program is designed to prepare instructional leaders to serve a diverse population in classroom and other settings
Learn more about the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Specialization in Mathematics Education accelerated online program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jair Aguilar Associate Professor |
665-8768 | jair.aguilar@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.658 |
Master of Education (MED) in Curriculum & Instruction with a Content Specialization in English explores theories, methods, and pedagogies in writing, literature, and language instruction.
Learn more about the Master of Education (MED) in Curriculum & Instruction with a Content Specialization in English accelerated online program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jair Aguilar Associate Professor |
665-8768 | jair.aguilar@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.658 |
This fully web-based, 12-hour accelerated graduate certificate program targets individuals interested in working as e-learning practitioners in K-12, higher education, corporate, or e-learning industries. Candidates will be able to serve as effective online educators by advancing knowledge and skills in electronic learning, both conceptual and practical; and meet changing job requirements in response to current trends in e-learning.
Learn more about the E-Learning certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | rene.corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
This program is designed to produce change-oriented administrators who can provide administrative leadership and are competent in site-based school management, organization, school law, finance, and contemporary personnel practices.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez Program Coordinator |
665-7399 | rosalinda.hernandez@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.510A |
The Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology is a 30-hour accelerated program designed to prepare persons in K-12, higher education, corporate, and military settings to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the classrooms and boardrooms of tomorrow. Graduates of this program will have a much better understanding of the uses of technology and how they can be applied in instructional/training settings.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Educational Technology accelerated program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | rene.corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
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. An initial teaching certificate is not required to enter this program. If you are a certified teacher, this TEACH Grant-eligible degree program will prepare you for additional special education certification credentials.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Special Education accelerated online program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Lowdermilk III Professor |
665-3465 | john.lowdermilk@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.302A |
This fully web-based, 9-hour accelerated graduate certificate program is geared toward providing educators with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders in technology. Principals, superintendents and technology leaders currently in roles as administrators as well as teachers who seek to take more of a leadership role in their district will benefit from this certificate.
Learn more about the Technology Leadership in Education certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | Rene.Corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
Certificate Programs
This fully web-based, 12-hour accelerated graduate certificate program targets individuals interested in working as e-learning practitioners in K-12, higher education, corporate, or e-learning industries. Candidates will be able to serve as effective online educators by advancing knowledge and skills in electronic learning, both conceptual and practical; and meet changing job requirements in response to current trends in e-learning.
Learn more about the E-Learning certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | rene.corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
The mission on the Graduate College in Higher Education Teaching is to equip faculty, adjunct, and teaching assistants in higher education and other learning organizations develop knowledge and skills associated with high-impact teaching while advancing their careers in the rapidly changing professional landscape of adult learning.
Learn more about the Higher Education Teaching certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Karin Lewis Program Coordinator/ Associate Professor |
882-5704 | karin.lewis@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.504A |
Students who want to become certified K-12 Reading Specialists in the state of Texas must first complete the UTRGV Reading and Literacy M.Ed. program. Once this degree is finished, they are eligible to apply for the six hour Reading Specialist Certification Program. The Reading Specialist Certification program is 100% online, with a required school-based practicum.
The purpose of the Reading Specialist Certification Program is to produce highly knowledgeable and effective K-12 reading specialists who understand and support literacy development across multiple linguistic and cultural contexts through their work with children and in collaboration with administrators, colleagues, parents/families, and community members.
Learn more about the Reading Specialist Certification program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Janine M. Schall Professor/Department Chair |
665-5227 | janine.schall@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.602 |
How do you teach bilingual learners at the middle and high school level? This 16 hour program develops expertise in working with secondary bilingual education students. Some courses will be taught bilingually or in Spanish.
Most courses in this certificate program are transferable to the Bilingual Education M.Ed.
Learn more about the Secondary Bilingual Education certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joy Esquierdo Professor |
665-5106 | joy.esquierdo@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.514 |
This certification program prepares students for superintendent positions in school settings.
Learn more about the Superintendent Certification program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Federico R. Guerra Department Chair |
665-7333 | federico.guerra@utrgv.edu | EEDUC 1.510B |
This fully web-based, 9-hour accelerated graduate certificate program is geared toward providing educators with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders in technology. Principals, superintendents and technology leaders currently in roles as administrators as well as teachers who seek to take more of a leadership role in their district will benefit from this certificate.
Learn more about the Technology Leadership in Education certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | Rene.Corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
How do you teach and assess K-12 students in online environments? This program prepares certified teachers to work in online contexts. Program completers receive the Texas Virtual Schools Network (TxVSN) Document of Completion.
Learn more about the TxVSN Digital Literacies certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Janine M. Schall Professor/Department Chair |
665-5227 | janine.schall@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.602 |
Doctoral Programs
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction at UTRGV prepares educational leaders and practitioner-scholars with expertise to design and lead P-16 programs and initiatives in school districts, institutions of higher education and other educational organizations throughout Texas and nationwide. Additionally, our program provides a highly qualified pool of teacher educators, instructional designers and curriculum developers dedicated to student success for institutions of higher education throughout Texas and the nation. The Ed.D. offers face-to-face and fully online options.
Learn more about the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Laura Jewett Program Coordinator |
882-8269 | Laura.Jewett@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 2.310 |
This doctoral program prepares educational leaders to act as change agents in improving educational institutions for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Candidates are prepared for careers in a variety of educational settings: K-12, community college, or university.
Learn more about the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Marie Simonsson Program Coordinator |
665-7388 | marie.simonsson@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.602 |
Master's Programs
The program will provide teachers with a thorough understanding the enrichment of bilingual education programs and practices that not only meet the educational needs of native Spanish speakers, but would also provide bilingual / biliterate / bicultural enrichment opportunities for all children. The degree provides an opportunity to prepare experts in various specialized education areas to promote and support enrichment bilingual education.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Bilingual Education.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kip Hinton Associate Professor |
882-8847 | kipaustin.hinton@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 2.118 |
The Master of Education in Counseling offers two programs: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Graduates of the UTRGV Counseling program are committed to advocacy and leadership in the communities they serve.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Counseling.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eunice Lerma Associate Professor |
882-5850 | eunice.lerma@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BNOBL 107 |
The Master of Education (MED) in Early Childhood Education is offered to 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. A primary outcome of the program is to advocate for the quality early education of children from diverse backgrounds.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Hilda Medrano Professor |
665-3891 | hilda.medrano@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.504A |
This program is designed to produce change-oriented administrators who can provide administrative leadership and are competent in site-based school management, organization, school law, finance, and contemporary personnel practices.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez Program Coordinator |
665-7399 | rosalinda.hernandez@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.510A |
This program is for pre-K through grade 12 educators who want to learn more about practical and theoretical aspects of literacy development, learning, and teaching. Students enrolled in the program gain a thorough understanding of the reading process, how children learn to read and write in monolingual and bilingual contexts, and how to work with struggling readers and writers.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Reading and Literacy.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Janine M. Schall Professor/Department Chair |
665-5227 | janine.schall@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.602 |
This program prepares school psychologists to work in schools and agencies that provide treatment and educational programs for diverse populations. Students will become proficient in conducting applied and basic research; psychological and educational assessment for intervention; cognitive-behavioral-psychodynamic psychotherapy; and interdisciplinary consultation with teachers, administrators, parents, and community agencies.
Learn more about the Master of Arts in School Psychology.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nancy Razo Associate Professor in Practice |
665-3490 | nancy.razo@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.222 |
This 30 semester credit hours Master's of Education program is designed to prepare teachers as instructional leaders, coaches, and mentors based upon national professional standards. This program is designed to respond directly to a growth-sector need identified through an analysis conducted collaboratively with regional community partners. This program will help graduates diversify and extend their professional brand while allowing them to market themselves as highly effective teachers who have demonstrated their ability to facilitate positive instructional effectiveness on their campus and cultivate a positive school climate.
The M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership degree is designed to provide career opportunities with specific programmed raises upon completion that keep will help to retain teachers in the South Texas region. Overall, the M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership provides remunerated pathways for developing teachers’ careers and thereby ameliorates teacher retention that is so critical in the RGV region.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alejandro Garcia Associate Professor |
665-3478 | alejandro.garcia@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.620 |
Online Programs
The program will provide teachers with a thorough understanding the enrichment of bilingual education programs and practices that not only meet the educational needs of native Spanish speakers, but would also provide bilingual / biliterate / bicultural enrichment opportunities for all children. The degree provides an opportunity to prepare experts in various specialized education areas to promote and support enrichment bilingual education.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Bilingual Education.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Zulmaris Diaz Associate Professor |
665-5362 | zulmaris.diaz@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.610 |
The Online M.Ed. in Educational Technology is a 30-hour accelerated program designed to prepare persons in K-12, higher education, corporate, and military settings to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the classrooms and boardrooms of tomorrow. Graduates of this program will have a much better understanding of the uses of technology and how they can be applied in instructional/training settings.
Learn more about the Master of Education in Educational Technology accelerated program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | rene.corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
This fully web-based, 12-hour accelerated graduate certificate program targets individuals interested in working as e-learning practitioners in K-12, higher education, corporate, or e-learning industries. Candidates will be able to serve as effective online educators by advancing knowledge and skills in electronic learning, both conceptual and practical; and meet changing job requirements in response to current trends in e-learning.
Learn more about the E-Learning certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | rene.corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
This fully web-based, 9-hour accelerated graduate certificate program is geared toward providing educators with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders in technology. Principals, superintendents and technology leaders currently in roles as administrators as well as teachers who seek to take more of a leadership role in their district will benefit from this certificate.
Learn more about the Technology Leadership in Education certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rene Corbeil Professor |
882-7540 | Rene.Corbeil@utrgv.edu | Brownsville BMAIN 1.318 |
How do you teach and assess K-12 students in online environments? This program prepares certified teachers to work in online contexts. Program completers receive the Texas Virtual Schools Network (TxVSN) Document of Completion.
Learn more about the TxVSN Digital Literacies certificate program.
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Janine M. Schall Professor/Department Chair |
665-5227 | janine.schall@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 2.602 |