Master in Special Education (LIDA)

Sam Houston State University, founded in 1879 and located in Huntsville, Texas, is a welcoming mid-sized public institution serving about 18,235 students across 134 undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus blends historic traditions with modern facilities and a focus on practical learning. With nationally respected programs and a commitment to applied research, SHSU helps students build skills employers value while offering a supportive academic environment where faculty prioritize teaching and mentorship.

Academically, SHSU emphasizes hands-on learning, research projects, and internships that connect classroom study to real-world challenges. Students can access laboratories, research centers, and community partnerships in areas from business and education to the sciences and public service. Small class sizes and attentive advising make it easier to form relationships with professors, pursue undergraduate research, and tailor study plans to professional goals while benefiting from a broad program portfolio.

Campus life balances student organizations, athletics, and cultural activities that help international and domestic students build networks and leadership experience. Approximately 350 international students find targeted support for immigration, orientation, and academic adjustment, alongside career services and alumni connections that support job searches locally and nationally. Prospective international applicants will appreciate clear admissions guidance, affordable living in the Huntsville area, and pathways to hands-on learning that prepare graduates for employment or further study.

The Master in Special Education (LIDA) at Sam Houston State University is a Master's degree for students who want to work with learners with low incidence disabilities and autism. This program is a blend of special education and applied behavior analysis coursework. It prepares students to work with learners with special needs and helps them develop skills to apply research and methods in real-world settings.

The curriculum covers subjects like applied behavior analysis, special education, and autism spectrum disorders. Students will develop skills in assessment, instruction, and behavior analysis. The program includes coursework that meets the requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination.

Graduates of this program can work as Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Special Education Teachers, Autism Support Specialists, or Disability Services Coordinators. They can find jobs in schools, clinics, or organizations that support learners with autism and low incidence disabilities.