Educational Psychology MSEd Program Expands with New Special Education, Twice Exceptionalities Tracks

The Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor's Moody School of Education is adding two new specialization tracks to its Master of Science in Education in Educational Psychology: Special Education and Twice Exceptionalities. The additions expand a program that already offers concentrations in Applied Behavior Analysis, Gifted and Talented Education, and a general educational psychology track.

Department chair Dr. Bree Jimenez said the expansion grew out of overlapping strengths already present in the program. Educational psychology and special education, she said, share a common foundation in understanding how students learn, and building master's-level coursework around that overlap was a logical progression for the department.

"When we talk about serving students with special needs or twice exceptional learners at the master's level, we are talking about going deeper," Jimenez said. "We're building the knowledge and skills to meet students where they are, especially when their needs look a little different from those of their peers."

Program draws on existing research centers

The Moody School of Education houses the Center for Disabilities and Flourishing (BCDF) and offers a PhD in Educational Psychology with a special education focus, both of which support the new Special Education track for the MSEd. The Twice-Exceptionalities specialization, meanwhile, builds on work done through both the BCDF and Baylor's Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development.

Twice-exceptional students, those who are both gifted and have a diagnosed disability, are frequently overlooked in K-12 settings, according to Jimenez. She said identifying these students is often the first hurdle, followed by the challenge of supporting their disability-related needs, typically through an Individualized Education Program or 504 plan, without losing sight of their academic strengths.

Special education specifically remains a high-need area in Texas schools—a reality underscored by a 2025 Texas Education Research Center report highlighting severe staffing shortages and growing student populations. The department cited this critical demand in deciding to formalize the new track, ensuring graduates enter the field fully equipped to step into these high-priority roles rather than treating the training as an elective option.

Flexible coursework aimed at working educators

Dr. Jenny Robins, the program's graduate program director, said students will be able to draw coursework from across the special education, gifted and talented, and twice exceptionalities tracks to build a course of study suited to their career goals.

"At the graduate level, we can provide an individualized yet deep program that aligns to what students need and how they plan to use their master's degree," Robins said.

Terrill Saxon, associate dean for graduate studies and global engagement, said the new tracks reflect a broader goal within the school to prepare educators for a wider range of student needs.

"This expansion reflects our commitment to preparing educators and leaders who are equipped to serve all learners with excellence," Saxon said. "By building on existing strengths in special education and gifted education, these new specializations advance the Moody School of Education's mission to support diverse learners and respond to pressing needs in our school systems."

Department officials describe the combined offering as uncommon nationally, noting that few graduate programs offer dedicated master's-level pathways in both special education and twice exceptionalities alongside a broader educational psychology curriculum. 

ABOUT THE MOODY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION 

For more than 100 years, the Moody School of Education has advanced Baylor University’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership and human development. With more than 70 full-time faculty members, the School’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the Moody School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit the Moody School of Education website to learn more.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.