Academic Programs

Learning Therapy Center

Dyslexia Learning Therapy

Breaking Down Barriers

The Learning Therapy Center of SMU’s Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development is dedicated to the improvement of reading instruction for individuals who have dyslexia and related written-language disorders. Located on SMU’s Legacy Campus in Plano, the Center administers a diagnostic facility for written-language disorders and two graduate programs that prepare specialists to work with dyslexic children and adults—one prepares specialists at the teaching level, while the other more-advanced program develops specialists at the therapist level. Both graduate programs are accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council and subscribe to the Academic Language Therapy Association’s guidelines, standards of professional conduct, and code of ethics.

Learning Therapy Graduate Certificate

SMU's Learning Therapy program is a graduate certification program for individuals interested in working with children or adults who have dyslexia or related language learning disorders. Curriculum includes coursework and instruction in the structures of written English, multi-sensory teaching methods, and sequential procedures for teaching written-language skills and learning strategies.

With two years of in-depth graduate study, extensive practicum teaching hours, seminars, and clinical teaching hours, students develop skills that prepare them to work with people challenged by a variety of obstacles. In addition to technical knowledge, the therapist-students receive coaching on communication skills, creating opportunities to inspire and reinforcing relationships with clients and others.

The Learning Therapist program incorporates flexible schedules to accommodate working professionals, and is open to persons holding a Bachelor's or higher professional degree from an accredited university or college.

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