Special Education
Get a graduate degree
Go beyond and stand out. Add to what matters most: your education.
Master of Science in Education, Special Education
Special Education Graduate Faculty
Reesha Adamson, Coordinator, SEACT Track
Park Central Office Building, Room 103; Phone 417-836-6284
RAdamson@missouristate.edu
Paul Ajuwon
Park Central Office Building, Room 130; Phone 417-836-5397
PaulAjuwon@missouristate.edu
Tamara Arthaud, Coordinator, EDS, Special Education and Assessment Coordinator
Park Central Office Building, Room 117; Phone 417-836-6951
TamaraArthaud@missouristate.edu
Megan Boyle
Park Central Office Building, Room 102; Phone 417-836-4140
MeganBoyle@MissouriState.edu
Amelia Chenoweth
Park Central Office Building, Room 100C; Phone 417-836-8466
Amelia302@missouristate.edu
Chris Craig, Associate Provost
Carrington Hall, Room 209; Phone 417-836-4589
ChrisCraig@missouristate.edu
Linda Garrison-Kane, Coordinator, ASD Track, Accelerated ASD, ASD Certificate
Park Central Office Building, Room 101; Phone 417-836-6960
LGKane@missouristate.edu
Michael Goeringer
Park Central Office Building, Room 100A; Phone 417-836-5897
MichaelGoeringer@missouristate.edu
James Matthews
Park Central Office Building, Room 114; Phone 417-836-5256
JamesMatthews@missouristate.edu
Shari Scott, Coordinator, BLV Track, O&M Track and O&M certificate,
Park Central Office Building, Room 117; Phone 417-836-3142
James Sottile, Associate Dean College of Education
Hill Hall 306B; Phone 417-836-4428
JamesSottile@missouristate.edu
Program description
The Master of Science in Education, Special Education may be obtained by following a course of study specific to multiple areas of interest and certification needs with three option areas, blindness and low vision (B&LV), mild/moderate disabilities (Special Education Alternative Certification {SEACT} track), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD track), with each leading to a Master of Science in Education degree. Graduate Certificates in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Orientation and Mobility may be pursued as a component of a degree, or as options for nondegree-seeking students. An accelerated Masters option is available in the option of autism spectrum disorders for students seeking a BSEd, Special Education (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical K-12) degree. The Special Education Program is designed to include a mixture of on-line course delivery options, arranged supervised practica, and on-site methods. All course work in the area of Visual Impairment and some course work required for the SEACT program is available online. Alternative delivery systems such as intersession and week-end courses may also be offered to support completion of course work.
You must contact your advisor to obtain consent to enroll each semester.
Prerequisite course requirements
Bachelor degree from an accredited university.
Program admissions criteria
To be admitted to the Master of Science in Education, Special Education degree program, a candidate must submit the Graduate Application and official transcripts showing all previous course work. The student must have obtained a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
Additional materials which should be submitted:
- a letter of intent clearly indicating the master’s option area or certificate program to which they are applying.
- three letters of recommendation, including one from the present employer, one from an individual who can attest to the candidate’s academic ability, and a third letter from another professional reference. For students applying to the SEACT option of the special education master's program, the third professional reference letter should be from a person who can speak to the candidate's ability to interact with or teach children or students.
All applicants to the Graduate Program will be required to complete a Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) background check (or other approved systems for out-of-state students) prior to admission. In addition, students enrolled in clinical and field experiences must provide proof of a negative TB skin test and proof of professional liability insurance. A TB skin test may be obtained at the university's Magers Health and Wellness Center. Applications for professional liability insurance are available in Hill Hall, Room 200 and must be current within one year of the field or clinical placement. The background check, professional liability insurance, and negative TB skin test will facilitate timely field experience placements necessary for the successful completion of program requirements.
Students seeking admission to the Special Education Program should contact the College of Education Office of Student Services (HILL 200) to complete the paper work for the required background check. A student must receive a satisfactory review on this FCSR report (as well as meeting all other admission requirements) in order to be admitted to the masters program.
The Special Education Program within the College of Education reserves the right to refuse enrollment or program continuation to any student based on the student’s ability to successfully complete required classes and/or to successfully complete any required practica. This refusal will be determined by the judgment of the Special Education graduate faculty and the head of the Department of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education.
All Special Education graduate students are expected to display professional behaviors and dispositions consistent with the International Council for Exceptional Children’s Code of Ethics for Educators of Persons with Exceptionalities. Periodic structured assessments of professional behaviors and dispositions will be completed for all graduate students. If a student does not display the required professional behaviors and dispositions as determined by the Special Education graduate faculty and head of the Department of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education, a student may be dismissed from the graduate program.
Program requirements
Core requirements - 9 hrs
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SFR 780* | Educational Research Methodology | 3 hrs |
| SPE 780 | Impact of Contemporary Issues & Diversity in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 788 or SPE 799 |
Research Seminar in Special Education or Thesis Option |
3 hrs |
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
Comprehensive Examination. Degree candidates must pass a comprehensive exam. Students completing the thesis option will complete an oral defense of their thesis for their comprehensive exam. Other masters students will complete a written exam using a computer. Students who live in another state who need to take the written comprehensive exam may be allowed to take the exam at an approved proctored site. Confer with faculty advisor regarding this option.
Blindness and Low Vision (B&LV) Option
The Blindness and Low Vision (B&LV) option is designed to provide intensive research based instruction in regard to assessment and programming for individuals identified with low vision or who are blind. Course work will emphasize Braille instruction as well as the use of varied technology options to support individuals with VI across multiple environments. Course work will be offered on-line to support broad delivery and is accredited by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Teacher Certification in Blind and Partially sighted may be obtained upon completion of the VI emphasis. Successful completion of the course work in the area of VI, along with additional course work as outlined, will in part address requirements for National certification and a Missouri State Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility.
Required coursework in addition to the core follows.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 605* | Braille Reading and Writing I | 3 hrs |
| SPE 606* | Principles of Orientation and Mobility | 2 hrs |
| SPE 607* | Services and Diversity in Blindness and Low Vision and Additional Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 608* | Low Vision, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Eye | 3 hrs |
| SPE 709* | Methods of Teaching Students with Blindness or Low Vision and Multiple Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 711* | Braille Reading and Writing II | 3 hrs |
| SPE 730* | Health, Functional, and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 733* | Methods of Teaching Independent Living Skills to Persons with Blindness or Low Vision | 3 hrs |
| SPE 750* | Practicum: Blindness and Low Vision | 3 hrs |
| SPE 779* | Application of Technology In Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 783* | Advanced Assessment to Support Individuals with Developmental & Sensory Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| Total BLV Course Hours | 30 hours | |
| Total Program Hours - 30 BLV Courses + 9 Core Courses | 39 hours |
NOTE: Additional course work may be required based on the candidate’s previous qualifications and previous certifications.
* Offered via internet.
Special Education Alternative Certification Track Option
The Special Education Alternative Certification Track (SEACT) option is designed to facilitate Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Teacher Certification in K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education (Mild to Moderate Disabilities) while acquiring advanced knowledge and skills in the area. Course work is designed to reflect State and National standards with demonstrated mastery of specific course competencies required through research-based projects. In addition to the Master of Science in Education, successful completion of this option will result in teacher certification in the area of K-12 Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education (given that all required DESE content assessments are also passed).
Required course work in addition to the core follows.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 715 | Foundations in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 782 | Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities | 4 hrs |
| SPE 792 | Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation of Students with Disabilities Lab | 2 hrs |
| SPE 619 | Methods I: Cognitive & Behavioral Methods for Exceptional Students | 3 hrs |
| SPE 621 | Methods II: Functional Living Skills & Health Issues | 3 hrs |
| SPE 789 | Student Teaching -The Exceptional Child | 3 hrs |
| PSY 703 | Human Growth and Development | 3 hrs |
| SPE 617 | Direct Instruction in Reading & Language Arts | 3 hrs |
| SPE 787 | Advanced Behavioral Analysis & Intervention | 3 hrs |
| SPE 664 | Language Development of Exceptional Students | 2 hrs |
| SPE 616 | Foundations of Behavioral Analysis and Interventions in Applied Settings | 3 hrs |
| SPE 717 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics to Exceptional Individuals | 3 hrs |
| To Total | 45 hours |
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
Orientation and Mobility Option
The MSEd Option Program in Orientation and Mobility is available to individuals seeking a degree with emphasis in Orientation and Mobility. The Master's degree option in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is designed to meet regional and national needs and is aligned to the standards set by the Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) and Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). The program prepares specialists who teach individuals who have blindness or low vision to travel independently, safely, and efficiently in their homes and communities. Individuals who desire to pursue a degree and subsequent certification in O&M will be identified based upon geographic need and individual qualifications. Prerequisites may be required based on transcript analysis.
Required course work in addition to the core follows.
Program requirements
Required Course work in addition to the core:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 605* | Braille Reading and Writing I | 3 hrs |
| SPE 606* | Principles of Orientation and Mobility | 2 hrs |
| SPE 607* | Services and Diversity in Blindness and Low Vision and Additional Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 608* | Low Vision, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Eye | 2 hrs |
| SPE 712 | Instructional Techniques and Strategies of Orientation and Mobility | 6 hrs |
| SPE 714* | Professional Issues and Assessment Related to Orientation and Mobility with Diverse Populations | 3 hrs |
| SPE 730 | Health, Functional, and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 760 | Internship in Orientation and Mobility | 3 hrs |
| SPE 780* | Contemporary Issues in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| To Total | 36 hours |
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
Developmental Disabilities Option
Not accepting applications at this time.
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Graduate option is designed to provide candidates with in-depth knowledge and skills to effectively assess and implement research based programs for individuals requiring extensive and pervasive supports and offers course work to enhance expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Teacher Certification in Severely Developmentally Disabled (B-12) and a Missouri State Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders may be obtained through completion of the DD option. Course work specific to certification in Severely Developmentally Disabled is designed to reflect State and National standards with demonstrated master of competencies required through research based projects and the Professional Education Portfolio. The DD option will also support professionals working in agency and clinical settings.
Required courses in addition to the core as follows.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 607* | Introduction to Visual Impairments, Autism and Severe/Multiple Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 626 | Applied Behavioral Analysis for Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders |
3 hrs |
| SPE 625 | Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 hrs |
| PSY 703 | Human Growth and Development | 3 hrs |
| KIN 645 | Perceptual and Motor Development | 3 hrs |
| SPE 613* | Physical and Health Needs of Students with Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| CSD 732** | Speech and Language Assessment and Treatment for Special Populations | 3 hrs |
| CSD 733** | Introduction to Augmentative & Alternative Communication | 3 hrs |
| SPE 623 | Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 627 | Research-Based Strategies for Individuals with ASD | 3 hrs |
| SPE 785 | Advanced Procedures in Developmental Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 791 | Clinical Practicum for Individuals with Autism and Challenging Behavior | 6 hrs |
| Total Hours | 48 hours |
Students who have not completed an equivalent foundation requirement will also need to take SPE 715, Foundations in Special Education, to be recommended for certification in Severe DD (B-12).
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
** SPE 664 or an equivalent course in language development for the exceptional child is required prior to enrollment in CSD 733 or CSD 732.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Option
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) option is designed for individuals who have teacher certification in an area of Mild/Moderate Disabilities who wish to enhance their skills through related and advanced course work in ASD. In-depth analysis of research-based practices specific to assessment, identification, and programming for students with ASD are stressed. Course work in addition to the core follows.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 783 | Advanced Assessment to Support Individuals with Developmental & Sensory Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 625 | Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 hrs |
| SPE 791 | Clinical Practicum for Individuals with Autism and Challenging Behavior | 4 hrs |
| SPE 627 | Research-Based Strategies for Individuals with ASD | 3 hrs |
| SPE 618 | Application of Applied Behavior Analysis & Interventions in Applied Settings | 3 hrs |
| SPE 626 | Applied Behavioral Analysis for Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 hrs |
| SPE 740 | Verbal Behavior | 3 hrs |
| Electives | 6 hrs | |
| Total | 37 hours |
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
Accelerated master's degree option (MSEd) - Special education, autism spectrum disorders emphasis
Students must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive approval from the Graduate Program Advisor, the Department Head of the Undergraduate program, and the Graduate College prior to enrolling in mixed credit courses. This is done by using a mixed credit form. Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period. See the Graduate College for further information.
Accelerated option admission requirements
- Junior standing, with an overall GPA of 3.00 or better
- Admission to teacher education program
- Completion of SPE 515 with a B or higher
- Acceptance of the applicant by the ASD graduate faculty in special education under the accelerated masters option
Accelerated option mixed credit course options
If accepted into the accelerated program, up to 12 hours of coursework may apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, including, but not limited to:
- SPE 617* Direct Instruction in Reading and Language Arts
- SPE 618 Application of Applied Behavior Analysis and Interventions in Applied Settings
- SPE 619* Methods I: Cognitive and Behavioral Teaching Approaches for Exceptional Learners
- SPE 621* Methods II: Functional Living Skills and Health Issues
- SPE 625 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
- SPE 779* Application of Technology in Special Education (would be designated as an elective for BSEd)
*Courses marked with asterisk (*) would be designated as an elective for MSEd: SPE-ASD.
If accepted into the accelerated program, students may also request permission to enroll in the following courses as Senior Permission to facilitate completion of the master's degree for students who wish to stay at MSU to finish the MSED degree. Please note that Senior Permission courses are not eligible for Financial Aid.