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2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Special Education, MSEd
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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 six option areas:
- Comprehensive Intervention Specialist (CIS*)
- Blindness and Low Vision (B&LV*)
- Orientation and Mobility (O&M)
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities (Special Education Alternative Certification {SEACT*})
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD*)
- Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (EDHH*)
(*) indicates that the option area includes an accelerated master’s program
Graduate certificates in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Orientation and Mobility may be pursued as a component of a degree, or as options for non-degree-seeking students.
An accelerated master’s option is available in the option of Autism Spectrum Disorders or Comprehensive Intervention Specialist for students seeking a BSEd, Special Education (Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical K-12) degree.
There is also an accelerated option for the Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing option, Blind Low-Vision option, and Special Education Alternative Certification Track option.
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 for the SEACT program is available online and by web-conferencing, with the exception of practicum and student teaching which must be completed in an approved K-12 school setting.
Students must contact their advisor to obtain consent to enroll each semester.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- 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.
Program Requirements
Completion of Missouri Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Service (MOVECHS) waiver and FBI Fingerprinting and Background Check are required prior to starting the second semester of the SEACT, BLV, and EDHH graduate programs. For more information, refer to Compliance Documents required for Practicums, Internships, or Student Teaching, found on the Professional Education Services website.
In addition, students enrolled in clinical and field experiences must provide proof of professional liability insurance.
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 director of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies.
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 director of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies, a student may be dismissed from the graduate program.
All SPE coursework must be completed with a grade of B- or higher to apply to the MSED in Special Education degree.
All students seeking DESE certification must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their Professional Education coursework.
Comprehensive Examination
Degree candidates must pass a comprehensive exam as outlined by their program option area director.
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Program Requirements - 32-45 hours required
Core Requirements - 9 hours
Comprehensive Intervention Specialist Option (CIS) - 39 hours
The Comprehensive Intervention Specialist (CIS) option is designed to provide candidates with in-depth knowledge and skills to effectively assess and implement research based programs for individuals requiring specialized supports and differentiated instruction within multi-tiered systems of support. The CIS option will provide educators with expertise in conducting on-going progress-monitoring of the academic and behavioral skill performance of PreK-12 students, development and planning of individualized multi-tiered systems of support using research-based practices appropriate for individual student needs, and implementation of multi-tiered systems of support on a school wide basis. The CIS option will also support professionals working in agency and clinical settings. Required course work in addition to the core as follows: Accelerated Master’s Degree Option - Comprehensive Intervention Specialist Option
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 310 with a B or higher
- Acceptance of the applicant by the CIS graduate faculty in special education under the accelerated master’s option
Accelerated Option Mixed Credit Courses
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: Blindness and Low Vision Option (B&LV) - 39 hours
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 online to support broad delivery. 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 a Missouri State Graduate Certificate in Orientation and Mobility. Required course work in addition to the core follows: Accelerated Master’s Degree Option - Blindness and Low-Vision Specialist Option
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 310 with a B or higher
- Acceptance of the applicant by the B&LV graduate faculty in special education under the accelerated master’s option
Accelerated Option Mixed Credit Courses
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: Special Education Alternative Certification Track Option (SEACT) - 45 hours
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: Accelerated Master’s Degree Option - Special Education Alternative Certification Track Option
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
- Acceptance of the applicant by the SEACT graduate faculty in special education under the accelerated master’s option
Accelerated Option Mixed Credit Courses
If accepted into the accelerated program, up to 12 hours of coursework may apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees: Orientation and Mobility Option (O&M) - 37 hours
The MSEd Option Program in Orientation and Mobility is available to individuals seeking a degree with emphasis in Orientation and Mobility. The option in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is designed to meet regional and national needs and is aligned to the standards set by the 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. Autism Spectrum Disorders Option (ASD) - 37 hours
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. Accelerated Master’s Degree Option, Autism Spectrum Disorders Option
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 Courses
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: Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Option (EDHH)
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (EDHH) option is designed to prepare teachers of students who are deaf and hard of hearing regardless of the student’s mode of communication. The EDHH option includes three tracks. Students will work with their academic advisor to determine which track is best suited for their needs. - Track one leads to initial Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) teacher certification (Birth-12) in the state of Missouri. Within track one there is also an accelerated master’s option.
- Track two results in a master’s degree but does not lead to teacher certification in the state of Missouri.
- Track three is designed for teachers who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education or early childhood special education and teacher certification in special education or early childhood special education. Track three leads to initial DHH teacher certification (Birth-12) in the state of Missouri.
Admission Requirements - EDHH Option
Students applying to the MSED, Special Education, EDHH apply through GradCAS. Applications are encouraged to be completed in the spring semester planning for a fall semester start date. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed during the summer semester with the same fall start date. Full admission to the program shall be based on the following components and application requirements: - A student must have an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, education, or related area for track one and track two. Track three requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education or early childhood special education and certification in special education or early childhood special education.
- The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (4.00 scale).
Additional Admission Requirements
The following components should also be submitted. - Two letters of recommendation, one primarily addressing academic performance in college and the other focused on work and/or community-based experiences. Content may overlap between the two recommendation letters.
- A letter of intent indicating the degree option to which you are applying and your interest in pursuing a career in deaf education.
Essential Functions
The School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies is committed to supporting students by any reasonable means or accommodations to complete the course of study leading to the Master of Science in Education, Special Education, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Program Requirements - 43 hours
A minimum of 43 semester hours, including the following: - Graduate course work to meet academic requirements of the special education EDHH program option.
- Practicum requirements to meet Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher certification requirements for tracks one and three. To participate in practicum and student teaching, students are responsible for meeting required compliance documents and costs, and liability insurance requirements.
- Completion of a non-thesis master’s project.
- Comprehensive Examination pass.
Retention Requirements
- Maintain a GPA of 3.00.
- Meet Graduate College requirements.
- Progress satisfactorily through the levels of practicum with no practicum grade lower than a B-.
- While grades are important, the student’s continuation in the SPED-EDHH program option is based on the composite picture of the ability of the student to perform satisfactorily in practicum as well as the academic components.
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 director of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies. 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. Professional behaviors and dispositions will be monitored 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 director of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies, a student may be dismissed from the graduate program. Certification Requirements
Student must contact their advisor for the requirements and coursework necessary to meet state of Missouri Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Birth-12) teacher certification requirements. Additional coursework may be required. To be recommended for Mo-DESE DHH certification, each student must: - Successfully complete the master’s degree in Special Education, Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing option.
- Successfully complete the appropriate state approved exit assessments for track one and three.
- Complete all state certification requirements in effect at the time a recommendation is made for tracks one and three.
EDHH Curriculum - Track One (Traditional Timeline)
Accelerated Master’s Degree Option, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Option - Additional Program Entrance Requirements
To be eligible to apply for admission to this program, the student must: - have junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.25 or better;
- have completed general education requirements; and
- have completed the following courses: SPE 310, SPE 311, CSD 312, CSD 360 and SPE 301 prior to applying to graduate school in the spring of their junior year.
After successful completion of the Bachelor of Science requirements, all students in the accelerated master’s program will receive the BS and will be granted full admission to the graduate college. EDHH Curriculum - Track One (Accelerated Timeline)
- CSD 312 - Normal Language Acquisition
- CSD 360 - Hearing and Speech Science
- CSD 370 - Audiology
- CSD 380 - Development, Diversity and Deafness
- CSD 497 - Observation Clinical Practicum (MSU Preschool Program for D/HH)
- CSD 562 - Psycho-Social Implications of Being Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- CSD 572 - Aural Rehabilitation
- EDC 345 - Multicultural Education and Inclusivity: Theory and Practice
- LTC 318 - Foundations of Literacy Instruction
- LTC 474 - Reading and Creative Writing in the Content Field
- MTH 320 - Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers
- SPE 301 - Conceptually Accurate Signed English I
- SPE 302 - Conceptually Accurate Signed English II
- SPE 311 - Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)
- SPE 312 - American Sign Language (ASL) II
Mixed Credit Courses
If accepted to the accelerated master’s program, the following courses may apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Before enrolling in a course to be counted toward both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course toward the master’s degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive prior approval from the graduate advisor, Department Head, and the Dean of the Graduate College 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 for the semester. EDHH Curriculum - Track Two (Degree Only, No Teacher Certification)
Track two of the EDHH option is an alternative designed for students who wish to receive a master’s degree, but do NOT wish to pursue teacher certification (primarily for international students). Track two will not lead to teacher certification in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Five of the graduate courses (14 hours) are online classes. EDHH Curriculum - Track Three (Degree and Teacher Certification)
Track three of the EDHH option is for special education or early childhood education teachers who wish to earn a master’s degree and state of Missouri teaching certification in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. |
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