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2024-2025 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, blindness and low vision (B&LV),mild/moderate disabilities (Special Education Alternative Certification {SEACT} track), orientation and mobility (O&M) comprehensive intervention specialist (CIS), autism spectrum disorders (ASD track), and education of the deaf and hard of hearing (EDHH) 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 non degree-seeking students. An accelerated Masters 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. 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 - See EDHH Admission Criteria Below
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 MoVECHS 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 Professional Education Services Office (HILL 200) to complete the paper work for the required background check. A student must receive a satisfactory review on this MoVECHS 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 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.
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Program Requirements - 32-45 hours required
Core Requirements - Credit Hours: 9
Note:
* 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.
Accelerated Master’s Degree Option (MSEd) - Comprehensive Intervention Specialist (CIS)
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 345 with a B or higher
- Acceptance of the applicant by the CIS 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:
Comprehensive Intervention Specialist (CIS) Option
The Comprehensive Intervention Specialist (CIS) Graduate 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 courses in addition to the core as follows.
Total Hours Required: 39
Students who have not completed an equivalent foundation requirement will also need to take SPE 715 , Foundations in Special Education, to meet prerequisite requirements of advanced coursework in the degree program.
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 online 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.
Total BLV Course Hours 30
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.
Total Hours Required: 45
* 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.
Required Course Work in Addition to the Core:
Total Hours Required: 32
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
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.
Total Hours Required: 37
* 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:
Note:
*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.
Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Option
The Master of Science in Education, Special Education, education of the deaf and hard of hearing (EDHH) is designed to prepare students to make intelligent decisions and take appropriate, thoughtful action. The program is organized to encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving to identify and meet the communication needs of individuals and families. The EDHH option is accredited by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED).
The EDHH option contains three tracks. Students will work with their academic advisor to determine which track is best suited for their needs. Track one is designed to lead to teacher certification in the State of Missouri and national certification issued by the Council on Education of the Deaf. It is the track that most students will select. Within track one there is also an accelerated master’s option available which provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to begin graduate course work during the senior year, and complete the program in three graduate semesters following coursework in the junior and senior years.
Track two results in a master’s degree but does not lead to teacher certification in the State of Missouri or national certification issued by the Council on Education of the Deaf. Track three is designed for teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree in special education and teacher certification in special education. Track three leads to teacher certification in the State of Missouri but not national certification issued by the Council on Education of the Deaf.
Admission Requirements - EDHH Option
Students applying to the MSED, Special Education, EDHH apply through Grad CAS. The application deadline for first consideration is February 15 to be considered for the following fall semester. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after the first date of consideration.
Full admission to the program shall be based on the following components and application requirements/deadlines:
- 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 degree in special education and certification in 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. There may be overlap between the two recommendation letters.
- Personal statement or cover letter which describes your intent and interest in pursuing a career in deaf education.
Essential Functions
The Essential Functions of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing establish the expectations and requisite abilities considered necessary for professionals in the field of education of the deaf and hard of hearing. Students in the MSU School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies are to achieve the level of competency required for graduation and practice. It is recognized that degrees of ability vary widely among individuals. Admission candidates who feel they may not be able to acquire the essential functions set forth are encouraged to contact the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies . Any admission candidate who may require academic accommodations to fulfill the essential functions due to a disability is encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at 417-836-4192 (voice) or 417-836-6792 (TTY). The School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies at MSU seeks to ensure that qualified persons with disabilities are not denied admission or subject to discrimination in admissions. The Department is committed to enabling students by any reasonable means or accommodations to complete their course of study.
The following Essential Functions are consistent with the Council on the Education of the Deaf clinical skill performance guidelines and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines expected of the first year speech-language therapists in public schools. All essential functions are introduced and coached within CLSE coursework and practicum.
Physical Abilities:
- Participate in professional responsibilities/activities for up to four-hour blocks of time with one or two breaks.
- Be self-sufficient when moving to, from and within the work setting.
- Complete diagnostic or instructional evaluation/assessment.
- Effectively implement necessary treatment plan/lesson plan. including use of materials/instrumentation and data collection.
- Provide a safe environment for others in responding quickly to emergency situations including fire, medical and environmental (e.g. weather related) emergencies and in applying universal precautions (standardized approach to infection control).
- Provide appropriate model of language and speech according to the needs of individual clients.
- Visually and auditorally monitor patient responses and materials.
- Make accurate judgments about speech and/or acoustic signals.
Behavioral and Social Attributes:
- Maintain composure and emotional objectivity in demanding situations.
- Communicate effectively and appropriately with people in person, by phone, and in written form by considering the communication needs and cultural values of the listener.
- Understand and respect supervisory authority.
- Maintain appropriate professional behavior, including punctuality, regular attendance and prompt completion of responsibilities.
- Comply with administrative, legal and regulatory policies in multiple clinical and educational settings.
- Demonstrate compassion, integrity and motivation in delivering professional services.
- Collaborate with peers and other professionals.
Intellectual Abilities:
- Solve clinical problems through critical analysis.
- Seek relevant case information, synthesize, and apply concepts and information from various sources and disciplines.
- Write discipline-specific papers and clinical reports in standard edited English at an appropriate level.
- Analyze, synthesize, interpret and retain ideas and concepts in academic and diagnostic/treatment/classroom settings.
- Maintain attention and concentration for sufficient time to complete clinical activities for up to eight hour blocks of time.
The Department is committed to enabling 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
Non-Thesis Option: A minimum of 43 or 45 semester hours in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing shall be completed, including the following:
- Graduate course work to meet academic requirements for the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED).
- Clinical practicum requirements for the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) for track one. Clinical practicum requirements to meet Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher certification requirements for tracks one and three.
- Completion of a master’s project.
- Comprehensive Examinations.
Thesis Option: A thesis option is not available to track three students. Requirements included in items 1 and 2 above shall pertain. Completion of the Master’s Thesis and oral defense shall replace items 3 and 4 listed above.
Additional Program Requirements
- Students must pay for and pass both a criminal background and drug test prior to their first clinical placement. EDHH students complete the MoVECHS background check. MoVECHS results are monitored by a College of Education representative. Additional background checks may be required by offsite placements and student teaching sites. There is an additional cost for TB skin tests, liability insurance, and DESE’s Substitute Certificate.
- EDHH students eligible for student teaching (CSD 796) will be placed in approved sites and in locations to be determined by the CLSE faculty.
- Successfully complete the state approved exit assessments appropriate for the track.
Retention Requirements
- To remain in the program, a student must maintain a GPA of 3.00.
- No course with a grade below a “C” may be applied to the graduate degree.
- The accumulation of more than 9 hours of “C” or below will result in dismissal from the program.
- Students must progress satisfactorily through the levels of clinical practicum as defined in the Clinic Handbook.
- Students must earn a B- or better for clinical hours in the following courses to be counted toward required clinical experiences: CSD 795 (9) and CSD 796 (8).
- While grades are important, the student’s continuation in the CLSE Program is based on the composite picture of the ability of the student to perform satisfactorily in the clinical phase of training as well as the academic components.
The CLSE Department reserves the right to refuse enrollment or program continuation to any student. This refusal will be determined by the judgment of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies based upon the student’s ability to successfully complete clinical practicum assignments or to assume patient care responsibilities and/or function as a clinician/teacher. Additionally, if a student has failed to demonstrate an attitude of professionalism as judged by the SELPS Graduate Faculty and School Director , a student may be dismissed from the program.
According to the Missouri State University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and requirements of the SELPS, academic integrity and honesty are the foundation of the university community. Students are expected to practice academic and clinical integrity in all assigned work. Students are also expected to be honest in all interactions with other students, faculty, and staff, and be professional in attitude, actions and attire.
The university, and the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies, has the inherent right to promulgate appropriate rules and regulations for the orderly conduct of university business and the protection of the health and safety of the university community. Students are expected to comply with all published and stated rules and regulations. If a student is accused of violating any code (theft, academic dishonestly, possession of drugs, etc.) they will be subject to warnings, loss of privileges, probation, suspension and/or dismissal.
EDHH Certification Requirements
Contact your advisor or the School Director for the requirements and coursework necessary to meet state and national certification requirements. Students pursuing certification in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be required to complete additional education coursework through the College of Education.
In order to be recommended for state certification, each student must:
- Students must earn a B- or better for clinical hours in the following courses to be counted toward the required clinical experiences: CSD 795 and CSD 796.
- Successfully complete the graduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (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.
Total Hours Required: 43 or 45
EDHH MSED Curriculum - Track One (Traditional timeline)
Accelerated Master of Science in Education, Special Education, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 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 MSED Curriculum - Track One (Accelerated timeline)
Junior Fall
- CSD 312 - Normal Language Acquisition Credit Hours: 3 (also offered in fall & summer)
- CSD 321 - Conceptually Accurate Signed English I Credit Hours: 3 (also offered in the spring)
- CSD 330 - Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) Credit Hours: 3
- CSD 380 - Development, Diversity and Deafness Credit Hours: 3
- CSD 360 - Hearing Science Credit Hours: 3
- LTC 318 - Foundations of Reading Instruction Credit Hours: 3
Junior Spring
- CSD 322 - Conceptually Accurate Signed English II Credit Hours: 3
- CSD 331 - American Sign Language (ASL) II Credit Hours: 3
- CSD 370 - Audiology Credit Hours: 3
- CSD 562 - Psycho-Social Implications of Being Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credit Hours: 3
- CSD 572 - Aural Rehabilitation Credit Hours: 3
Senior Fall
- CSD 497 - Observation Clinical Practicum (MSU Preschool Program for D/HH) Credit Hours: 3
- SPE 757 - Language Development: Deaf and Hard of Hearing I
- EDC 345 - Introduction to Multicultural Education and Diversity Credit Hours: 3
- MTH 320 - Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers Credit Hours: 3
Graduate Spring
If accepted to the accelerated program, the following 12 hours of courses may apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees:
Mixed Credit Course Options
If accepted to the accelerated program, the following 12 hours of courses may apply to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees:
Note:
Before enrolling in a course to be counted toward both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course toward the masters 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 MSED Curriculum - Track Two. EDHH MSED Degree Only Without Teaching Certification Curriculum
Track two of the EDHH option is an alternative designed for students who wish to receive a masters 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 MSED Curriculum - Track Three
Track three of the EDHH option is for special education teachers who wish to receive a masters degree and State of Missouri teaching certification in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Track three does not meet the practicum requirements for national certification by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED).
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