Special Education Director Graduate Certificate

Why pursue a graduate certificate in special education director at Missouri State?

A Missouri State University special education director graduate certificate is available to post-master's individuals or as an added component of the master's degree in educational administration (K-12 principal emphasis). The certificate is also offered to students who have completed an education specialist degree in education administration (K-12 and superintendent emphasis). The graduate certificate provides you with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as Special Education Director (K-12) while you acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the fields of educational administration and special education. Coursework is designed to reflect state and national standards with demonstrated mastery of competencies through research-based projects.

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Certificate in Special Education Director

Kim Finch, Certificate Director
Park Central Office Building, Room 115
Phone 417-836-5192; KimFinch@missouristate.edu

Program description

A 14 credit hour Missouri State University Special Education Director Graduate Certificate is available to post-master's individuals or as an added component of the Master’s degree in Educational Administration (Elementary or Secondary Principal). The certificate is also offered to students who have completed an Educational Specialist in Educational Administration (Elementary, Secondary or Superintendent). The Graduate Certificate provides students with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as a Special Education Director (K-12) while acquiring advanced knowledge and skills in the fields of educational administration and special education. Course work is designed to reflect State and National standards with demonstrated mastery of competencies through research-based projects.

Admission criteria

To be considered for the program, a student must submit a Graduate Application. A student must also have a Master’s or Specialist degree in Educational Administration. Candidates must submit a written “Statement of Purpose” containing long-term goals of leadership; a professional reference from an immediate supervisor regarding performance; and a copy of appropriate teacher certificate of eligibility for certification by a state agency as a K-12 building – or district level- administrator; documentation of 3.5 GPA in graduate degree program. Candidates will also be required to complete an individual interview with the advisor prior to admission.

Required courses

(Educational Administration courses are taught Missouri State Direct, live interactive technology)

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
EAD 787 Administration of Special Programs 3 hrs
SPE 782 Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation of Students* 4 hrs
SPE 792 Advanced Diagnosis & Remediation of Students – Lab 2 hrs
SPE 671 Clinical Practicum in Special Education 1 hr
SPE 780 Impact of Contemporary Issues & Diversity in Special Education* 3 hrs
EAD 884 Internship: Special Education Director – Part I 1 hr
EAD 885 Internship: Special Education Director – Part II 1 hr
  Total (Minimum) 15 hrs

*offered via the internet

GPA requirements

Attain a grade point average of at least 3.50 on all graduate course work at Missouri State University.

Apply online

Apply to this program through a central application: GradCAS. Review the sections above before you begin.