Admission and Program Requirements

This certificate provides coursework to improve or broaden the student’s cultural competence and understanding of special education and disability-related instructional practices. Students will receive exposure to international approaches to education for persons with disabilities, and will complete one education abroad experience with an emphasis on K-12 special education in an international setting. The goal of this certificate will be to broaden the undergraduate student’s perspective regarding education in the global society and the implementation of special education programs and services for children and adults with disabilities.

Admission requirements

Completion of at least 30 hours. International students must meet Missouri State University language proficiency standards for TOEFL (69 for undergraduates) or IELTS (5.5 for undergraduates); language requirement may be waived through successful interview with departmental committee.

Program requirements (12 hours)

1. One introductory course in special education: SPE 310(3) or SPE 340(2).
2. One course in diversity and education or child and family development: EDC 345(3) or CFD 305(3).
3. One course in International Approaches to K-12 Special Education that incorporates a Education Abroad experience involving special education: SPE 540 - International Experiences in K-12 Special Education - Education Abroad (3 hours). For international candidates who seek the certificate through contracted partnerships with Missouri State University, the SPE 540 International Experience will be provided in the Southwest Missouri region.
4. One course in the General Education Focus on Cultural Competence: ANT 100(3), ENG 289(3), GRY 100(3), IDS 297(3), LLT 180(3), MCL 100(3), MTH 121(3), REL 100(3), REL 110(3), SWK 219(3).
5. In the event that completion of required coursework does not result in minimum of 12 hours, such as those students electing to take SPE 340 for 2 hours of credit, students may select related electives as approved by the Special Education Program Coordinator or CLSE Department Head. Recommended electives include, but are not limited to SPE 300(1) or DAS 100(3)
6. All candidates must satisfy the General University Certificate Requirements.

Completion requirements

Students must take a minimum of 12 hours as designated and approved, and must earn a B or better in all courses applied to the certificate.