BS Four-Year Degree Plan: Special Education - Cross Categorical Option
The following is a sample schedule for this major – your actual schedule may vary.
For GEC course options, check the General Education Worksheet. Meet with your advisor and review the class schedule before confirming your schedule.
Missouri State is committed to helping you graduate in four years.
Suggested course sequencing
The following degree plan, last reviewed 05/15/2026, is based on the 2026-27 catalog and Missouri State general education requirements.
First semester (fall)
| Courses |
Hours |
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| Total hours |
15 |
Second semester (spring)
| Courses |
Hours |
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| GEC 111 Humanities |
3 |
| Total hours |
13-15 |
Third Semester (fall)
| Courses |
Hours |
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| GEC 115 Cultural Competence |
3 |
| GEC 112 The Arts |
3 |
| Total hours |
15 |
Fourth semester (spring)
| Courses |
Hours |
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| SPE 349 Consultation & Collaboration in Special Education I |
1 |
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| Total hours |
13 |
Fifth semester (fall)
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Hours |
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| Elective #1 |
3 |
| Total hours |
16 |
Sixth semester (spring)
| Courses |
Hours |
| SPE 515 Evidence-Based Practices in Behavior Intervention |
4 |
| SPE 519 or SPE 619 Methods I: Advanced Cognitive and Behavioral Teaching for Exceptional
Individuals |
4 |
| SPE 584 or SPE 664 Language Development of Exceptional Individuals |
3 |
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| Elective #2 |
3 |
| Total hours |
17 |
Apply for student teaching
Student teaching applications are due:
- February 1 if you're student teaching in the upcoming fall semester.
- August 1 if you're student teaching in the following spring semester.
Review the senior checklist.
Seventh semester (fall) - Take the state-required certification assessment
| Courses |
Hours |
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| SPE 517 or SPE 617 Literacy Instruction for Exceptional Individuals |
4 |
| SPE 521 or SPE 621 Methods II: Functional Life Skills for Exceptional Individuals |
4 |
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| Elective #3 |
3 |
| Total hours |
18 |
Eighth semester (spring) - Student Teaching
| Courses |
Hours |
| SPE 495 Supervised Student Teaching-Special Education |
8 |
| SPE 351 Consultation & Collaboration in Special Education II |
1 |
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| Total hours |
15 |
Total program hours = 122-124
Check Admission to Teacher Education Requirements for your program.
When requirements are met, the Educator Preparation Provider Committee (EPPC) will evaluate your credentials for admission into the teacher education program.
There is no application to be completed.
Must have a 3.0 Professional Education GPA for certification recommendation.