To successfully complete the Master of Science in special education program, you must complete the following 9 hours of core coursework:
Program Requirements
Program requirements
Core requirements - 9 hrs
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
OR |
Educational Research Methodology OR Research Methodology in Educational Studies |
3 hrs |
| SPE 780 | Impact of Contemporary Issues & Diversity in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 788 or SPE 799 |
Research Seminar in Special Education or Thesis Option |
3 hrs |
* 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.
In addition to core classes, you will also be required to complete the requirements from an emphasis area of your choice:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Orientation and Mobility
- Blindness and Low Vision
- Special Education Alternative Certification Track
Following completion of core course work and emphasis area classes, degree candidates must pass the comprehensive exam. If you are interested in the computerized option, please contact a faculty advisor in the special education department.
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.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 783 | Advanced Assessment to Support Individuals with Developmental & Sensory Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 625 | Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 hrs |
| SPE 791 | Clinical Practicum for Individuals with Autism and Challenging Behavior | 4 hrs |
| SPE 627 | Research-Based Strategies for Individuals with ASD | 3 hrs |
| SPE 618 | Application of Applied Behavior Analysis & Interventions in Applied Settings | 3 hrs |
| SPE 626 | Applied Behavioral Analysis for Developmental Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 hrs |
| SPE 740 | Verbal Behavior | 3 hrs |
| Electives | 6 hrs | |
| Total | 37 hours |
* 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.
Program requirements
Required Course work in addition to the core:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 605* | Braille Reading and Writing I | 3 hrs |
| SPE 606* | Principles of Orientation and Mobility | 2 hrs |
| SPE 607* | Services and Diversity in Blindness and Low Vision and Additional Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 608* | Low Vision, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Eye | 3 hrs |
| SPE 712 | Instructional Techniques and Strategies of Orientation and Mobility | 6 hrs |
| SPE 714* | Professional Issues and Assessment Related to Orientation and Mobility with Diverse Populations | 2 hrs |
| SPE 730 | Health, Functional, and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 760 | Internship in Orientation and Mobility | 3 hrs |
| To Total | 32 hours |
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.
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.
1. Junior standing, with an overall GPA of 3.00 or better
2. Admission to teacher education program
3. Completion of SPE 345 with a B or higher
4. 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:
• SPE 619 Methods I: Cognitive and Behavioral Teaching Approaches for Exceptional Learners
• SPE 617 Direct Instruction Reading & Language Arts
• SPE 660 Working with Families of Exceptional Individuals
• SPE 779 Application of Technology in Special Education
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 differentiatied 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 schoolwide basis. The CIS opton will also support professionals working in agency and clinical settings.
Required courses in addition to the core as follows.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 617 | Direct Instruction in Reading and Language Arts | 3 hrs |
| SPE 619 | Methods I: Cognitive and Behaviroal Teaching Approaches for Exceptional Learners | 3 hrs |
| SPE 660 | Working with Families of Exceptional Individuals | 3 hrs |
| SPE 710 | Problems in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 779 | Application of Technology in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 784 | Advanced Procedures in Teaching Students wtih Mild to Moderate Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 787 | Advanced Behavioral Analysis and Intervention | 3 hrs |
| Electives | 9 hrs | |
| Total Hours | 39 hours |
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 on-line 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.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 605* | Braille Reading and Writing I | 3 hrs |
| SPE 606* | Principles of Orientation and Mobility | 2 hrs |
| SPE 607* | Services and Diversity in Blindness and Low Vision and Additional Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 608* | Low Vision, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Eye | 3 hrs |
| SPE 709* | Methods of Teaching Students with Blindness or Low Vision and Multiple Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| SPE 711* | Braille Reading and Writing II | 3 hrs |
| SPE 730* | Health, Functional, and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities | 2 hrs |
| SPE 733* | Methods of Teaching Independent Living Skills to Persons with Blindness or Low Vision | 3 hrs |
| SPE 750* | Practicum: Blindness and Low Vision | 3 hrs |
| SPE 779* | Application of Technology In Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 783* | Advanced Assessment to Support Individuals with Developmental & Sensory Disabilities | 3 hrs |
| Total BLV Course Hours | 30 hours | |
| 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.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 715 | Foundations in Special Education | 3 hrs |
| SPE 782 | Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities | 4 hrs |
| SPE 792 | Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation of Students with Disabilities Lab | 2 hrs |
| SPE 619 | Methods I: Cognitive & Behavioral Methods for Exceptional Students | 3 hrs |
| SPE 621 | Methods II: Functional Living Skills & Health Issues | 3 hrs |
| SPE 789 | Student Teaching -The Exceptional Child | 3 hrs |
| PSY 703 | Human Growth and Development | 3 hrs |
| SPE 617 | Direct Instruction in Reading & Language Arts | 3 hrs |
| SPE 787 | Advanced Behavioral Analysis & Intervention | 3 hrs |
| SPE 664 | Language Development of Exceptional Students | 2 hrs |
| SPE 616 | Foundations of Behavioral Analysis and Interventions in Applied Settings | 3 hrs |
| SPE 717 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics to Exceptional Individuals | 3 hrs |
| To Total | 45 hours |
* Offered via internet or alternative delivery system based on availability.