Apply to this Program and Admission Requirements
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.
Op5.01-4 Graduate Students Admission Policy
The Graduate Council sets the minimum standards for admission to graduate study. Additional requirements and higher standards may be stipulated for specific graduate programs. The minimum requirements for graduate admission are:
Certificate Programs
A bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State University. Additional requirements and higher standards may be stipulated for specific graduate certificate programs.
Degree Programs
A bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri State University. In cases where a program’s accrediting body allows admission prior to conferral of bachelor’s degree, exceptions may be made, AND one of the following
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale; OR at least a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of academic course work; OR at least a 2.75 grade point average on a minimum of 9 hours of graduate credits; OR
A recommendation with rationale in writing by both the department head of the student’s desired major area and the dean of the college in which that discipline is located, and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate College.