Counseling, Leadership and Special Education Department

Special Education/Cross Categorical Undergraduate Program

Why study special education at Missouri State University?

  • Our program is approved by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as the Council for Exceptional Children.
  • Holders of our special education certificate may be employed to teach in grades K-12 in cross categorical, as well as other special and general education settings.
  • Our departmental faculty hold advanced degrees with emphasis in special education and support your success through their teaching, research and service activities at the local, state and national level.

Become a certified special educator

Our philosophy is based on meeting the needs of children and youth with disabilities. This degree includes an initial professional certificate to teach in Missouri in a variety of educational settings with children and youth who have mild to moderate intellectual, learning, emotional, physical or other health-related challenges. We will prepare you to work with these students without emphasizing labels or limitations.

Four-Year degree plan
Accelerated Master's degree

Post-graduate options

A master's degree in early childhood special education will allow you to provide special education services to young children.