M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S.Ed. in Special Education
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S.Ed. in Special Education at Missouri State University is designed for individuals seeking to obtain or advance their certification in special education, particularly focusing on students with mild to moderate disabilities. The program offers flexibility, with many required courses available online, catering to working professionals or those in related fields seeking to transition into teaching roles. It prepares graduates for positions such as Special Education Teacher, Resource Program Teacher, or Intervention Specialist. An accelerated master's option and various graduate certificates, such as those in Autism Spectrum Disorders or International Perspectives in K-12 Special Education, are also available, allowing students to specialize further.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S.Ed. in Special Education at Missouri State University is comprehensive, typically encompassing core requirements and subject-field specific courses. Core courses often include "Data Literacy and Assessment for Schools" and "Multicultural Education for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion," emphasizing foundational knowledge. Subject-field requirements delve into critical areas such as "Introduction to Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities," "Student Evaluation and Assessment," "Theories and Techniques of Behavior Analysis & Intervention," and "Leadership in Special Education." The program typically culminates in a comprehensive assessment or capstone experience, ensuring mastery of competencies and reflection on professional growth. Coursework also covers topics like transition and career education, conferring and collaboration techniques, and literacy instruction for exceptional learners.
Research Focus: While the M.S.Ed. is a practitioner-focused degree, Missouri State University's Special Education department emphasizes evidence-based practices and research-informed instruction. Students are trained to apply research-based strategies to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Specific research areas within the department and related graduate certificates highlight a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Blindness and Low Vision, and comprehensive intervention strategies. The program aims to equip educators with the skills to critically evaluate and integrate research findings into their instructional practices, ultimately improving outcomes for students with exceptionalities.
Industry Engagement: Missouri State University's special education programs actively promote practical, hands-on learning experiences. This includes field experiences, practicum, and potentially student teaching, depending on the student's background and certification goals. The university's strong emphasis on experiential education and community engagement ensures that students are well-equipped with the practical skills needed for successful careers. For those pursuing alternative certification tracks, the program is often structured to support individuals teaching while completing their graduate studies, fostering direct industry engagement. Alumni networks and ongoing professional development opportunities further connect students and graduates with the broader educational community.
Global Perspective: Missouri State University integrates a global perspective into its educational offerings, including aspects relevant to special education. The university's "Global Education and Engagement" initiatives foster cross-cultural skills and global understanding. While specific courses in the M.S.Ed. in Special Education may not explicitly carry a global focus, the broader university environment encourages a globally-minded approach to education. For instance, there is a graduate certificate in "International Perspectives in K-12 Special Education," demonstrating an awareness of diverse educational contexts and practices worldwide. This equips graduates to work effectively in increasingly diverse school environments and understand global trends in special education.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Special Education from Missouri State University can open doors to a variety of impactful career paths, extending beyond the traditional classroom. Graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to support individuals with diverse learning needs across various educational and professional settings.
Special Education Teacher: This is the most direct career path, where graduates work directly with students with disabilities in K-12 public or private school settings. They develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapt curricula, and employ evidence-based instructional strategies to support academic, social, and emotional growth. Special education teachers often specialize in specific disability areas (e.g., mild/moderate, severe, early childhood, or secondary transition).
Resource Room Teacher/Intervention Specialist: Within a school, these professionals provide targeted support to students with disabilities, often pulling them out of general education classrooms for specialized instruction or providing support within the general education setting. They focus on remediation of specific academic or behavioral skills and often work with small groups or individual students.
Educational Diagnostician: With a strong emphasis on assessment and data analysis, an M.S.Ed. in Special Education can lead to a career as an educational diagnostician. These professionals conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other special educational needs. They interpret test results and recommend appropriate educational interventions and services.
Special Education Administrator/Coordinator: For those interested in leadership, a master's degree can prepare individuals for administrative roles at the school or district level. Special education administrators oversee programs, manage budgets, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (like IDEA), and supervise special education staff. Titles may include Director of Special Education or Special Education Coordinator.
Behavior Specialist/Behavior Interventionist: Given the program's focus on behavior analysis and intervention, graduates can pursue roles as behavior specialists. They work with students who exhibit challenging behaviors, developing and implementing positive behavior intervention plans, providing training to teachers, and fostering positive behavioral outcomes in educational environments.
Early Intervention Specialist: This role focuses on supporting young children (typically birth to five years old) who are at risk of or have developmental delays. Early intervention specialists assess development, provide direct intervention services, and often work collaboratively with families to help children acquire essential developmental skills.
Special Education Consultant: Experienced special educators with a master's degree can work as independent consultants or for educational organizations. They provide expertise, training, and guidance to schools, districts, and families on best practices in special education, program development, and compliance with special education laws.
Transition Specialist: This specialized role involves assisting students with disabilities as they transition between different life stages, such as from high school to post-secondary education, vocational training, or independent living. Transition specialists help develop individualized transition plans, connect students with resources, and teach essential life skills.
Inclusive Education Coordinator: These professionals work to promote and implement inclusive practices within schools, ensuring that students with disabilities are meaningfully integrated into general education settings. They provide professional development to general education teachers, collaborate on curriculum modifications, and advocate for inclusive learning environments.
Education Policy Analyst (with a focus on Special Education): For those interested in broader systemic change, an M.S.Ed. can be a foundation for roles in education policy. Policy analysts research and analyze data related to special education policies, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and contribute to the development and implementation of new legislation and guidelines that impact students with disabilities at local, state, or even federal levels.
