Special Education, BSE - Autism and Severe Disabilities Area

What you will study

UCM’s Special Education degree, with a concentration in Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities, will prepare you to teach K–12 students with significant intellectual or physical disabilities. Our Special Education programs include teacher training to develop the specialized skills you’ll need for working with your future students. 

The University of Central Missouri’s Special Education programs are fully accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children, meeting rigorous standards. Your coursework will include topics such as:

• Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement: This course provides you with the tools to answer the question, “what is special education, and when is that track right for a student?” Learn to administer and interpret intelligence tests and diagnostic procedures and to design curricula that address individual needs.
• Physical and Health Care Needs of Students with Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities: High school and elementary special education teachers of children with significant disabilities must be able to accommodate their students’ diverse physical needs in the classroom. This core course of your degree program will help you understand how to create an educational plan that supports the whole child.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Teaching children with autism and significant disabilities can require adaptive communication techniques. In UCM’s Special Education Teaching degree program, you’ll learn to use a variety of tools, including American Sign Language and communication devices.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in special education for students with autism and severe disabilities

The University of Central Missouri’s Warrensburg campus provides convenient access to a variety of school settings. Gain hands-on experience working in urban, suburban and rural classrooms, building your confidence as a future elementary or high school special education teacher.

Experience the benefit of UCM’s student-centered learning with personalized attention in small classes, mentorship from professors who genuinely care about your success and many opportunities for experiential learning:

• Active peer network: UCM is home to a chapter of the Student Council of Exceptional Children (SCEC). By joining SCEC, you can support individuals with disabilities on campus and in the community. In addition to professional development opportunities, you can build a lifelong, enriching network of future high school and elementary special education teachers.
• Learn by doing: Many of the classes for your Special Education degree include practical application, putting you in the classroom to work directly with children who have autism or significant developmental disabilities.
• Experience running a classroom: UCM’s Special Education Teaching degree, with a concentration in Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities, concludes with a semester of student teaching, ensuring that you start your new career as a high school or elementary special education teacher with real-world experience.

 

What can you do with a Special Education degree from UCM?

UCM’s accredited Special Education programs are highly respected. Our graduates are actively sought out by regional school districts and often hired before they complete their student teaching experience. Many receive signing incentives, reflecting the current demand for teachers trained to work with students with autism or significant disabilities.

What is special education’s career path, though? K–12 educators typically receive their undergraduate special education teaching degree, qualify for state certification in their focus area — such as Severe Developmental Disabilities — and take a job as a high school or elementary special education teacher immediately after graduation. 

A rewarding career as an educator for children with significant disabilities is possible with only an undergraduate Autism degree. However, if you decide to pursue graduate study or additional certification, UCM’s standards-led Special Education programs are excellent preparation.

What is Special Education’s current job market?

There is a nationwide shortage of qualified elementary and high school teachers for Special Education programs. Graduates of UCM’s Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities concentration enjoy a 100% employment rate. Use the interactive tool below to see employment and compensation trends for job seekers with a Special Education Teaching degree.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Special Education teaching degree

The Special Education programs at the University of Central Missouri represent extraordinary value. Our graduates, taught to CEC standards, are sought-after around the state. UCM’s commitment to low student debt means your in-demand job skills come with affordable tuition and an extensive range of financial aid options.

In fact, 94% of our undergraduate students receive financial aid. As a student of Special Education in the Autism and Severe Disabilities area, you may be eligible for these additional funds to help finance your college education:

• Coonley-Guth Scholarship in Special Education
• Dr. Don Rice Scholarship in Special Education
• Cleary Scholarship in Special Education

Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.