What you will study
Coursework for advanced degrees in Special Education reflects your prior knowledge
as well as what you hope to achieve. The classes you’ll take to complete UCM’s master’s
degree in Special Education K–12 will be selected to meet your specific needs, but
your foundational coursework will include:
- Introduction to Graduate Study in Special Education: Build your research, scholarly writing and analysis skills as you investigate important
topics in special education, the role of the National Board of Professional Teaching
Standards and professional ethics.
- Advanced Education of the Exceptional Child: To earn your MSE in Special Education, you’ll need to build a richer and more complete
understanding of the greater environment in which teaching exceptional children takes
place. In this course you’ll explore complex topics such as legality, identifying
and assessing children with a wide range of learning needs and how best to apply evidence-based
teaching techniques and differentiated instruction.
- Advanced Organization and Administration of Special Education: If you’re considering graduate degrees in Special Education, you’re likely to run
into system-level challenges — if you haven’t already. This course allows you to practice
problem-solving skills using simulations of complex administrative issues.
Excellence in K-12 Special Education
- Accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children.
- The College of Education is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation
of Educator Preparation.
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Best Master's in K-12 Education Degree Programs - Best Autism Spectrum Disorder Focus (Intelligent,
2022)
Unique learning opportunities in K–12 Special Education
The University of Central Missouri centers experiential learning for all degree programs,
including graduate degrees in Special Education. You’ll engage deeply with your peers
and the program’s expert faculty.
The program for UCM’s master’s degree in Special Education ensures you graduate with
practical, applicable skills as well as a deeper academic understanding of the content
area. You’ll have many opportunities for hands-on learning, including:
- Student assessments: Crafting educational and support plans for students with exceptionalities begins with
correctly identifying their individual needs and developmental delays. Gain expertise
in using student evaluation tools such as intelligence tests and prescriptive teaching.
- Internships: Apply and build your knowledge of working with students with exceptionalities through
internships in a real school or program.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Special Education from UCM?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports significant annual increases
in the number of public school students with special needs — nearly a million children
in the past decade alone. There are not enough qualified Special Education teachers
and administrators to educate and provide services for these students, so this enriching
field offers excellent growth opportunities.
Your UCM master’s degree in Special Education will equip you with the credentials
— and more importantly, with the practical skills — you need to step into a variety
of roles in the field. The University of Central Missouri’s MSE in Special Education
is excellent preparation for your future as a senior administrator.
More about what you can do with an MSE in Special Education
Earning your master’s degree in Special Education from UCM sets you on the path to
leadership within your school, district or community. Use the interactive tool below
to explore trends and projected growth for jobs that leverage your MSE in Special
Education.
Financial assistance options for your MSE in Special Education
The University of Central Missouri has been training educators for more than 150+
years, with an emphasis on accessible higher education for all. The tuition for our
accredited master’s degree in Special Education is extremely competitive and represents
excellent value.
We offer an extensive range of financial aid options to help you finance your graduate education. In addition to our substantial university-wide loans and grants, students pursuing
UCM master’s degrees in Special Education may be eligible for these exclusive funds:
- Donald L. Osborn Scholarship in Special Education
- Louise Thielbar Keisker Scholarship
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Flexible Special Education MSE Degree Program
A program designed for working educators
The University of Central Missouri has been putting the needs of educators first since
our founding in 1871. Our master’s of Special Education relies on time-tested, science-based
teaching strategies to support you as you become a leader in Special Education.
Full Accreditation for a Trusted Education
Standards-led curriculum
UCM’s degrees in Special Education are CEC-accredited and our College of Education
is CAEP-accredited. Earning your MSE in Special Education from a fully accredited
program signals to your future employers, colleagues and constituents that your graduate
degree represents the most rigorous education in the content area.
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