Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States as the 21st most extensive and 18th most populous state, there are two accredited Master’s in Special Education degree programs in Missouri that aim to develop quality educators for working with students with disabilities. Often referred to as the “Cave State” due to having more than 6,000 known caves in its borders, the following are the graduate-level programs devoted to special education that are offered by two top-notch universities in Missouri.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Northwest Missouri State University
Graduate School of Education
Originally founded in 1905 to educate teachers for more the 19 counties in the northwest region of the state, Northwest Missouri State University has grown to be a major comprehensive state-assisted, learning-centered institution with more than 7,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Past recipient of the Missouri Quality Award and Baldrige Award, Northwest is currently ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as being the 102nd best college and 37th top public school in the nation. Continually accredited by the NCATE since 1954, the Graduate School of Education is committed to providing hands-on field opportunities to prepare teachers, counselors, and administrators for the state’s and nation’s school communities.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education
With a focus on working with students who have mild to moderate disabilities, including mental retardation, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other health impairments, the Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education program prepares professional qualified teachers to evaluate and provide appropriate learning experiences in individually-developed education programs. With the goal of training educators who can effectively develop, evaluate, and implement programs designed to address the specific needs of special education students, the program offers a unique opportunity for students to hold graduate assistantships in the Early Childhood Center at the Horace Mann Laboratory School right on campus.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468
(660) 562-1145
gradsch@nwmissouri.edu
University of Missouri – Kansas City
School of Education
As the only university in the western region of the state offering graduate and professional studies at the highest academic level, the University of Missouri at Kansas City is a comprehensive public institution located on a 93-acre urban campus in the heart of Missouri’s largest city. Home to more than 11,250 students, UMKC is currently ranked as the 201st best college and 117th top public school in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Also nationally recognized for excellence as the 132nd best education school in the nation, the School of Education is devoted to the development of broadly educated, competent practitioners who are able to engage in critical and cooperative inquiry in the education system.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education
Ideal for teachers who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children and adolescents with exceptional learning needs, the Master of Arts in Special Education program is focused on mild to moderate cross-categorical disabilities in K-12 school settings. For those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in working in special education, there are three separate programs that lead to initial certification with master’s degree, second endorsement with master’s degree, or only master’s degree without teacher certification. With the goal of preparing educators to teach special education students, serve as advocates for children and their families, and work collaboratively with other teachers, the total program credit hours range from 36 to 68 depending on the academic option chosen.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Education Building Room 309
615 East 52nd St.
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-2234
education@umkc.edu
https://education.umkc.edu/academics/masters-program/ma-in-special-education/
Since there is currently a significant shortage of special education teachers who are licensed to work with children and adolescents with exceptional learning needs, it is an excellent time for aspiring educators to enroll in an academic program and help fulfill this growing demand. Therefore, it is highly recommended that teachers in the “Show-Me State” check out these two top-notch Master’s in Special Education degree programs in Missouri to pursue a rewarding career working with students who are overcoming obstacles with physical or mental disabilities.
