In response to the state-wide shortage of Special Education teachers, Missouri State University developed an alternative/accelerated Masters Degree program which combines teacher certification in Cross-Categorical Special Education K-12 and a Master's in Special Education.  This program received formal approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the fall of 2003.  The Special Education Alternative Certification Track (SEACT) program was designed for those who wish to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities while pursuing teacher certification and a corresponding graduate degree.  Students who meet admission requirements must be employed by a school district by the second year of the SEACT, and must maintain a Provisional Teaching Certificate through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education completing certification coursework in accordance with the requirements of the provisional certificate and the graduate program of study.  Because this program is usually completed by candidates who are working full-time, the program takes approximately three years to complete, two years for certification coursework with additional coursework to support the research requirements of the graduate degree (total of 43 credit hours).

The SEACT program is an accelerated masters program and the coursework is challenging.  Admission is based on a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of professional coursework, a letter of application, three letters of references and evidence of ability to complete rigorous course work.  Students who apply will be considered on an individual basis for admission, and those who are not accepted may choose to pursue the Post-Baccalaureate route to Special Education Certification (see information below).   Students who are accepted to the program will follow a structured program sequence within a cohort system. 

Students must complete the national teacher examination Praxis in the second year of the program and the SEACT coursework prepares candidates well with pass rates for the initial exam trial at nearly 100 percent.  Based on the high program quality and evidenced based focus of the SEACT, candidates have been readily employed to support the 2^nd year provisional teaching certificate requirement.  Expectations are high for candidates in the program; however, the competency based course work is highly structured with significant advisor and faculty support.   The SEACT contains a blend of on site methods, lab coursework,  online, arranged practicum, or condensed summer instructional format to support the alternative nature of the program and the demands on students who are teaching while completing a graduate degree.

Do I have to complete a Master's program to get certified in Special Education at Missouri State University?

Missouri State University currently offers Post-Baccalaureate teacher certification in Cross-Categorical Special Education through two routes:  The traditional Post-Baccalaureate certification program and the SEACT (Master's) program. So, which one should you choose?

This program consists of approximately 90 hours of undergraduate coursework that leads to certification in Cross-Categorical Special Education (K-12).  For a list of courses in the Post-Bac program, click here.

Who would choose the Post-Bac route to certification?

• Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.00 for admission to the SEACT program
• Students who cannot take evening courses
• Students who do not feel ready to complete a challenging and accelerated Master's Degree program

How do I apply to the Post Bac program?In order to begin the process of applying to the post bac certification program in Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education, you will need to go to the "Application Process" page.

This program consists of approximately 34 hours of graduate courses for certification, with an additional 9 hours required to complete the Master's degree.  All of the courses are offered in the evening and summers, allowing students to pursue their certification while teaching full-time on a Provisional Certificate.  For a list of courses in the SEACT program, click here.

Who would choose the SEACT program route to certification?

• Students who have a minimum 3.00 GPA (Students with a 2.75 - 3.00 may be admitted on probation under special circumstances with permission of the Special Education Dept.)
• Students who feel they can complete accelerated Master's Degree coursework
• Students who want to earn a Master's Degree while also earning certification
• Students who would like to take primarily evening and summer coursework.

How do I apply for the SEACT Program?

Students wishing to apply to the SEACT program need to contact the Admissions Coordinator for this program:

     Dr. Paris DePaepe, Professor - Special Education
     Graduate Admissions Director - Special Education
     Department of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education
     901 S. National Ave.
     Springfield MO  65897

     Office:  Hill Hall, Room 214C  417-836-4761
     parisdepaepe@missouristate.edu