In response to the state-wide shortage of Special Education teachers in Missouri, Missouri State University has 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 work on a Provisional Certificate to teach Special Education while pursuing certification and a Master's Degree.  Because this program is usually completed while working full-time, the program takes approximately three years to complete.

Because the SEACT program is an accelerated masters program, the coursework is challenging and admission to the program is not guaranteed.  Admission is based on your GPA, letter of application, references and ability to complete the coursework.  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.

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?

• Start by applying for the Post-Bac teacher certification program.  Although you may be accepted into the SEACT program, everyone needs to start with the Post-Bac program in order to have your transcripts analyzed for certification.  For information on applying for the Post-Bac Teacher Certification Program, click here. 
   
• While we are working on your Individualized Program of Study, you can begin the application process by applying to the graduate college.  When doing so, please indicate on your application that your transcripts are already located in the Teacher Certification office.  The Graduate College will then request copies from us so you don' t have to send additional copies to Missouri State University.  To apply to the graduate college, click here.
   
• Next, you will need to apply to the SEACT program through the Special Education Department by completing the following:  
  • Submit three letters of recommendation to the School of Teacher Education, including at least one from the present employer and at least one from an individual who can attest to the candidate's academic ability.
  • Submit a letter of intent to the School of Teacher Education which outlines the candidate's request to be admitted into the program and describes the candidate's career goals and interests.
  • Submit a completed Highway Patrol Background Check.  For instructions regarding how to complete your Highway Patrol Background Check, click here.

• The candidate must have earned a combined cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.    The Director of the Special Education Graduate Program, in conjunction with the Departmental Admissions Committee, may elect to admit the student on a conditional basis if the student does not meet the GPA criteria.  If granted, the conditional period shall extend through successful completion (no grade below a B) of a minimum of the first nine hours of graduate coursework.  In addition, a student must be given approval to proceed further into the program.  To receive approval to complete the coursework beyond nine hours, a conditionally admitted student on probation must complete and submit scores from the GRE.  Results must be provided prior to the end of the conditional period.  In addition to the GRE scores, the information gleaned from the three letters of recommendation and the letter of intent will be used to make decisions concerning full admittance to the program.

• Admission to this program will be determined by the Special Education Committee based on a review of the student's application, transcripts, GPA, letters of recommendation and letter of intent.  Since this is a competitive admission program, admission is not guaranteed. 
   
• Deadlines for Admission:  In order for your application to be considered, it must be received by the following dates:

Seeking Acceptance into the Master's Program beginning:	Application Materials Deadline
Spring Semester	November 15th
Summer Semester	April 15th
Fall Semester	April 15th

Note that applications received by the Special Education Committee will be reviewed as soon as possible upon receipt given that they have been received by the respective application deadline. Application materials received after the deadline will not be reviewed until after the start of the following semester.  However, students may be granted permission to enroll as a non-degree seeking student for up to nine credit hours pending acceptance into the program.  For further information and enrollment assistance, contact:

     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