Severely Developmentally Disabled Certification (Birth - Grade 12)

In response to the state-wide shortage of teachers trained to work with Severely Developmentally Disabled students, Missouri State University has developed an alternative/accelerated Masters Degree program which combines teacher certification in Special Education - Severely Developmentally Disabled (Birth - Grade 12) and a Master's Degree in Special Education.  This program received formal approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the summer of 2006, and begins Fall 2006.  The Severely Developmentally Disabled Program was designed to accommodate those who also wish to work on a Provisional Certificate to teach in 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 Severely Developmentally Disabled 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 not accepted may wish to consider a different area of teacher certification.

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

Due to the status of this program as an "Alternative Certification Program" in Missouri, all of the coursework is required at the Masters Level.  Upon completion of the certification coursework, candidates will only be 6 hours from completing a Masters Degree.  Therefore, it is assumed that students in this program will complete a Masters in Special Education.  To view the coursework required in the Severely Developmentally Disabled Program,

How do I apply for the Special Education - Severely Developmentally Disabled Program?
MISSOURI STATE IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIOS FOR THIS PROGRAM.  Until additional faculty and administrative resources can be developed, we are unable to continue offering this program.  Please contact Dr. Paris DePaepe at 417-836-4761 for more information on this program. 

• Start by completing an Application for Post Baccalaureate Admission and Teacher Certification Transcript Analysis.  While there is not a post bac program available in this area, all students must begin the process by establishing a file in the Teacher Certification Office.  For information on completing this application, click here. 
   
• While we are processing your application and waiting for your transcripts to arrive, you can continue 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 Special Education - Severely Developmentally Disabled 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:

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
     Graduate Program in Special Education
     School of Teacher Education
     901 S. National Ave.
     Springfield MO  65897

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