MEd in Special Education with Emphasis in Behavior Disorders
Coursework and practica in MU's Behavioral Disorders Program focus on the preparation of high quality teachers for students with behavioral disorders. MU prepares teachers for a variety of delivery settings, including general education classrooms as well as resource and self-contained classes from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The program is grounded in the MoSPE Quality Indicators, the DESE Cross-Categorical Competencies, the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children, relevant research pertaining to best practice, significant field work and a problems-based approach to content. The MEd in Behavior Disorders emphasizes applied knowledge to prepare special educators to work directly with children and youth across a variety of settings.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 30 semester credit hours must be completed in fulfillment of degree requirements. A minimum of 15 of those credit hours must be at or above the 8000 level.
Admissions
Faculty selection committees review applications for admission into the various graduate programs. Factors considered in the graduate student review process include previous academic course work and performance, letters of recommendation from professors or professional supervisors and relevant professional work experiences. The letter of intent is evaluated for advising purposes and is an indication of the applicant’s motivation, professionalism and writing competencies. Interviews with faculty are often arranged as part of the admissions review process.
The Special Education graduate program cannot assure admission to all applicants who meet minimum standards specified for the degree program. Resource constraints do not permit the admission of all qualified applicants.
A committee of faculty reviews the credentials of each applicant. It is the responsibility of this committee to exercise professional judgment related to the criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission to the program.
Financial Aid from the Program
Some programs require an extra form or statement from those who wish to be considered for internal assistantships, fellowships or other funding packages. Check the program website or ask the program contact for details.
Retention
To remain in good standing in the master’s program and earn a master’s degree, each student must earn and maintain an overall grade point of 3.0 or higher in all required and elective course work each semester. If student’s GPA falls below 3.0 for any semester, they will be dropped from the degree program. If students receive a grade of “C” in any core or required course, remedial activities will be required. Students must also complete course work assigned a grade of “I” prior to the end of the following semester.
Degree Completion
Master's candidates must follow the guidelines of the Graduate School with respect to timeliness and committee formations and complete paperwork.
Satisfactory Progress
For information on general progress guidelines and the dismissal policy, see the Special Education website.