MEd in Special Education with Emphasis in Gifted Education
The Gifted Education Master’s Program (MEd) is a graduate level program designed to provide candidates with advanced preparation in gifted education methodology and practices. Candidates become equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children and youth in the field of gifted education. The program meets Missouri Department of Education (DESE) academic requirements for Missouri Gifted Certification. This program is offered through Missouri Online.
Degree Requirements
Applicants who are accepted into the master’s program will participate in a 30-hour online degree program with 15 hours of gifted education courses and 15 hours of core course work. Courses are selected to provide educators with skills and knowledge in current learning theory and to translate this knowledge into practical strategies and techniques for use in the classroom.
The 15 hours of gifted focus courses include content covering, nature and needs of gifted students, curriculum methods, differentiated curriculum, assessment and evaluation, and gifted practicum. The 15 hours of core course work in this program include study in learning theory, research with exceptional children, instructional technology, instructional leadership, and instructional strategies.
| Courses Required | 30 | |
| ESC_PS 7115 | Human Learning | 3 |
| LTC 8914 | Culturally Responsive Pedagogy | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8350 | Research with Exceptional Children * | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8380 | Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8391 | Curriculum Methods for Gifted and Talented Students | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8405 | Assessment and Evaluation in Gifted Education | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8406 | Differentiating Instruction: Reaching Gifted, Typical and Struggling Learners | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8410 | Administration and Supervision of Gifted Education Programs | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8604 | Autism without Co-occurring Intellectual Disability | 3 |
| SPC_ED 8946 | Practicum: Gifted Education * | 3 |
- *
Required for certification.
Missouri gifted certification preparation
The 23 hours of gifted education course work above meet Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for Missouri gifted education certification. DESE requires 15 credit hours of gifted education course work in addition to SPC_ED 8410, SPC_ED 8350, and a course in Psychology and/or Education of the Exceptional Child (if not already taken as an undergraduate course) for a total of 23 credit hours.
Check the DESE educator certification web page for details.
If you wish only to enroll to complete the course work required for Missouri gifted certification, no formal degree-seeking application is required.
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.