The Master of Arts in Special Education is a graduate program designed for current teachers without special education certification who are looking to develop knowledge and skills needed to teach students with high-incidence disabilities. The program curriculum is aligned with coursework requirements for students who are working in a school district under a Temporary Authorization Certificate (TAC) for mild/moderate cross-categorical disabilities in the state of Missouri. Students should consult with their school district and/or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for details about the TAC process.

Please note that UMKC's MA in Special Education is not a certification program, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City will not recommend completers of this program for certification. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

• Engage in professional learning and practice within ethical guidelines.
• Understand and address each individual's developmental and learning needs.
• Demonstrate subject matter content and specialized curricular knowledge.
• Use assessment to understand the learner and the learning environment for data-based decision making,
• Support learning using effective instruction.
• Support social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
• Collaborate with team members.
• Engage in Leadership and Advocacy.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy both the general campus requirements for admission and the program-specific admission criteria for graduate study. Criteria for full admission into the MA: Special Education program includes the following:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,
• 3.0 GPA or higher (on a 4-point scale),
• Two letters of recommendation, and
• Statement of Purpose.

Program Requirements

Program Length: 2 years