The Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education prepares students to work with children from kindergarten through twelfth grade in public, private, and alternative school systems. Students should consider a degree in special education if they enjoy working with children and/or adolescents who are struggling or who have special needs, want to help these students develop into strong citizens, and are excellent collaborators. MU Students work closely with mentors, practicing teachers, administrators, and university faculty to develop the knowledge and skills to enhance learning outcomes for children and youth with and at risk for disabilities. The coursework through the College of Education focuses on teachers鈥� roles in facilitating learning at all levels of development and considers the influences of cultural, political, historical, and economic factors on students, teachers, and schools. Upon successfully completing the initial teacher certification process, the state grants certification in Special Education: Cross Categorical. Practical and rewarding clinical training in schools begins sophomore year, and continues each semester culminating in a full year senior-level teaching internship, enhancing teaching skills and confidence. Students focus on understanding and teaching students with a range of mild and moderate disabilities. Courses within special education address foundational principles of how to teach students with special needs, including methods in mathematics and literacy, behavior management, language, and introduction and methods in cross categorical instruction, among others.
Common Career Paths
You can do nearly anything with a Mizzou degree, but here are some common career paths taken by graduates of this major:
September 2025
College of Education and Human Development
118 Hill Hall,
COLUMBIA,
Missouri,
65211, United States
Students must complete High School Coursework with 13 units (one unit = one year in class) of the following core coursework: Mathematics - Four units (algebra or higher), Science - Three units, Social Studies - Three units, Languages - Two units, Fine Arts - One unit.
High School grades
Your core coursework grades must meet one of the following requirements:
If your high school does not use one of the scales listed above, your grades will be converted to a U.S. 4.0 scale. Scores are determined by the AACRAO International Education Services.
English Language Requirements:
Duolingo English Test (DET): minimum DET score of 130 on the test with 3 of the 4 section scores at or above a 100.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the online test with no section score below 17.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with no section score below a 6.
Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: a minimum overall Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency score of 190.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): a minimum overall PTE score of 65.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
