Drury Alternative Track in Special Education

The School of Education and Child Development is now offering a 36-hour masters program in special education that leads to initial teacher certification.

What is the Master in Education (Special Education Certification)?

This program of study is designed for persons who:

  • are employed as full-time teacher aides with the Springfield Public Schools,
  • have already completed a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average,
  • do not have a Missouri teaching certificate.

The special education cohort program of study leads to a Missouri initial teaching certificate in mild-moderate, cross-categorical special education (grades K-12) and to the Master in Education degree.

What is the program of study?

  • Drury Alternative Track in Special Education (DATSE program)
  • Master in Education (Special Education, 36 hours)
  • The Master in Education requires 36 hours of credit, taken in 11 courses

How does the cohort program work?

Students begin a program of study at the same time and graduate together. Most classes will meet in Herman Lay Hall of Drury University one evening per week (e.g., Wednesdays) from 5:20-8:00 p.m . Classes offered onsite are seated with a web-based instructional component (blended). Some classes are taught totally online, which provides flexibility and convenience for student.

What is the tuition for the Master in Education cohort?

  • Tuition per credit hour: $250
  • Tuition per course: $750 (3 credit course)
  • Tuition for 36 credit hours: $9000

When is payment due?

  • Payment is due the first day of class unless other arrangements have been made.
  • Students wishing to utilize Drury's optional monthly payment plan should contact the Drury University Financial Aid Office at (417) 873-7343 or fs@drury.edu .

Is financial aid available?

  • Drury University is approved for the TEACH program. Information regarding student loans may be obtained by contacting Drury University's Springfield Financial Aid Office at (417) 873-7312 or by visiting the Financial Aid web page at www.drury.edu/fa.
  • Veterans: Students eligible for the G.I. Bill can receive benefits for graduate study. For questions regarding eligibility contact the Veterans Administration Counselor at Drury University 's Springfield office (417) 873-7331.

What are the requirements for admission to the program?

The following items must be received by the Graduate Programs Office:

  • Completed application for admission and $25 non-refundable application fee. The form may be accessed on line at www.drury.edu\graduate.
  • Official transcripts of all college work sent by the issuing institution. Student copies will not be accepted.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT) scores not more than five years old.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional or educational sources.
  • A personal statement indicating the applicant's desire and ability to pursue a graduate degree.

The Teacher Education Council determines whether an individual is accepted for the program on the basis of the information obtained in the steps above. Because enrollment is limited, an individual should submit an application at the earliest possible date.

  • If an applicant has previously been accepted into a graduate program, the GRE/MAT requirement may be waived.
  • Foreign applicants are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL). Information regarding the TOFEL may be obtained at www.tofel.org.

What are the graduation requirements?

  • Successful completion of 36-42 semester hours.
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for all courses undertaken in the Master in Education program. Courses with a final grade below “C” cannot be counted for credit toward the degree.

What are the pre-requisite courses?

EDUC 606 Advanced Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3 hours, seated)

*This is a pre-requisite course that must be completed prior to the cohort beginning Spring 2010.

What is the projected sequence of courses?

Spring 2010

EDUC 608 Classroom Behavioral Management Techniques (3 hours, seated)
EDUC 649 Introduction to Cross Categorical Disabilities (3 hours, online)

Summer 2010

EDUC 651 Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement (3 hours, blended)
EDUC 652 Language Development of the Exceptional Child (3 hours, online)

Fall 2010

EDUC 625 Correction of Mathematical Difficulties (3 hours, seated)
EDUC 665 Improvement of Reading Instruction (3 hours, blended)

Spring 2011

EDUC 653 Methods of Teaching Student with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (6 hours, blended)

Summer 2011

EDUC 607 Psychology of Human Growth and Development (3 hours, online)
EDUC 667 Analysis and Correction of Reading Disabilities (3 hours, seated)

Fall 2011

EDUC 654 Advanced Practices and Procedures in Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 hours, blended)
EDUC 655 Practicum/Clinical Experience/Case Study (3 hours, blended)

What if I have questions?

Please call the School of Education and Child Development (417) 873-7271 and ask to speak with Kelly Doel or Dr. Chris Craig.

TEACH Grant Financial Aid Opportunities