Graduate Certificate
Educators follow their professional path in answer to a calling. You are no different. Your calling has led you not only to the classroom but to an interest in leadership. You want to improve students’ lives and empower your fellow educators through policy and mentorship in addition to quality classroom education. And you understand the unique challenges and opportunities leadership, specifically within special education, represents. You did not choose this calling. But you are choosing to answer it.
The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Administration program gets you closer to answering that call you feel. Taught by the world-class faculty of both the Department of Special Education and the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis within Mizzou’s College of Education and Human Development, this program imparts the skills you need to make a positive difference in your school’s culture and policy practices, both as it pertains to special education and for your building or district overall. Improve student learning outcomes, become a force for positive change and support your fellow educators through your leadership.
About the special education administration program
This graduate certificate is intended for current educators seeking to transition into leadership roles. It is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. All courses are offered online, though weekly deadlines are required for coursework.
Once you have completed the program, you may be eligible to meet the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements to become a special education administrator. A degree in administration is also required to meet these requirements. Some of your credits may be applied toward a degree in administration, such as the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary Principal Certification, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, or the Educational Specialist in PK-12 Educational Leadership and Administration, Elementary and Secondary Principal Certification.
Quick facts
Official name
Graduate Certificate in Special Education AdministrationCampus
Program type
Graduate certificateAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | Department of Special EducationDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationCredit hours
12Estimated cost
$7,078.80*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
Graduates of this certificate program may shift into the following careers, but they must also have completed a full degree program (not a certificate) in education administration.
- Special education administrator
- Leadership positions within the special education department
Program structure
This graduate certificate is 12 credit hours and is offered 100% online. No campus visits are required. Please note, this program does include weekly assignments that you will be responsible for completing.
Coursework includes
- Educational policy and leadership.
- School finances.
- How to be an educator supervisor.
- Specifics of special education administration.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
1 yearTypical course load
1 or 2 classes each semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. Accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Faculty spotlight
Brian Henry is an assistant teaching professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. Dr. Henry serves as the Missouri Commissioner for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. He has a passion for student learning and a commitment to creating learning environments that embrace all students.
Dr. Beth McCune Whitaker is an award-winning educator who leads our principal leadership programs in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. She is a former classroom teacher and principal in Missouri. During her tenure as an administrator, her school was awarded the Missouri Gold Star and National Blue Ribbon for excellence in education. Dr. Whitaker has published widely in the areas of school climate, principal leadership, and staff motivation and morale.
Dave Wilson is an adjunct professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. Dr. Wilson is the former executive director of special services for Columbia Public Schools. His areas of expertise include special education, assessment building and data-driven decision making.