Special education, general How to apply

University of Missouri-Columbia
Master of arts in special education
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How to apply

Fulfill the admission requirements:

  • Completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate education.
  • If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 7, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 66 or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 190.

Application dates

Submit your application in time.

To start classes in Apply by Classes begin
Fall May 1 August
Spring Oct. 1 January
Summer March 1 June

Gather your papers

Applying will be easier and faster if you gather these required documents beforehand:

Please feel free to submit any other materials that you feel would give a clearer picture of your qualifications.

  • Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Upload unofficial transcripts in your online application. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
  • A statement of purpose (500 words) summarizing your professional goals, career objectives, research interests, your motivation for graduate work and anything else you feel is important.
  • Résumé or CV.
  • Two letters of recommendation. In the online application, you will need to supply names and contact details of two people who can attest to your professional competence, academic preparation and potential for graduate work. Ideally, one should be a college or university professor who can discuss your academic abilities, and one should be an administrator or colleague who can describe your professional experience and potential. The Graduate School will contact your references with instructions regarding the letters.
  • Letter of intent briefly and clearly expressing any interest you have in grant funding.
  • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or C1 Advanced score reports for applicants whose native language is not English. For information on sending test scores, visit the Grad School website.

Complete the online application

Carefully follow the instructions on the application site.

  • Upload the above documents in the online application
  • Degree/delivery: Masters- Distance (Online/Remote Site/etc.)
  • Academic program: Special Education/General-Distance (MA)
  • Domestic application fee: $75.00
  • International application fee: $100.00

Application fee waiver questions: Contact MU Graduate Admissions with questions via 573-882-6311 or 1-800-877-6312 or via email at gradadmin@missouri.edu

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Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Department of Special Education

Program contact