What you will study
UCM’s Special Education degree, with a concentration in Autism and Severe Developmental
Disabilities, will prepare you to teach K–12 students with significant intellectual
or physical disabilities. Our Special Education programs include teacher training
to develop the specialized skills you’ll need for working with your future students.
The University of Central Missouri’s Special Education programs are fully accredited
by the Council for Exceptional Children, meeting rigorous standards. Your coursework
will include topics such as:
- Evaluation of Abilities and Achievement: This course provides you with the tools to answer the question, “what is special education,
and when is that track right for a student?” Learn to administer and interpret intelligence
tests and diagnostic procedures and to design curricula that address individual needs.
- Physical and Health Care Needs of Students with Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities:
High school and elementary special education teachers of children with significant
disabilities must be able to accommodate their students’ diverse physical needs in
the classroom. This core course of your degree program will help you understand how
to create an educational plan that supports the whole child.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Teaching children with autism and significant disabilities can require adaptive communication
techniques. In UCM’s Special Education Teaching degree program, you’ll learn to use
a variety of tools, including American Sign Language and communication devices.
Excellence in Special Education
- UCM's Special Education programs are accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children.
- The College of Education is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for General Special Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in special education for students with autism and severe
disabilities
The University of Central Missouri’s Warrensburg campus provides convenient access
to a variety of school settings. Gain hands-on experience working in urban, suburban
and rural classrooms, building your confidence as a future elementary or high school
special education teacher.
Experience the benefit of UCM’s student-centered learning with personalized attention
in small classes, mentorship from professors who genuinely care about your success
and many opportunities for experiential learning:
- Active peer network: UCM is home to a chapter of the Student Council of Exceptional Children (SCEC). By
joining SCEC, you can support individuals with disabilities on campus and in the community.
In addition to professional development opportunities, you can build a lifelong, enriching
network of future high school and elementary special education teachers.
- Learn by doing: Many of the classes for your Special Education degree include practical application,
putting you in the classroom to work directly with children who have autism or significant
developmental disabilities.
- Experience running a classroom: UCM’s Special Education Teaching degree, with a concentration in Autism and Severe
Developmental Disabilities, concludes with a semester of student teaching, ensuring
that you start your new career as a high school or elementary special education teacher
with real-world experience.
What can you do with a Special Education degree from UCM?
UCM’s accredited Special Education programs are highly respected. Our graduates are
actively sought out by regional school districts and often hired before they complete
their student teaching experience. Many receive signing incentives, reflecting the
current demand for teachers trained to work with students with autism or significant
disabilities.
What is special education’s career path, though? K–12 educators typically receive
their undergraduate special education teaching degree, qualify for state certification
in their focus area — such as Severe Developmental Disabilities — and take a job as
a high school or elementary special education teacher immediately after graduation.
A rewarding career as an educator for children with significant disabilities is possible
with only an undergraduate Autism degree. However, if you decide to pursue graduate
study or additional certification, UCM’s standards-led Special Education programs
are excellent preparation.
What is Special Education’s current job market?
There is a nationwide shortage of qualified elementary and high school teachers for
Special Education programs. Graduates of UCM’s Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities
concentration enjoy a 100% employment rate. Use the interactive tool below to see
employment and compensation trends for job seekers with a Special Education Teaching
degree.
Financial assistance options for your Special Education teaching degree
The Special Education programs at the University of Central Missouri represent extraordinary
value. Our graduates, taught to CEC standards, are sought-after around the state.
UCM’s commitment to low student debt means your in-demand job skills come with affordable
tuition and an extensive range of financial aid options.
In fact, 94% of our undergraduate students receive financial aid. As a student of
Special Education in the Autism and Severe Disabilities area, you may be eligible
for these additional funds to help finance your college education:
- Coonley-Guth Scholarship in Special Education
- Dr. Don Rice Scholarship in Special Education
- Cleary Scholarship in Special Education
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the .
A Growing Specialty
Schools need more professionals with autism experience
In 2006, the CDC reported that 1 in 110 children were diagnosed with an autism disorder.
Since then that number has jumped to 1 in 44. Becoming an elementary or high school
special education teacher is a way to change the lives of your students forever —
and it can ensure you steady, valued employment in a career that’s full of potential.
Learn from Leaders in the Field
Accredited, well-established program
UCM has been training educators for more than 150 years, and teachers of special education
since the 1960s. Today, graduates of our accredited programs are in demand by schools
around the state. We have the honor of offering the only undergraduate Special Education
Teaching degree with an Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities concentration
in all of Missouri.
Flexible Special Education Degree Program
UCM’s student-centered learning starts here
Earn your Special Education Teaching degree in Autism and Severe Developmental Disabilities
on a schedule that makes sense for you. Enroll as a full- or part-time student, and
take some classes online as well as some classes on campus. Step into your new career
as a high school or elementary special education teacher in Missouri when it’s right
for you.
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