St. Louis Schools with Special Education Teaching Degree Programs
Several colleges in the St. Louis area offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in special education. This article looks at three schools, all 20 minutes or less from downtown St. Louis, and the programs they provide. It also includes information about these institutions, such as tuition, enrollment, graduation rate and the acceptance rate for applicants. This is arranged in a table so prospective students can easily compare the schools. Following this is a brief paragraph about a few more nearby schools with relevant degree programs.
- The University of Missouri - St. Louis, approximately 11 miles from downtown St. Louis, offers bachelor's degree programs and a master's degree program in special education.
- About 10 miles from the center of St. Louis, Webster University offers one bachelor's degree program and two master's degree programs for aspiring special education teachers.
- St. Louis University, around five miles from downtown, offers a bachelor's degree program in special education and a Ph.D. program in the field.
Comparison of Schools
The following table contains information that a prospective student should consider when selecting a college.
| University of Missouri - St. Louis | Webster University | St. Louis University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private, not-for-profit | 4-year, private, not-for-profit |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 15,189 | 6,779 | 13,474 |
| Campus Setting | Large suburb | Large suburb | Large city |
| Tuition and Fees 2021-2022* | $11,214 for in state and $28,532 for out-of-state undergraduate students $12,528 for in state and $30,756 for out-of-state graduate students | $28,700 for undergraduate students and $13,500 for graduate students | $48,824 for undergraduate and $22,614 for graduate students |
| Percent of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2021)* | 97% | 99% | 98% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | 57% | 59% | 70% |
| Retention Rate (2021)* | 73% for full-time students | 77% for full-time students | 89% for full-time students |
| Graduation Rate (Students Beginning in 2015)* | 58% | 57% | 80% |
Source: *College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics.
University of Missouri - St. Louis
This university's special education programs are offered through its College of Education and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Bachelor of Science in Education - Special Education Programs
There are a few options for this program: early childhood special education (B-3), elementary education (1-6) special education, and elementary education special education plus TESOL. These 4-year programs provide instruction about teaching students suffering from cross categorical, mild to moderate disabilities. Classes in the programs cover topics like literary assessments and reading for students with special needs, speech language of the exceptional child, instructional methods and the psychology of the exceptional child. Students also complete an internship and student teaching experience prior to graduation.
Master of Education in Special Education
Students in this program can focus on cross categorical disabilities, autism and developmental disabilities or early childhood special education. Topics in the major include the law and special education, consultations in schools and classrooms and behavior management. Other subjects include reading instruction and intervention in special education, diagnosing developmental delays, characteristics and education of students with learning disabilities and curriculum in early childhood special education. Students must complete research and a capstone course prior to graduation.
Webster University
This university's School of Education is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the International Reading Association. The school's programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Bachelor of Arts in Education With an Emphasis in Special Education (Elementary or Middle and Secondary School)
This program prepares students to receive certification as special education teachers for their chosen grade levels. Required courses cover subjects such as the education of students with exceptionalities, child psychology and adolescent development. The curriculum also includes a teaching practicum and apprentice teaching experience.
Master of Arts in Special Education
Classes in this 33-credit-hour program cover topics such as global issues in special education, cognitive development, assessing learning problems and advocating for persons with disabilities. Students must also complete research and write a thesis prior to graduation. Areas of emphasis that students can choose from include applied behavior analysis, inclusive education, severe developmental disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders.
Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education
This 50-credit-hour program covers methods for teaching students with mild/moderate disabilities, cognitive development and language development for exceptional students. The curriculum also includes a practicum and apprentice teaching experience. Unlike the MA program, the MAT program includes foundational teacher preparation.
St. Louis University
St. Louis University's degree programs in special education are offered through its School of Education.
Bachelor of Arts in Education
This program prepares students to obtain teaching certification and is available with a focus either in early childhood special education or in elementary education for students with mild/moderate disabilities. Classes in the former program cover speech and language development, cultural diversity in the classroom and instructional technology, while those in the latter program include methods for teaching students with mild/moderate disabilities, literary assessments and classroom organization. Both programs include a practicum.
PhD in Special Education
Students in this 27- to 36-credit-hour program will study areas such as behavior disorders, learning disabilities, mentally handicapped conditions or early childhood special education. Classes in the program cover topics like medical implications in special education and the fundamentals of neurology. Students must also research and write a dissertation and pass written exams, oral exams and a dissertation defense.
Other School Options
Located approximately eight miles from downtown St. Louis, Fontbonne University offers a bachelor's degree program with a major in special education. Lindenwood University, situated about 27 miles from the center of St. Louis, offers bachelor's degree programs in education with focuses in early childhood special education or mild/moderate cross categorical special education for kindergarten through grade 12.
