Gifted Education: Online Master’s Degree

Certification

Gifted Education certification

This online program was designed to meet the needs of practicing teachers who are seeking a master's degree and/or certification in gifted education.

Missouri students: The 15 hours of focus courses allow students to obtain the necessary course work for (Missouri) gifted certification while students are working on a master's degree in education. In addition, the gifted focus courses meet DESE (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) certification requirements and may be taken separately for individuals who are only interested in obtaining gifted certification.

The gifted focus courses encompass all competencies required for Missouri gifted education certification. However, you must be certified in another teaching area in Missouri to obtain this additional certification. While MU provides course work for gifted education certification, it does not grant certification. For certification you must submit transcripts to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Check DESE's educator certification web page for specific requirements.

All students applying for certification in Missouri also must have completed an introduction to special education course in their undergraduate program. Any student who has not completed such a course will be required to take one at the graduate level.

Non-Missouri students: Please check with your state department of education for specific requirements regarding gifted education certification. The University of Missouri-Columbia cannot sign out-of-state certification or field experience forms. The University can only verify course work taken at this institution. For verification of course work completed, you may request an official transcript through the University Registrar’s Office.

Initial teacher certification

If you are seeking Missouri initial certification, please contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Other states: Please contact the certification agency for the state in which you are seeking initial teacher certification.