Murray State University

What you'll study

This programme combines a liberal education core with a sequence of professional courses that address assessment, instruction and curriculum for students with mild to moderate and more intensive support needs. Early semesters focus on foundations: historical, legal and theoretical perspectives in special education, child and adolescent development, and inclusive pedagogy. Core modules typically include:

• Foundations of Special Education – history, law, and models of service delivery.
• Assessment and Evaluation – formal and informal assessment, interpretation of results, and data-based decision making.
• Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners – differentiated instruction, curriculum adaptation and co-teaching methods.
• Behaviour Assessment and Intervention – positive behaviour supports, functional behaviour assessment and behaviour intervention planning.
• Literacy and Communication – approaches to literacy development and communication supports for students with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology and Access – technology to support learning, access and independence.
• Transition Planning and Life Skills – preparing secondary students for post-school outcomes, vocational and community-based instruction.
• Research Methods and Professional Practice – evidence-based practice, action research and reflective teaching.

Practical field experiences are embedded throughout the programme, culminating in a full-time supervised student teaching placement in a school setting. Students also complete coursework preparing them for state licensure requirements and professional portfolio development.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school qualification (high school diploma or equivalent) and submit official transcripts. Admission to the university and conditional entry to teacher education are separate steps; progression to upper-division professional coursework typically requires meeting the teacher education programme’s criteria, which commonly include a minimum cumulative GPA, satisfactory performance on professional dispositions, and successful completion of prerequisite coursework in English and mathematics.

Because graduates pursue state teacher certification, candidates must be willing to complete required background checks and any health or immunisation clearances necessary for working in school settings. International applicants should provide proof of English proficiency and credential evaluation according to university guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in education and related services. Typical career pathways include:

• Special education teacher in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms or self-contained settings at the elementary and secondary levels.
• Inclusion or co-teaching specialist supporting general education teachers and students with disabilities.
• Behavioural interventionist or classroom behaviour specialist focusing on assessment and positive behaviour support.
• Transition coordinator or vocational support specialist helping youth move from school to post-secondary education, employment or community living.
• Educational diagnostician or specialist roles (often requiring postgraduate certification or licence).
• Positions in private schools, non-profit organisations and educational services supporting accessibility, advocacy and family services.

Many graduates go on to pursue master’s degrees in special education, school psychology, counselling or educational leadership to expand their qualifications and career opportunities.

Why study at Murray State University

Murray State offers a teacher preparation programme with an emphasis on classroom experience and regional school partnerships. Students benefit from supervised field placements in local and regional school districts, mentorship from faculty with classroom backgrounds, and structured support for meeting state certification requirements. Class sizes in professional courses are designed to allow personalised feedback, and the programme emphasises practical skills—such as assessment, behaviour support and instructional adaptation—that employers seek in new special educators.

The university’s location enables students to complete a variety of practicum settings, from urban to rural schools, giving a broad perspective on service delivery. Additionally, Murray State provides advising and resources to help candidates prepare for licensure examinations and to plan continuing study or entry into the workforce.