Two new master’s degrees

Two new master’s degrees began in fall 2017: a Master of Applied Science in Assessment with a K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education option, and an MBA.

The MBA, offered through the Craig School of Business, has four concentration options: general business, enterprise resource planning, forensic accounting, and animal and life sciences. Dr. Logan Jones is the program coordinator. He noted that beginning in fall 2018, the degree will also be offered totally online.

The new degree in the Department of Education replaces the option in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which is being phased out. Successful completion of the MAS in Assessment degree will prepare graduates to complete the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) and qualify for K-12 Mild/Moderate, Cross-Categorical Special Education licensure from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It is offered entirely online.

“The need for effective educators who know how to teach students with mild or moderate disabilities becomes more critical every year,” said Dr. Dan Shepherd, chair of Missouri Western’s Department of Education. “This new option will help address that shortage because it is specifically designed to prepare graduates for state licensure.”

Dr. Susan M. Bashinski, associate professor of special education and director of graduate programs in education, said the program includes a significant amount of practical, hands-on experience with a strong foundation in current research and practice. She said discounted tuition is available to cohort groups who enroll.

“We are always looking for ways to meet the needs of our region’s students and employers, and these programs are good examples of adjusting our curriculum to help fill a significant need for businesses and school districts in our region,” said Dr. Ben Caldwell, dean of the Graduate School.

For additional information, visit missouriwestern.edu/graduate.