The first online program of its kind nationally this program was initiated with a unique partnership between the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the University of Missouri. Housed in MU’s department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology, which has two graduate programs accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Master’s program includes 24 hours of required course work and nine hours of electives, for a total of 33 hours. The Educational Specialist requires a total of 30 credit hours.

Each course emphasizes the prevention of mental health problems-within schools, families and communities-and the promotion of positive mental well-being for all children and adolescents, and is designed to make you a better, more effective educator, administrator or health services professional.

Online Degrees and Independent Study

The new Master of Education (M Ed) and the Educational Specialist degree (EdSp) with a focus in mental health practices in schools are the first online programs of their kind nationally. You complete your chosen degree completely via the Internet, with no campus visits required.

• Courses are online, accessible through the Internet from any computer with an Internet connection
• Courses include the same types of experiences as face-to-face courses (readings, discussion with instructors and other students, research, projects etc.)

2009-2010 course fees

Per semester credit hour for graduate internet courses

• Educational fee
  $298.70 per credit hour
• Technology fee
  $12.20 per credit hour
• Estimate total
  $932.70 per course

Convenience

The online degree is offered as a convenient way to further your education, study with MU faculty and lecturers, and avoid the inconveniences associated with traveling to campus.

Courses are interactive and semester-based, and some are also offered year-round through Independent Study.

Online degree program totals

Currently 70 degree-seeking students are enrolled in the master's and educational specialist degree tracks and we have 43 individuals who have graduated from the program.

Our students come from

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia

International student have enrolled from

• Canada
• Estonia
• Hong Kong
• Germany
• Myanmar

In the news

• New online degree offers understanding of mental health issues in schools.
• Exploring Mental Health Issues in the Schools offered by Center for Distance and Independent Study.
  "This was, without a doubt, one of the best courses I have ever taken. My compliments to the creator, grader and to the university," Student Marc Cooke writes. Cooke completed the course while living in Germany