Central Office/Special Education Director – District-Level Certificate Online

Become a special ed director prepared to lead comprehensive services in your school district and advocate for exceptional learners.

Apply by: 4/27/26
Start class: 5/11/26 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

Reach the highest level in school leadership with this online special ed director program

Strengthen your special education director qualifications with the online Central Office/Special Education Director – District-Level Certificate program from Northwest Missouri State University. Designed for aspiring leaders in special education, this accelerated program builds on your knowledge and meets all academic requirements for Missouri Special Education Director certification.

Acquire management skills to ensure special education services comply with state and federal law, and discover assessment and IEP strategies that help students succeed. Demonstrate your expertise and insight through a mentored internship with a district administrator or superintendent. If you’re currently an Ed.S. or MSEd. student, flexible entry points allow you to complete certificate coursework without delaying degree completion.

This online special education director certification program prepares you to:

  • Apply evidence-based instructional and leadership strategies to improve outcomes for students with exceptionalities
  • Demonstrate ethical and effective leadership within special education systems
  • Manage fiscal and personnel resources aligned with district goals and Missouri DESE regulations
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to promote inclusive practices and compliance with state and federal guidelines
  • Reflect critically on professional practice and district-level leadership development
This online special education director certification program prepares you to:
  • Apply evidence-based instructional and leadership strategies to improve outcomes for students with exceptionalities
  • Demonstrate ethical and effective leadership within special education systems
  • Manage fiscal and personnel resources aligned with district goals and Missouri DESE regulations
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to promote inclusive practices and compliance with state and federal guidelines
  • Reflect critically on professional practice and district-level leadership development

Upon completion of the special education director online certificate program, you can pursue district-level leadership positions that include:

  • Director of Special Education
  • Director of Student Support
  • Director of Special Education Compliance
  • District Special Services Administrator
  • Coordinator of Exceptional Student Services
Upon completion of the special education director online certificate program, you can pursue district-level leadership positions that include:
  • Director of Special Education
  • Director of Student Support
  • Director of Special Education Compliance
  • District Special Services Administrator
  • Coordinator of Exceptional Student Services

Also available

Northwest also offers a variety of education master's and Ed.S. programs online.

Total Tuition $5,232*
Program Duration As few as 10 months
Credit Hours 12

Accreditation:

Higher Learning Commission transparency logo

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

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Tuition

Learn about tuition for this director of special education certification online program

Our special ed director certificate program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
SPED Director Certificate $436 $1,308 $5,232

Important Refund Information

2nd day of class Last date for 100% refund for dropped course
4th day of class Last date for 75% refund for dropped course
6th day of class Last date for 50% refund for dropped course
8th day of class Last date for 25% refund for dropped course

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $5,232*
Per Credit Hour $436

Calendar

Keep up with important dates and deadlines

The Northwest director of special education certification online program is delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

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TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer 15/11/264/27/264/30/265/4/265/6/266/26/26
Summer 26/29/266/12/266/17/266/22/266/24/268/14/26
Fall 18/24/268/10/268/13/268/17/268/19/2610/9/26

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 4/27/26
Next Class Start Date: 5/11/26
Ready to take the next steps toward

earning your degree?

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Admissions

Review admission requirements for the online special ed director certificate

At Northwest, we've streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the director of special education certification online program, including any additional materials you need and where you should send them.

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To apply for this program, you must meet these requirements:

  • Accepted and enrolled in, or completed, Ed.S. Educational Leadership K-12 or MSEd. Educational Leadership K12 at Northwest, or completed Ed.S. Educational Leadership K-12 or MSEd. Educational Leadership K-12 from another accredited college or university (pending transcript review to determine whether additional courses are needed)

Official transcript(s) can be emailed to: [email protected]. To submit official documents by mail, send them to:

Graduate Office
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.

Click here for State Authorization information.


Admission Requirements:

  • Accepted and enrolled in, or completed, Ed.S. Educational Leadership K-12 or MSEd. Educational Leadership K12 at Northwest, or completed Ed.S. Educational Leadership K-12 or MSEd. Educational Leadership K-12 from another accredited college or university (pending transcript review to determine whether additional courses are needed)
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Courses

Explore courses that will help you meet district-level special education director qualifications

Curriculum for the Special Education Director District-Level Graduate Certificate online program is comprised of four courses (12 credit hours) in addition to courses completed in the Northwest Ed.S. in Educational Leadership K-12 program.

You may be required to take additional courses if you have completed, or are completing, a master's or Ed.S. in Educational Leadership K-12, or a superintendency program, at a university other than Northwest. Please consult the program advisor for additional information.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course includes the administration and interpretation of the most commonly used individual tests of ability and achievement used to evaluate students and make data-based decisions with an emphasis in the areas of special education and reading.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Methods and strategies, including numerous examples of curricular and instructional methodologies utilized in teaching K-12 students with mild to moderate disabilities such as learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, and physical and other health impairment.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Procedures, responsibilities, and problems relating to the administration of special education programs. These experiences should include, but not be limited to, the following: administrative patterns, legal basis, financial aspects, placement conferences, managing the IEP, placement alternatives, program services, outcomes, and evaluation, inclusion, professional and ethical practices, and grant development.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2-4
Involves a field experience in which the student spends periods of time observing and performing various functions associated with special education administration. These experiences should include, but not be limited to the following: administrative matters, a legal basis for special education, financial aspects, placement conferences, managing the IEP, placement alternatives, program evaluation, inclusion and grant development. Prerequisite(s): EDCI 62621

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Northwest Missouri State University ranked #20 among the “Top Public Schools, Regional Universities Midwest” according to U.S. News & World Report (2025)

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