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Program Advantages
At William Woods, you’ll be participating in a graduate program built on more than 150 years of academic excellence. The program offers students the opportunity to enter the program at any point during a new 5-week term. Courses are designed and taught by professionals that not only hold degrees in the areas they instruct but have proven their expertise in the education world.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- The Admissions Committee may review student qualifications and conditionally/provisionally accept students who do not meet the above requirements
Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts (2.5 GPA or higher) mailed from the college/university of which you graduated
Your digital classroom. Available anywhere.
William Woods online graduate education programs are available to students across the country. In Missouri, our students come from Fulton, Columbia, Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, Ozark, Cape Girardeau, Rolla and many more locations. Beyond Missouri, our online graduates hail from California, Illinois, Kansas, Washington, Arkansas and other states.
Our graduate education programs are available online and are ranked among the best online programs in Missouri by US News and World Report.
Becoming a paraprofessional is a meaningful way to make a real difference in the lives of students every day. You’ll support children who need extra help, building strong relationships and watching them grow academically and personally. It’s a rewarding path for those who care about education and want hands-on classroom experience without needing a teaching license. The work schedule often follows the school calendar, making it ideal for work-life balance. If you’re looking for a purposeful career where your support truly matters, this role is a powerful place to start.
Credit Requirements
This 21-credit-hour degree consists of seven courses (3 credit hours each). In addition to the core credit hour requirement, students must complete the general education coursework and additional free electives.
Major Requirements
Core Credits: 21.00
| This course addresses various aspects of multiculturalism and cultural diversity such as culture, race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, language, age, and exceptionality. By examining these micro-cultures, students will understand and use this knowledge to meet individual student needs and address cultural differences effectively in the classroom. Concepts and strategies for teaching different cultural, racial, and ethnic groups, including English language learners, are included. credits: | Multicultural Education -U | 3 |
credits: | Educational Technology | 3 |
| A study of children with special needs who qualify for special education services. Topics include the history and legal basis of special education, the special education process, assessment and evaluation procedures, characteristics, and appropriate intervention strategies and teaching methods. Emphasis is placed on characteristics and teaching strategies for the following exceptionalities: learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior/emotional disorders and giftedness. credits: | Exceptional Child | 3 |
| This course is a comprehensive overview of the foundations of education in the United States. It focuses on the development of educational institutions and ideas, social forces that have influenced them and current issues affecting educators. It specifically includes a survey of the policies, procedures, portfolios and certification examinations that are part of the Missouri educator certification process. The nine Missouri Teacher Standards will be integrated, and used as a guide, throughout the course. credits: | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| This course addresses the special demands of content area reading and writing for both elementary and secondary students and encourages teachers in all content areas to reflect on their roles as literacy providers. An overview of the possible causes of reading difficulties and simple assessment procedures are discussed. Students will also learn teaching strategies for improved comprehension of content materials, study skills, and vocabulary. credits: | Reading & Wrtng in the Content Area | 3 |
| The study of the psychological principles that support the foundation of educational theory and practice. The student will be able to understand and apply the psychological principles that form the basis of educational theory and practice. credits: | Educational Psychology -Q | 3 |
| The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the typical development of a child from birth through emerging adulthood. Biological, cognitive and social development and the influencing factors will be covered. Students will be expected to apply the theories discussed in the course to improve child welfare. credits: | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 |