Dec 26, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Educational Diagnostician with School Psychological Examiner Certification, M.S.Ed.

Location(s): Online


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CIP: 130604

The Master of Science in Education in Educational Diagnostician with School Psychological Examiner Certification at Northwest Missouri State University is designed to train professionals in the ethical use of formal and informal assessments within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), including special education, for the purpose of improving the educational outcomes of PK-12+ students who exhibit differing abilities. This program examines the role of educational diagnosticians from universal screening and pre-referral processes through special education eligibility determination and the provision of special education services. Within this program particular emphasis is placed on (1) the use of a problem-solving approach to assessment to formulate a multi-dimensional understanding of students’ strengths and weaknesses; (2) the use of data derived through the assessment process, to identify the most appropriate and practical evidence-based interventions according to students’ learning profiles; and (3) the importance of educational diagnosticians in bridging the research-to-practice gap.

This program was developed in alignment with standards for educational diagnosticians and the Missouri DESE School Psychological Examiner certification requirements.

Entrance Requirements

Any student seeking admittance to this program should have successfullAdditionally, either a teaching certification or student services with teaching certification should be provided for admission. Additionally, either a teaching degree, teaching certification, or completion of a human development degree should be provided for admission. As an entrance requirement for this program, the student should either: a) hold a degree in special education b) show a service record of teaching in special education for one complete academic year or c) complete EDCI 62642  during the first term enrolled at NW prior to starting program specific coursework.

Competency Assessment

To assess program effectiveness and meet the comprehensive assessment requirement, a Written Assessment of Competency Mastery is required of all students completing the M.S.Ed., Educational Diagnostician. The assessment will include the development of a professional portfolio which includes compliation of program skills, professional standards, and reflection on growth as a professional educator. The assessment will be completed during EDCI 62697 - Capstone Project: Educational Diagnosticians .

Total Credit Hours: 30


All majors seeking certification in Missouri must have completed EDCI 62641 - Educating the Exceptional Child  if the equivalent was not met in the undergraduate coursework or through ABCTE. Certification is determined by requirements in the various states. Completion of the program in Educational Diagnostician with School Psychological Examiner does not guarantee certification.

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