Accelerated Online Master’s in Gifted Education, MA

Essential Skills & Insights

Lindenwood University’s Accelerate Online Master’s in Gifted Education program equips you with the specialized skills to support exceptional learners and lead programs that foster academic and personal growth. You’ll strengthen your instructional strategies, communication abilities, and leadership expertise while developing a holistic approach to gifted education.

• Adaptable Instructional Models: Advance your ability to design and deliver instruction that accommodates diverse learning needs, ensuring gifted students are challenged and engaged.
• Advanced Communication Skills: Build high-level verbal and written communication strategies to effectively collaborate with students, families, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Leadership in Gifted Programs: Develop the expertise to design, implement, and evaluate gifted education initiatives that make a meaningful impact on student success.
• Holistic Student Development: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted learners, enabling you to support their growth beyond the classroom.

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AI-Powered Learning, Real-World Impact

Our accelerated online programs integrate opportunities to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool for learning and career preparation. Students apply AI in ways that build authentic skills and mirror how businesses are leveraging it across industries. We emphasize ethical and responsible use, ensuring that students develop the judgment to apply AI appropriately. This approach helps graduates enter the workforce with both technical knowledge and a clear understanding of AI’s role in their discipline.

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Careers in Gifted Education

Educators with expertise in gifted education are in high demand as schools and districts work to meet the needs of advanced learners while promoting equity and inclusion. A Master’s in Gifted Education prepares you to design specialized programs, lead instructional innovation, and advocate for students’ unique academic and developmental needs.

• Gifted Program Coordinator — Median salary: $78,000
  Oversee the design and management of gifted education programs at the school or district level. Coordinators evaluate student needs, support teachers, and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Curriculum Specialist — Median salary: $76,000
  Develop and refine curriculum frameworks that challenge gifted students while aligning with educational standards. Specialists often provide professional development for teachers to implement differentiated strategies.
• Instructional Coach — Median salary: $74,000
  Support teachers in applying best practices for gifted education by modeling lessons, mentoring educators, and helping integrate technology and innovative approaches into classrooms.
• District Administrator — $90,000+
  Lead at the district level by shaping policy, overseeing program budgets, and advocating for resources that support gifted and advanced learners across multiple schools.

AI & Innovation in Gifted Education

Graduates will also be prepared to apply artificial intelligence and advanced learning technologies to identify gifted learners, personalize instruction, and track student growth—ensuring equitable access to opportunities for exceptional students.

Missouri Gifted Education Certification

The Accelerated Online Master’s in Gifted Education online at Lindenwood University meets Missouri Department of Education (DESE) academic requirements for Missouri Gifted Certification.

The process for becoming a certified gifted education teacher in Missouri involves several steps. These include the following:

1. Hold Valid Missouri Teaching Certificate
2. Complete Coursework in Gifted Education (i.e., Lindenwood’s master’s in gifted education online)
3. Pass the Praxis Exam for Gifted Education Certification
4. Apply for Your Certification though Missouri DESE

Those interested in teacher certification outside Missouri should verify that Lindenwood meets the certification requirements of other states.

Admissions Requirements

For admission to your Accelerated Online MA in Gifted Education, you will need to satisfy the following requirements:

• Proof of valid teaching license from any state is required when applying.
• Two years of teaching experience is required prior to enrollment.
• Students are required to comply with fieldwork site background clearance and vaccination requirements.

For admission to your Accelerated Online MA in Gifted Education, simply complete the 2 step application process.

1. Complete the Graduate Admissions Online Application by visiting my.lindenwood.edu/register
2. Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s) showing a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
   
   Only transcripts with the final degree posted are required if you attended multiple institutions.
   
   Request your official transcript to be sent directly to Lindenwood University Accelerated Online via one of the methods below:
   • Electronically to: [email protected]
   • By Mail to:
     Office of Admissions
     Lindenwood University Accelerated Online
     8205 S Priest Dr #11480
     Tempe, AZ 85284
   • By Fax to: 480-393-1826

Curriculum Overview

The accelerated online Master’s in Gifted Education program at Lindenwood University offers a specialized curriculum designed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to support gifted and talented learners and their families along with school personnel and administrators. With the guidance of experienced faculty, you will explore advanced strategies in differentiation, curriculum development, and advocacy for gifted education. This program will prepare you to apply the evidence-based teaching practices to create enriched learning experiences that nurture the potential of gifted students.

Our Master’s in Gifted Education meets Missouri Department of Education (DESE) academic requirements for Missouri Gifted Certification. The process for becoming a certified gifted education teacher in the State of Missouri involves several steps:

1. Hold Valid Missouri Teaching Certificate
2. Complete Coursework in Gifted Education (i.e., Lindenwood’s master’s in gifted education online)
3. Pass the Praxis Exam for Gifted Education Certification
4. Apply for Your Certification though Missouri DESE

If you are interested in applying for gifted education teacher certification outside Missouri please verify that Lindenwood meets the certification requirements of your state of residency.

Prerequisite Coursework – 0-3 credit hours

Foundation courses are provided to support student readiness for MBA coursework and are required if students have not taken prior undergraduate courses:

Code	Title	Credits
EDU 50410	Human Growth, Development, and the Exceptional Learner	3

Human Growth, Development, and the Exceptional Learner

This course introduces and combines principles of human development, educational psychology, and special education. Teacher candidates will compare the application of methods based on research in cognitive science with those based on principles of behaviorism. Topics include creating positive learning environments and supportive relationships for learning, increasing motivation, problem-solving, assessing student performance, and planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Teacher candidates will also explore the history of, legal basis for, and contemporary issues in special education. They will examine characteristics of exceptionalities, the referral process, service delivery models, and Individualized Education Programs.

Major Coursework I – 9 credit hours

Code	Title	Credits
EDT 50900	Innovation Mindset	3
EDU 51000	Conceptualization of Education	3
EDU 57000	Educational Research	3

Innovation Mindset

This course examines the role of innovation in education as a theory and a practice. Students will incorporate new educational technology tools into their learning through projects designed to foster innovative thinking and a growth mindset.

Conceptualization of Education

This course is designed to provide an overview of education from historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives. Students will expand on their understanding of contemporary education through an investigation of the changing role of educators in current social, political, and economic times using current peer reviewed articles and other open educational resources (OER).

Educational Research

This course is designed to engage practitioners in the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of educational research for use in a variety of educational practices. The student will investigate the basis of educational research, along with pertinent methods of data collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative research results. Emphasis will be placed on research problems, designs, and findings in the student’s selected area of concentration. Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to narrow a research topic, complete accepted scholarly search strategies, identify and synthesize research articles, and correctly format a literature review using established APA guidelines.

Major Coursework II – 15 credit hours

Code	Title	Credits
EDU 51300	Survey of Gifted and Talented Education	3
EDU 52010	Curriculum Analysis and Design for Gifted Education	3
EDU 52400	Assessment of Intellectual Skills	3
EDU 54200	Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs	3
EDU 54400	Meeting the Affective Needs of Gifted Children	3

Survey of Gifted and Talented Education

This course includes entry-level concepts and is a prerequisite for future study in the field. The course introduces students to basic terminology, theories, and general approaches and encompasses the following broad aspects of the field: history; major research; philosophy; definitions; cognitive, social and emotional characteristics and needs of the gifted; types and levels of giftedness; broad-based identification procedures; general program issues, approaches; special populations; teacher characteristics and competencies.

Curriculum Analysis and Design for Gifted Education

This course has a dual emphasis. First, it includes substantive study of past and current curricula with attention to their bases in research and theory. Second, this knowledge is utilized by participants in preparing curricular programs which will enable them to function more effectively in their particular educational settings. Emphasis will focus on curricula used for educating gifted learners in a K-12 setting.

Assessment of Intellectual Skills

This course teaches students about the use of non-projective, educationally relevant tests, including theories of measurement, test construction, test administration, and the use of assessment results. Students will review administration of one of the more commonly used methods of assessment, either the SB-V or WISC-V. Students will be provided with opportunities (online or in class) to view assessments and demonstrations of the commonly used assessments in schools today. Students will also be introduced to ethical considerations, confidentiality, and the impact of diversity in testing. The role of testing in special programs, including gifted identification and the Response to Intervention (RtI) model will also be discussed. Prerequisite: EDU 51500; EDU 52210.

Administration and Supervision of Gifted Programs

This course provides the fundamental principles of program development for the gifted. Topics addressed include student identification procedures with particular focus on special populations of the gifted; needs assessment; philosophy of curriculum development; staff selection and development; budgeting; resource identification and utilization; strategies for communicating the rationale for gifted education to the education community and the community at large; parent and community role clarification; program monitoring and evaluation, and strategies for producing change. Role functions and referent groups are studied as well as general educational procedures; steps in basic program development, including a manual of guidelines and procedures; provision for appropriate resources; and refinement of effective parent and community involvement.

Meeting the Affective Needs of Gifted Children

This course focuses on the differential affective characteristics and needs of students who are gifted. General counseling techniques will be studied as they apply to working with the gifted. This area includes such topics as communicating with the gifted, their teachers and parents; assessing special interests, needs and expectations (e.g., underachievement, perfectionism, self-esteem, leadership peer pressure, depression, suicide, motivation, personal and social dynamics, and parenting skills); the role of the school in psycho-social development; and the potential of the gifted to achieve.

Elective Coursework – 3 credit hours:

Code	Title	Credits
EDU 53000	A Survey of Learning Styles	3

A Survey of Learning Styles

This course includes an in-depth examination of theories of learning styles with emphasis on Brain Dominance, Learning Styles, and Multiple Intelligences. Applications of the models as they can be adapted to basic teaching styles will be stressed.

Practical Application Coursework – 3 credit hours:

Code	Title	Credits
EDU 54900	Practicum: Gifted Education	3, 30 fieldwork horus

Practicum: Gifted Education

This course involves the application of knowledge, skills, and competencies delineated in the five basic areas of study: survey; program planning and development; screening, assessing, and evaluating; instruction; meeting the affective needs of the gifted and talented. A practicum will be individualized to address the needs, abilities, and prior educational and professional experiences of the students and focus on designing and evaluating curriculum and instruction methods that enhance the specific learning styles of students who are gifted. Individual conferences and group meetings will provide opportunities to share and discuss problems and solutions encountered during the practicum.

Program Length Details

Lindenwood University’s (LU) Accelerated Online programs offer you choice and flexibility to support your education journey. Time to complete a master’s degree can vary based on course load, transfer credits, and individual pacing. You will tailor a course schedule that keeps you in the driver’s seat.

• Transfer Credit: LU allows 9 transfer credits toward a master’s degree and you can complete your degree in as few as 21 credits.
• Accelerated Courses: LU accelerated online programs offer 10 5-week terms per year. By enrolling in two courses per term, you can potentially begin and complete your master’s degree in 7 months.
• Frequent Start Dates: LU offers multiple start dates throughout the year so you can begin your studies when you are ready allowing you to graduate sooner.
• Personalized Degree Plan: LU academic advisors will work with you to tailor your degree plan to support your education goals while balancing your personal and professional responsibilities.