An applicant for to the master’s degree program in special education is required to submit:
- Both departmental and university application forms.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic potential to pursue graduate study and teaching competence or potential.
A statement of professional goals that clearly describes the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a masters degree and the goals that the emphasis area will help the student attain.
Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of a high probability of success. The following factors are significant in determining to the program:
- A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours attempted of undergraduate and all graduate courses.
- A valid teaching certificate in elementary or secondary education or eligibility for to the teacher certification program.
- Experience working with children and youth with disabilities (e.g., in a school or camp emphasis area) that is acceptable to the faculty. The experience should be related to the applicant’s planned area of emphasis.
- Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the program.
- A test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.
Students who are seeking certification or endorsement through these emphasis areas and who do not have a valid teaching certificate must complete the requirements for teacher certification in elementary or secondary education, in addition to meeting the requirements for the master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in autism spectrum disorder, or learning disabilities.
Students who enter the master's degree program with a valid teaching certificate in elementary or secondary education and who desire an additional endorsement in an area of special education also must meet the endorsement requirements for autism spectrum disorder, or learning disabilities.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Special Education
In addition to a formal evaluation, the student must complete one of the following three areas of emphasis: autism spectrum disorder, or learning disabilities. The total number of credits required for the Master of Arts in Special Education varies according to the area of emphasis a student selects. The program is available only online and only under Plan B (without thesis).
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Two programs in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are available; autism spectrum disorder or autism spectrum disorder with an autism spectrum disorder endorsement. All graduate-level courses are offered via a combination of web-based, video conference, and phone/video-phone technologies. Students are required to have access to the appropriate technologies and the internet. A student who, in the judgment of the faculty, has not completed appropriate courses in exceptional children or behavior management may be required to complete such courses in addition to the courses listed below.
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Master of Arts with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement
Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits if they possess a teaching certificate and an initial endorsement in special education. A student who possesses a teaching certificate and is seeking an initial endorsement in special education will be required to complete an additional 6 credits (3 credits of CEP 840 and 3 credits of CEP 893J) for a total of 36 credits. A student who earned a teaching certificate and endorsement in learning disabilities from Michigan State University can transfer 12 credits of approved course work and complete this program upon the completion of 18 credits.
