The Master of Arts in Special Education program is designed to produce highly qualified K-12 special education teachers with endorsement in Learning Disabilities or Cognitive Impairments. These teachers will demonstrate competencies in research-based and specialized knowledge and skills, and use best practices in the field.
The program requires 36 credits of planned coursework, including two six-week internships. All students complete six special education core courses, the Learning Disabilities or the Cognitive Impairment option, each of which includes three additional courses and two six-week internships, and a research seminar.
The program is aligned with State of Michigan requirements, Council for Exceptional Children/National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Educators (CEC/NCATE) standards, and The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
Requirements.
- Core education courses (18 credits).
EDN 500 - Individuals with Special Needs.
EDN 501 - Special Education in American Schools.
EDN 502 - Family, School and Community Collaboration for Students with Special Needs.
EDN 540 - Behavioral and Instructional Methods in Special Education.
EDN 541 - Assessment, Identification, and Program Planning for Students with Special Needs.
EDN 544 - Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs.
- One of the following endorsement options (15 credits).
Learning Disabilities endorsement.
EDN 600 - Comprehensive Overview of Learning Disabilities.
EDN 640 - Methods-Learning Disabilities.
EDN 660 - Learning Disabilities Elementary Practicum. *
EDN 662 - Learning Disabilities Secondary Practicum. *
EDR 645 - Literacy Instruction for Students Identified with Special Needs.
Cognitive Impairment endorsement.
EDN 601 - Comprehensive Overview of Cognitive Impairments.
EDN 641 - Methods-Cognitive Impairments.
EDN 661 - Cognitive Impairments Elementary Practicum. *
EDN 663 - Cognitive Impairments Secondary Practicum. *
EDR 645 - Literacy Instruction for Students Identified with Special Needs.
- Research Seminar (3 credits).
EDE 670 .
- Electives (for transfer students requiring additional credits).
ECE 520 - Early Childhood Special Education.
EDN 602 - Issues and Trends in Special Education.
Other courses approved by advisor.
- Grades of B- (4.0) or better in all required courses and an overall GPA of B (5.0) or better required for student teaching eligibility.
*One placement in elementary (6 weeks/3 credits) and one in middle/secondary setting (6 weeks/3 credits). Each placement, if possible, should be in a different type of setting (i.e. inclusive, self-contained, resource room) serving students in the area of endorsement. It is possible to complete both placements in one semester if student is not currently teaching full time, or placements may be completed in two different semesters. If candidates currently teaching full time, one placement, if approved, may be completed in own classroom providing they have students with the disability. The second placement would need to be completed in different setting during summer term.
Special Education Certificate Endorsement
Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Special Education program, minus the research seminar, fulfills the 33-credit State of Michigan requirement for a single endorsement in Learning Disabilities (coded SM in Michigan) or Cognitive Impairment (coded SA) for graduates with teaching certificates from the State of Michigan.
Individuals who already possess one endorsement earned at the undergraduate level may complete a second endorsement with as few as 18 additional credits. However, if a Master’s degree is desired along with the second endorsement, 36 credits at the graduate level are required. Some of these may be electives approved by the Education Department advisor. Transfer credits from other Special Education programs also may be considered on an individual basis. See the Education Department for further information.
