Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Special Education [Sp.A.]


The Special Education & Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers a Specialist of Arts degree designed to prepare highly qualified leadership personnel in two general areas of study:

  1. Administration and supervision of special education programs.
  2. Curriculum development/assistive technology.

Model

Eastern Michigan University’s advanced professional education programs support inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society. In addition, the master’s level programs in the Department of Special Education & Communication Sciences and Disorders produce professionals with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and attitudes to deliver a continuum of habilitative/rehabilitative services to persons with special needs, and to their families, within a diverse society.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
  • Have three years of documented professional experience in special education.
  • Have an endorsement in one area of special education.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation to include one letter verifying three years of successful professional experience in special education and one letter from a faculty member or other person knowledgeable of a candidate’s academic competence.
  • Have a successful personal interview.

Department Information


Special Education & Communication Sciences and Disorders | David Winters, Ph.D., Department Head | 128 Porter, 734.487.3300, dwinter1@emich.edu

Derrick Fries, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator | 106 Porter, 734.487.3300, dfries@emich.edu

Contact the Graduate Coordinator for information concerning admissions and programs of study.

Advisor Information


John Palladino, Ph.D., 128 Porter, 734.487.3300, jpalladi@emich.edu

Derrick Fries, Ph.D., 106 Porter, 734.487.3300, dfries@emich.edu

Program Requirements


The program requirements for the Specialist of Arts degree include:

  1. Completion of a minimum of 33 hours beyond the master’s degree.
  2. Achievement of an overall GPA of 3.3 (B+) or better.
  3. Recommendation from the Specialist’s degree committee for continuance in the program. This is to be done upon completion of 12-15 hours of course work, and before internship and thesis or independent study. The committee will consider GPA, faculty recommendations, demonstrated competence in academic and professional work, and rate of progress in the program. Students must demonstrate behaviors that indicate stability, maturity, understanding, and aptitude as judged necessary for predicted success as a Specialist in special education administration/curriculum.
  4. Completion of an internship.
  5. Achievement of passing scores on oral and written examinations near the completion of the program.
  6. Completion of all other requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

Degree Requirements: 41 hours


Concentration Courses: 13 hours


Select from either option I or option II:

Option I: Administrative Strand (SPAD)

Thirteen hours selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.

Option II: Curriculum/Assistive Technology Strand (SPCD)

Thirteen hours selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.

Culminating Experience: 8 hours


Required by all specialist’s degree candidates:

Exit Criteria


Criteria are to meet all the objectives listed previously for graduate study in special education, as demonstrated by successful completion of:

  • All course work in the program of study (minimum GPA of 3.3)
  • Approved internship
  • Thesis or independent study
  • Oral and written examinations