Program Admission
Admission Criteria
- Meet the EMU graduate school admission requirements (including those for international students).
- Submit the names and contact information for two references who are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional ability, capability, disposition, etc.
- Additional Criteria
- Group 1 - None
- Group 2 - Hold a valid teaching certificate
- Group 3 - Hold a valid teaching certificate with special education endorsement
Conditional Admission
Applicants who do not hold a 2.7 undergraduate GPA may be considered by the Graduate School and program faculty for conditional admission. In this case, the student must complete the first nine credit hours of graduate courses at EMU and establish good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A student who does not achieve a 3.0 or higher in the first nine graduate credit hours at EMU will have their admission rescinded automatically with no opportunity to appeal.
Admission Process
Students may apply to the program year-round by completing a Graduate School application. The Special Education & Communication Sciences and Disorders Department is notified after a student’s application to the Graduate School is received. Students may begin classes as soon as they are accepted, provided the desired course(s) is/are not already underway (e.g., mid-semester).
Program Requirements
This program is for those who fall into one of the following three groups:
Group 1 - Those who have a bachelor’s degree but no teaching certificate. Students are seeking teacher certification with an initial special education endorsement as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Students in Group 1 must complete courses leading to initial teacher certification in either elementary or secondary teacher certification, as follows:
- If pursuing elementary certification, students are responsible for up to 41 credits of professional education coursework and up to 36 credits of liberal arts coursework. See advisor for specific course requirements.
- If pursuing secondary certification, students are responsible for up to 22 credits of professional education coursework and up to 21-29 credits of coursework in a teachable content area. See advisor for specific course requirements.
Upon completion of all graduate-level courses with a B or better grade, passing Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in both general and special education areas, and successfully performing two student teaching experiences, students in Group 1 will earn a standard Michigan teaching certificate in elementary education or secondary education; initial special education endorsement in the choice of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Learning Disabilities, or Physical/Other Health Impairment; and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Group 2 - Those who already have a teaching certificate in an area of general education (elementary or secondary). Students want to add a special education endorsement and attain a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Group 3 - Those who have both a teaching certificate and initial special education endorsement. Students want to add another special education endorsement in addition to earning a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree.
Students in Group 2 and Group 3 must also pass all classes with a “B” or higher, pass the MTTC in their special education endorsement area, and successfully complete one student teaching or practicum experience.
Deficiencies - If not previously taken, students must complete PSY 101 - General Psychology Lecture (3 hrs) and/or SPGN 510 - Introduction to Inclusive Education and Disability Studies (3 hrs).
Degree Requirements: 30-39 hours
All students take the same core courses, but additional coursework and exit courses are dependent on each student’s path (Group 1, 2, or 3). In addition, students select one special education concentration (ASD, CI, EI, LD, or POHI). A minimum grade of “B” is required in all courses.
