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.

• 2021-2022 Application (Winter 22)
• 2022-2023 Application (Summer 22, Fall 22, or Winter 23)  

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.

• Present a valid teaching certificate. Interested applicants without a teaching certificate should contact the Graduate Coordinator for options.
• Submit two references (name and contact information).
• Personal statement from the applicant.
• Be recommended for acceptance by a faculty member (this may involve a personal interview).

Admissions and program requirements for Master of Arts programs in Autism Spectrum Disorders [M.A.] , Communication Sciences and Disorders [M.A.] , and Learning Disabilities [M.A.]  are described separately.

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

Please contact the department for advisor information.

Program Requirements

The graduate student seeking a Master of Arts degree through the Special Education & Communication Sciences and Disorders Department must:

1. Complete a minimum of 33 to 37 hours of approved graduate credit with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
2. Complete an approved master’s degree program that has been planned with a special education graduate advisor.
3. Complete the degree requirements within six years of enrolling for the first course applicable to the degree program.
4. Receive a recommendation from the area faculty committee for continuance in the program. This is done upon completion of 12 to 15 hours of courses, and before the internship/practicum. The committee will consider GPA, faculty recommendations, demonstrated competence in academic and professional work, and rate of progress in the program.
5. Meet all other requirements of the Graduate School.

Exit Requirements

Exit criteria involve achievement of the objectives for graduate study in special education listed previously, as demonstrated by:

1. Completion of all coursework on the program (minimum GPA of 3.0).
2. Completion of required practica/internship.
3. Completion of a thesis, if pursuing the thesis option, or other culminating experience, which may include but not be limited to comprehensive oral or written examination, portfolio or other product, performance or exhibit.

Degree Requirements: 33-37 hours