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.

• 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

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