Apr 19, 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 Teaching Endorsement [Graduate Certificate]


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This Graduate Certificate in Special Education Teaching Endorsement program is for special education teachers who want to earn a second or third special education endorsement but do not want to pursue a master’s degree path. This program offers five endorsement areas: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Learning Disabilities, or Physical/Other Health Impairment.

This program is not for anyone seeking an initial special education endorsement.

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:

  • Hold a valid teaching certificate with a special education endorsement

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).

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


Students must

  • Successfully complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved graduate credit as outlined below and planned with a program advisor;
  • Successfully complete a supervised practicum experience;
  • Successfully complete the degree requirements within six years of enrolling for the first class applicable to the degree program; and
  • Meet all other requirements of the Graduate Certificate Program.

Degree Requirements: 20 hours


Students will complete 20 hours from the following

Endorsement Area Courses: 12 hours


Students accepted into the Graduate Certificate Special Education Endorsement program will elect a K-12 teaching endorsement in one of the following areas:

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