Michigan is located in the Midwestern region of the United States, is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, and as a result, has the longest freshwater coastline in the country. Economically, the state is well known as the center of the automotive industry. The “Big Three” automakers have headquarters in the state and continue to dominate manufacturing in the U.S.
With ninety-three colleges and universities in the state, Michigan offers a variety of graduate-level degree programs in education and numerous areas for specialization.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Eastern Michigan University, MI
College of Education
With an “exemplary” rating by the State of Michigan, ranked among the “Best Colleges” by a major college agency and recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Showcase for Excellence award twice, the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University is a premier resource for teacher preparation degrees in the nation.
Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees are available with specializations in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, Educational Psychology, Teaching and Urban/Diversity Education.
Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities (LD) (K-12)
For students seeking their first teaching endorsement, the Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities degree will provide the skills necessary for an LD specialization for K-12. A dual endorsement can also be earned in learning disabilities and/or cognitive impairment or emotional impairment. Graduates are given the tools, knowledge and skills necessary to deliver services to children with special needs.
The Learning Disabilities track requires a minimum of 37 hours of core and methods courses in the following program of study: Classroom management and social development of special needs students, laws and policies related to disabled individuals, collaboration methods with general education programs, assessment and diagnosis of the learning disabled, math and motor skills development, linguistics and language arts development, plus a learning disabilities field experience.
Accreditations
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Contact Information
310 Porter Building
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Phone: 734.487.1414
[email protected]
http://www.emich.edu/coe/about/index.html
Grand Valley State University, MI
College of Education
Grand Valley State University’s College of Education is proud to offer high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs with small class sizes for more personalized attention. Developing well-trained educators to serve their local and world communities is their main goal. Master of Education degrees are available in the following areas of emphasis: Educational Technology, Higher Education, Instruction and Curriculum, Leadership, Literacy Studies, School Counseling and Special Education.
Master’s degree and Post-Baccalaureate certification programs are designed for adult learners with established professional teaching careers. To better accommodate busy schedules and multiple responsibilities, the College of Education offers opportunities for part-time status, full-time status, day and evening classes, on-campus and online courses.
Master of Education in Special Education – Emotional Impairment (K-12)
The Special Education master’s degree with emphasis in Emotional Impairment prepares candidates to address emotional and behavioral disorders of grades Kindergarten through 12 and provide interventions for academic, social and affective needs through education. The series is available in three specialty tracks with each requiring 33 credit hours of coursework and practicum experience in a special education setting.
Courses build teaching skills in research, social foundations and emotional impairment: Evaluation, diagnosis and intervention techniques, policies in education, social and cultural foundations, inclusion practices and transition methods for emotionally impaired students. Both a master’s thesis and project are requirements for graduation.
Master of Education in Special Education – Learning Disabilities (K-12)
The Learning Disabilities track of the graduate-level Special Education degree gives students real-world experiences to better understand the realities of today’s inclusive classrooms. By including children (grades K-12) with learning disabilities in a general education classroom, teachers are better able to assist students to transition an independent life outside the classroom.
Every Master of Education in Special Education student is prepared for a career in a variety of special education settings. By learning research-based practices in all areas of the learning disabilities emphasis, graduates become better at assessment, designing individual programs, remediation techniques and transition skills.
Master of Education in Leadership – Special Education Administration (B-22)
The Master of Education in Leadership degree can lead to specialization in Special Education Administration, Special Education Supervisor or Director of Special Education. The program prepares candidates for emphasis in the areas of Special Education Law, Finance, Curriculum, Staff Development, Personnel Administration and Current Issues. Program requirements incorporate social and research foundation courses (policy and practice) plus an emphasis on Special Education Administration. Expertise in special education law, programs and services, curriculum and instruction, personnel, finance, and school and community relationships is emphasized.
Accreditations
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Contact Information
Richard M. DeVos Center
401 W. Fulton, Building C
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 331-6650
[email protected]
http://www.gvsu.edu/coe/grad/graduate-program-information-45.htm
Western Michigan University, MI
College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University offer teacher preparation graduate programs that emphasize research-generated training for enhanced career outcomes. By engaging in community partnerships, Western Michigan University establishes an environment conducive to life-long learning.
The COE is comprised of numerous academic units that provide both initial certifications and graduate degrees: Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology; Educational Leadership, Research and Technology; Special Education and Literacy Studies; Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies.
Master of Arts in Special Education (K-12)
The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies offers a Master of Arts in Special Education program with concentration tracks for Emotional Impairments, Cognitive Impairment and Learning Disabilities. Each program emphasis integrates a curriculum focused on reading and literacy for special needs students in grades K-12.
The Clinical Teacher Option provides certified teachers with an opportunity to earn a master’s degree and an initial teaching endorsement in special education. Graduates can expect to be skilled in critically evaluating children with disabilities, prepare curricula, communicate and collaborate with families, teachers and service providers, plus problem-solving aptitude in a special education setting.
Accreditations
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Contact Information
1903 Western Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5200
(269) 387-1000
http://wmich.edu/specialed/academics
