Special Education and Literacy Studies

Special Education and Literacy Studies
Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5258 USA | (269) 387-5935

Expedited M.A. in Special Education with Initial Teaching Certification

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This program is offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous courses.

This innovative master’s program is the first in the state to offer an expedited 18-month master’s level program in Special Education that results in an initial teacher certification with a special education endorsement in autism spectrum disorder, emotional impairments, or learning disabilities. The College of Education and Human Development has implemented this program to keep up with the State of ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§â€™s high need for special educators and to increase accessibility to those seeking a first-time teacher’s license. 

Note: Select "Main Campus" and "Special Education: Clinical Teaching - MA" when you apply. 

Why the Expedited M.A. in Special Education with Initial Teaching Certification at Western ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ University?

  • Program completion leads to State of ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§ initial teaching certificate and endorsement in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional impairments (EI), or learning disabilities (LD).
  • Funding options are available including graduate teaching assistantships, scholarships, and Urban Teacher Residency stipends.
  • Cohort model provides a community of professionals with shared interests and goals to progress through the program together.
  • 96% of CEHD Graduates are actively engaged in their field shortly after graduation.
  • Top 100 ranked public Graduate School of Education.

Who should apply?

Aspiring teachers who currently hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking their initial teaching certification with a desire to work with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional impairments (EI), or learning disabilities (LD). 

Program details

  • Credits required to degree: 32-38
  • Credits required for additional certifications: 14-20

 

Additional information

  • Applicants must hold a 4-year bachelor’s degree in any area, have experience working with children, and complete a Candidates Disposition Inventory as part of the interview process.

    Applicants are evaluated on:

    • Undergraduate GPA
    • Experience working with children, especially those with special education needs
    • Writing skills
  • Application guide

A M.A. in Special Education with endorsements in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional impairments (EI), or learning disabilities (LD) is designed to lead students to a career as a Special Education teacher.

The College of Education and Human Development has awarded $2.2 million in scholarships over the last five years. View all scholarships.

The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies typically hires 3-4 teaching assistants to assist faculty with teaching during the fall and spring semesters. Graduate students wishing to be considered for one of these positions should send a letter of interest and a resume to the chair.

If your employer has a tuition reimbursement program, such as Kalamazoo Public Schools, find out about WMU’s deferment program for employer paid tuition.

In the 2020-2021 WMU Post-Graduation Activity Report, 98% of the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies graduate degree recipients were actively engaged, full-time in the teaching area they were endorsed in and 90% were employed within the state of ¾ÅÒ»Â鶹ÖÆƬ³§.

Questions?

Kate LaLonde

Dr. Kate LaLonde

Program Coordinator
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