WMU Special Education Program

WMU Special Education Program page for the special education programs at Western Michigan University. Students will have the option to earn a minor in the core content areas.

Undergraduate program
Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education
Upon completion of this five-year program, graduates will be eligible for Michigan teacher certification in Elementary Education K-5, Elementary Education K-8 (self-contained), Special Education endorsements in Learning Disabilities (K-12) and Emotional Impairment (K-12). Graduate Programs
Master’s Degree in Sp

ecial Education with a First Endorsement – Clinical Teacher Option
At the graduate level students may earn first endorsements in one of the following areas: Autism, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, and Learning Disabilities. Students interested in a first endorsement should apply to our Clinical Teacher program indicating their area of endorsement. Each endorsement is a minimum of thirty credit hours. A Master’s degree with a first endorsement is a minimum thirty-six credit hours. Master’s Degree in Special Education with a Second or Additional Endorsement or concentration area—Master Teacher Option
At the graduate level students may earn a second or additional endorsements in the following areas: Autism, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, and Learning Disabilities. Students may also earn a concentration as a Behavior Specialist. Students interested in any of these areas should apply to our Master Teacher program indicating their area of interest. Each endorsement is a minimum of twenty credit hours. A Master’s degree with a second or additional endorsement or concentration is a minimum of thirty credit hours. Master's Degree in Special Education Administration
At the graduate level students may earn a master’s degree in Special Education Administration. Students interested in this program will need to have at least one endorsement in special education or related area. Students should apply to our Special Education Administration program that is a minimum of 31 credit hours. Students who earn this degree must also take a sequence of 25 credit hours in Educational Leadership to receive a State approval as a Special Education Supervisor or Director and a Central Office Certificate. There is the option to earn a K-12 Principalship with additional credits instead of the Central Office Certificate. Doctoral Degree in Special Education (Ed.D)
This program is designed for students who have earned a Master’s degree in special education or related area and completed one endorsement area in Special Education. Students interested in this program should carefully read the criteria necessary to apply to the program.

We are honored!
02/21/2025

We are honored!

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01/02/2025

The Golden Apple Scholars Program in Michigan is a teacher preparation program for high school seniors through sophomores in college in Michigan.

🧑‍🏫 Are you currently a special education teacher?👩‍🎓Have you thought about going back to school for an additional speci...
12/18/2024

🧑‍🏫 Are you currently a special education teacher?

👩‍🎓Have you thought about going back to school for an additional special education endorsement?

💰 Do you know about Michigan Department of Education's Special Education Tuition Reimbursement Grant Program?

We offer endorsements in Autism, Birth-Kindergarten, Learning Disabilities, and Emotional Impairments! We also offer a 15-credit certification in PBIS!

Grant funds are intended to incentivize certified Michigan teachers to earn an additional endorsement in special education for employment in a program where they are currently not qualified. The grant can be used to cover tuition costs up to $800.00 per credit hour for a maximum of six credits per y...

We are looking for observational coaches for our early elementary pre-internship at WMU College of Education and Human D...
11/27/2024

We are looking for observational coaches for our early elementary pre-internship at WMU College of Education and Human Development. Please contact Michelle Schneider, Director of the Office of Clinical Experiences at [email protected] for more information.

Did you know we offer a certificate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)? 📈 Learn how to analyze and su...
11/25/2024

Did you know we offer a certificate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)?

📈 Learn how to analyze and support building-level systems to support ALL students

👩🏿‍🏫 Learn how to plan and implement individualized behavior intervention plans for students with challenging behavior

🤝 Learn to coach others in PBIS and behavior intervention plans

✍️ Receive 1:1 support and coaching from university instructors

The certificate is only 15 credits!
Start as early as this summer!
Apply today! Or reach out for more information

Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Graduate Certificate Program The Certificate in PBIS will prepare educators and related service personnel to work in schools to meet the unique behavioral needs of learners in K-12 environments through systemic, positive, prevention focused, and d...

We have a new M.A. program in the College of Education and Human Development! The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Gene...
06/27/2024

We have a new M.A. program in the College of Education and Human Development!

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten (BK) prepares educators for work in a variety of early care and classroom settings serving infants through kindergarten-age children.

Following completion of the curriculum, graduates can be eligible for Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in early childhood general and special education: BK (ZN).

Please visit this website to apply for Fall 2024:

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten (BK) prepares educators for work in a variety of early care and classroom settings serving infants through kindergarten-age children. Following completion of the curriculum, graduates can be eligible for....

05/19/2024

✨Applications are due Tuesday!✨

Michigan CEC's Post-Secondary Program offers students an opportunity to excel with the chance to earn scholarships of up to $1,500. Elevate your educational journey and financial support with our empowering scholarship opportunities.

Apply today at: https://michigancec.org/michigan-cec-awards/mcec-scholarships

05/13/2024
Congratulations to Dr Melissa Ratjer who successfully defended her dissertation today! We look forward to seeing the nex...
05/13/2024

Congratulations to Dr Melissa Ratjer who successfully defended her dissertation today! We look forward to seeing the next steps in your career! Well done, Dr. Ratjer!

05/11/2024

Last week, Michigan State Superintendent Dr. Michael F Rice visited Western Michigan University to highlight programs they have implemented to retain teacher ed

We are currently recruiting for the next cohort for Urban Teacher Residency Program (UTRP) that will start Fall semester...
04/29/2024

We are currently recruiting for the next cohort for Urban Teacher Residency Program (UTRP) that will start Fall semester 2024! Selected students will receive a $26,000 stipend while they pursue their studies. Check out the flyer below and let us know what questions you have!

Congratulations to Dr. Akrum Eidelsafy, the first doctoral graduate student of Dr. Kate LaLonde. Akrum earned his PhD in...
04/27/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Akrum Eidelsafy, the first doctoral graduate student of Dr. Kate LaLonde. Akrum earned his PhD in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on special education and behavior analysis. Dr. Eidelsafy is doing fantastic work directing clinics for people with autism and developmental disabilities. We are so proud of your accomplishments, Akrum and know you have a bright future!

Congratulations to Dr. Kaitlyn Billops! Kaitlyn earned her EdD in special education today. You are a rockstar, Kaitlyn! ...
04/27/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Kaitlyn Billops! Kaitlyn earned her EdD in special education today. You are a rockstar, Kaitlyn! We look forward to hearing of your continued accomplishments and work benefiting so many children and adolescents.

04/27/2024

Congratulations to all WMU Special Education graduates! We are so proud of your accomplishments. Please keep in touch and share where the road takes you.

Well, that's a wrap! The special education students have finished their intensive coursework! The cohort celebrated duri...
04/26/2024

Well, that's a wrap! The special education students have finished their intensive coursework!

The cohort celebrated during their final for SPED 4350 with Dr. Meagan Walsh with a potluck and matching t-shirts.

They have put in the hard work to learn how to best support students with special needs.

Next step.... internship in the fall!

Congrats to Special Education student Moises and the fellowship recipients! Moises will be mentored by Dr. Luchara Walla...
04/22/2024

Congrats to Special Education student Moises and the fellowship recipients! Moises will be mentored by Dr. Luchara Wallace, associate dean.

Congratulations to the Dr. Donald E. Thompson Innovation Research Fellowship recipients, Allison (Elementary Education), Moises (Special Education), and Carter (Physical and Health Education)! These teacher education majors will receive a full year of tuition as they work on developing innovative ideas capable of positively impacting K-12 education through research that challenges the current practices of teaching and learning.

Read more about the fellowship and this years recipients: https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75423
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Congratulations to Dr. Akrum Eidelsafy, the first doctoral graduate student of Dr. Kate LaLonde. Akrum earned his PhD in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on special education and behavior analysis. Dr. Eidelsafy is doing fantastic work directing clinics for people with autism and developmental disabilities. We are so proud of your accomplishments, Akrum and know you have a bright future!

Congratulations to Dr. Akrum Eidelsafy, the first doctoral graduate student of Dr. Kate LaLonde. Akrum earned his PhD in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on special education and behavior analysis. Dr. Eidelsafy is doing fantastic work directing clinics for people with autism and developmental disabilities. We are so proud of your accomplishments, Akrum and know you have a bright future!

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