Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education

MSU prepares educators to transform teaching and learning with technology through the innovative Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program, with courses online, in-person and overseas. The Master of Arts in Learning Experience Design program provides a critical lens of equity, accessibility, and social justice in human-centered learning and design.

At the Ph.D. level, the Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET) program, also available as a hybrid program, produces scholars and leaders in two interrelated study areas: human learning and development, and diverse technologies supporting education.

The Measurement and Quantitative Methods (MQM) doctoral program prepares scholars to specialize in educational research methodology, the development of educational and psychological tests, and the methodology of statistics as applied to educational research.

The Educational Statistics and AI program within Measurement and Quantitative Methods (MQM) prepares educators, researchers, and policy professionals to lead data-driven improvement in education. Building on MQM’s focus on research methodology and statistical applications, students develop expertise in advanced quantitative methods and modern artificial intelligence techniques to analyze complex educational data, inform policy, and design equity-focused innovations across schools, districts, higher education, and educational agencies.

The Counseling and Counselor Education programs at MSU are among the nation’s top-ranked graduate programs. They have faculty members conducting research, teaching and practice that promote the quality of life and community participation of individuals with diverse disabilities, mental health and chronic health needs.

The CACREP-accredited master’s program in Rehabilitation Counseling prepares counselors to serve people with diverse disabilities based on a biopsychosocial model to promote self-determination, vocational development, independent living and community integration in community-based, vocational rehabilitation settings. A newly developed master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares counselors to work with individuals with mental health disorders, addictions, trauma and their families in a variety of clinical settings. The CACREP-accredited doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision prepares graduates to work as counselor educators, researchers and supervisors in academia and the community in the counseling and disability fields.

The School Psychology Program at Michigan State University can lead to an Ed.S. or a Ph.D. through small cohorts, renowned faculty and field experiences. School psychologists are prepared to work with educators, children, youth and families to promote learning and development particularly in relation to schooling.

Graduates of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program are eligible for Michigan certification and the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. Graduates of the nationally accredited School Psychology PhD program are eligible to become licensed psychologists and state/national-certified school psychologists.

Michigan State University's Special Education Programs prepares teachers, leaders and researchers to make a difference for students with various disabilities through the undergraduate teacher education program, multiple fully online master’s programs and a doctoral program.

Master’s level study includes Special Education (M.A), which can lead to teaching endorsements in learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders; Applied Behavior Analysis, which prepares behavior analysts for educational settings; Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders which helps students develop the skillset and knowledge to improve the lives of those with autism; and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, which prepares leaders to enact educational and behavioral systems that support all students.