Undergraduate Programs
Elementary Education, B.A.
TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION
Preparing teachers who have the knowledge and skills needed to teach all subjects in prekindergarten through third grade (PK-3) or third through sixth grade (3-6) and in an additional teaching endorsement in TESOL, special education, or Birth-K.
Program Director: Tonya Bartell
Contact: tbartell@msu.edu
(517) 355-1741
Special Education, B.A.
PREPARE TO LEAD
The Special Education Teacher Preparation Program combines regular elementary teaching certification and K-12 endorsement in the special education area of learning disabilities. Both certification and endorsement are awarded only after completion of a fifth-year internship experience.
Program Director: Lisa Plascencia
Contact: sped@msu.edu
(517) 355-1837
Secondary Education
BECOME A TEACHER LEADER
You will develop deep content knowledge in the subject(s) you plan to teach in sixth through twelfth grade (6-12), take courses on the most effective teaching practices, and experience a full-year, guided teaching internship in a public school after completing the bachelorās degree.
Program Director: Kyle Greenwalt
Contact: team4@msu.edu
(517) 355-1726
Kinesiology, B.S.
A Major on the move
Engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborative research that focuses on physical activity and sport across the lifespan.
Program Director: Matthew Pontifex
Contact: pontifex@msu.edu
(517) 355-4730
Global Cohort Program
A Global View
The Global Educators Cohort Program (GECP) gives future educators the tools they need to teach with a global view and to make an impact in todayās classrooms, which are increasingly culturally diverse. Through social and educational experiences, MSUās Global Educators are prepared to help young people think about themselves as citizens and stewards of the world around them.
Program Director: Bethany Wilinski
Contact: bethanyw@msu.edu
(517) 432-5571
Urban Educators Cohort Program
Teach for Justice
The Urban Educators Cohort Program helps students gain the knowledge and skills they will need to teach in communities where resources and services are most limited. Through focused courses and guided teaching experiences during studentsā first two years at Michigan State University, UECP is the foundation for preparing educators uniquely qualified to teach in urban school districts ā and to meet the needs of all learners.
Program Director: Mary Patillo-Dunn
Contact: patillom@msu.edu
(517) 353-9337
Coaching Minor
Lead Through Sport
The Coaching Minor is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will enable them to coach effectively and safely in school, community-youth, and adult sports programs. Enrollment in the minor is available to all undergraduates.
Program Director: Justin Wolfe
Contact: wolfejus@msu.edu
(517) 355-8516
Health Promotion Minor
Help for a Healthy Future
The Health Promotion Minor is designed to assist students in gaining a deeper understanding of health issues and their impact on overall quality of life. The multidisciplinary course options will provide a basis for personal and professional growth, emphasize positive lifestyle choices and explore global health/wellness concerns.
Program Director: Jennifer Watson
Contact: watsonj4@msu.edu
(517) 353-5120
Educational Studies Minor
Power of Learning
The Minor in Educational Studies, administered by the College of Education, is intended for students who are interested in the intersection of learning, education and society. It can be a valuable program addition for students pursuing careers in the social and behavioral sciences, law, social justice or youth services. This minor does not offer professional training for teaching or lead to a teaching certificate or license.
Program Director: Michael Haslett
Contact: haslett3@msu.edu
(517) 353-9680
Master's Programs
Teaching and Curriculum, M.A.
Advancing knowledge of practioners
Structured for beginning, experienced and international teachers alike, the Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum program at Michigan State University helps educators grow in their profession.
Program Director: Curtis L. Lewis
Contact: matc@msu.edu
(517) 432-7705
Athletic Training, M.S.
SKILLED IN ALL SETTINGS
The M.S. in Athletic Training helps students acquire skills in emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic rehabilitation and more. Students will be prepared to sit for the Board of Certification exam and can work in a variety of educational, sport and clinical settings.
Program Director: Tracey Covassin
Contact: kingrad@msu.edu
(517) 353-9680
Sport Coaching, Leadership & Administration, M.S.
BECOME A SPORT LEADER
The M.S. in Sport Coaching and Leadership gives students the knowledge and skills to become sport leaders at intercollegiate, interscholastic and community levels. The program has a unique focus on athlete development across the lifespan.
Program Director: Andy Driska
Contact: kingrad@msu.edu
(517) 355-4736
Kinesiology, M.S.
DEVELOP YOUR EXPERTISE
The M.S. in Kinesiology has seven distinct areas of content concentration to help students acquire knowledge and competence in the field. Flexible programming gives students opportunities to expand their study across MSUās degree-granting colleges.
Program Director: Nicholas Myers
Contact: kingrad@msu.edu
(517) 355-4736
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.
Advancing knowledge of practioners
This program prepares students to become highly competent behavior analysts who develop educational and behavioral programming to children with autism, intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Students will be eligible to take the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Program Director: Tiffany Joy
Contact: davisme@msu.edu
(517) 353-1842
Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders, M.A.
Practitioner-Forward Education
This program gives practitioners the tools they need to be successful leaders. Students can maintain roles working with individuals with autism, while also receiving MSU expertise. Students will be eligible to take the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior AnalystĀ®.
Program Director: Tiffany Joy
Contact: sped@msu.edu
(517) 353-1842
Educational Technology, M.A.
EXPLORE, CREATE, SHARE
The M.A. in Educational Technology prepares teachers, administrators and educational professionals for the thoughtful and creative use of technology. The program is offered fully online or can be paired with a summer overseas study.
Program Director: Liz Owens Boltz
Contact: edutech@msu.edu
(517) 432-9259
Learning Experience Design, M.A.
CREATE LEARNING SOLUTIONS
Launching in Fall 2024, the M.A. in Learning Experience Design prepares leaders who are knowledgable in human-centered, instructional and learning experience design.
Program Director: Liz Owens Boltz
Contact: MALXDegree@msu.edu
Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, M.A.
SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS
The M.A. in Special Education Leadership: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support is shaped by data-based decision making, evidence-based practices, formative assessment and more. Graduates will be prepared to address school, classroom and individual needs with action plans to serve all learners.
Program Co-Director: Erin Hamilton
Program Co-Director: Erin Hamilton
Contact: davisme@msu.edu
(517) 353-1842
Rehabilitation Counseling, M.A.
DELIVER EFFECTIVE REHABILITATION
The M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling helps counselors gain specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to collaborate in a professional relationship with people who have disabilities. Students will develop expertise in counseling, case management, independent living and more.
Program Director: Gloria Lee
Contact: leekalai@msu.edu
(517) 432-3623
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
DELIVER EFFECTIVE COUNSELING
The Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares future clinical mental health counselors to promote the effective delivery of mental health counseling services to families and individuals with emotional and/or substance abuse disorders.
Program Director: Gloria Lee
Contact: leekalai@msu.edu
(517)-432-3623
Special Education, M.A.
ADVANCE QUALITY EDUCATION
The M.A. in Special Education is designed for K-12 teachers who plan to be involved in the education of students with disabilities. Students can become skilled in and earn teaching endorsements in Learning Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Program Director: Erin Hamilton
Contact: davisme@msu.edu
(517) 353-1842
Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, M.A.
ADVANCING HIGHER EDUCATION
The M.A. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education is for those who are working in or wish to move into roles in higher and adult education, including administration, continuing professional development, or teaching. Gain skills in areas such as policy, curricular development, and more.
Program Director: Riyad Shahjahan
Contact: haleadm@msu.edu
(517) 353-5187
K-12 Educational Administration, M.A.
TRANSFORM INTO A LEADER
The M.A. in K-12 Educational Administration prepares aspiring educators for leadership positions in a variety of school settings. The program is committed to developing leadership for powerful and equitable teaching and learning.
Program Director: Madeline Mavrogordato
Contact: k12adm@msu.edu
(517) 353-8480
Student Affairs Administration, M.A.
PROMOTE DIVERSITY & MULTICULTURALISMM
The M.A. in Student Affairs Administration provides a broad perspective on higher education systems and a connection of theory to practice. Graduates are prepared to work in and cultivate educational environments that promote diversity and multiculturalism.
Program Director: Patricia Marin
Contact: haledm@msu.edu
(517) 353-5187
Education, M.A.
ENHANCE YOUR PRACTICE
The M.A. in Education is for classroom teachers, school administrators, coaches or adult educators who want to enhance their professional practice while building on their prior professional experience and engaging in a dynamic online community.
Program Director: Liz Owens Boltz
Contact: maed@msu.edu
(517) 355-1825
Specialist Programs
School Psychology, Ed.S.
LEAD IN SCHOOL SETTINGS
The School Psychology Ed.S. program, which includes practical and internship experiences, prepares graduates for evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible for Michigan certification as a school psychologist and the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential.
Program Director: Kristin Rispoli
Contact: schpsy@msu.edu
(517) 432-0843
Doctoral Programs
Kinesiology, Ph.D.
FOCUS ON HEALTH & WELL-BEING
The Ph.D. in Kinesiology has concentrations on athletic training, exercise physiology, growth and motor development or the psychosocial aspects of physical activity and sport. Graduates are prepared to teach, conduct research and serve in leadership roles.
Program Director: Nicholas D. Myers
Contact: kingrad@msu.edu
(517) 355-4736
Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education, Ph.D.
Comprehensive curriculum, tailored training
Our mission with the Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education (CITE) doctoral program is to prepare students to be leading scholars and educators who deeply understand and work to improve education in its political, social and cultural contexts.
Program Director: Alicia Alonzo
Contact: cite@msu.edu
(517) 432-7705
Educational Psychology and Educational Technology, Ph.D.
DEVELOPING LEADING SCHOLARS
The Educational Psychology and Educational Technology Ph.D. program produces scholars and leaders in the study of human learning and development and/or in the development and study of diverse technologies supporting learning and teaching. Available in hybrid and on-campus formats.
Program Director: Jennifer Schmidt
Contact: epetphd@msu.edu
(517) 355-6683
Measurement and Quantitative Methods, Ph.D
DEVELOP METHODOLOGY EXPERTISE
The Measurement and Quantitative Methods Ph.D. program builds deep knowledge in educational research methodology, development of educational and psychological tests, and methodology of statistics as applied to educational research. Students can specialize in measurement or statistics.
Program Director: William Schmidt
Contact: cymanoli@msu.edu
(517) 355-1838
Leadership for Equity-Minded Change in Postsecondary Education, Ed.D.
ADVANCE INCLUSION IN EDUCATION
Launching in Summer 2024, the The Ed.D. in Leadership for Equity-Minded Change is designed for individuals who wish to pursue administrative or leadership roles in postsecondary settings, such as colleges and universities.
Program Director: Brendan Cantwell
Contact: brendanc@msu.edu
(517) 355-1833
Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.
PREPARED FOR PRACTICE
The Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students to inform professional practice, support researchers, and equip graduates to assume leadership positions. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Program Director: Gloria Lee
Contact: leekalai@msu.edu
(517) 432-3623
School Psychology, Ph.D.
BECOME A PRACTITIONER, SCHOLAR
The School Psychology Ph.D. program is focused on culturally-responsive assessment, intervention, and consultation practices. Graduates are eligible to become licensed psychologists, nationally certified school psychologists, and credentialed school psychologists in Michigan.
Program Director: Kristin Rispoli
Contact: schpsy@msu.edu
(517) 432-0843
Special Education, Ph.D.
PREPARING ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS
In the Special Education Ph.D. program, students learn to conduct research that impacts policy, practice, and student success. Students develop a commitment to preparing teachers and in serving families, institutions, and communities concerned with children/youth with disabilities.
Program Director: Josh Plavnick
Contact: davisme@msu.edu
(517) 353-1842
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
BECOME A MICHIGAN LEADER
The Educational Leadership Ed.D. program seeks to build a network of senior leaders for Michigan schools, districts, organizations and education-related agencies. Develop knowledge and skills for professional practice and while collaborating to address critical educational challenges.
Program Director: BetsAnn Smith
Contact: k12adm@msu.edu
(517) 353-8480
Education Policy, Ph.D.
BECOME A POLICY LEADER
Graduates from the Education Policy Ph.D. program conduct research on policy issues and provide service to policymakers and communities. Connect research to practice with focuses including economics and finance of education, educational politics, urban education and policy analysis.
Program Director: Rebecca Jacobsen
Contact: edpolicy@msu.edu
(517) 353-8480
Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Ph.D.
LEADING THE WAY
The Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education Ph.D. program prepares graduates for leadership, faculty, policy, and research positions. Students examine changes in perspectives on postsecondary educational organizations, and the roles of
Program Director: Dongbin Kim
Contact: haledm@msu.edu
(517) 353-5187
K-12 Educational Administration, Ph.D.
IMPROVE LEADERSHIP PRACTICE
The K-12 Educational Administration Ph.D. program is focused on intersections of leadership, school organizations, research and policy. The program emphasizes disciplined inquiry, conceptual analysis, connections between theory and practice and the development of research and scholarship.
Program Director: Julie Helber
Contact: k12adm@msu.edu
(517) 353-8480
Mathematics Education, Ph.D.
IMPROVE TEACHING & LEARNING
The Mathematics Education Ph.D. program, offered jointly with the College of Natural Science, helps individuals improve the teaching and learning of mathematics. Graduates are prepared to develop analytical perspectives for research, engage in reflective teaching, and more.
Program Director: Beth Herbel-Eisenmann
Contact: bhe@msu.edu
(517) 884-3475
Graduate Certificates and Specializations
Children's and Young Adult Literature Graduate Certificate
LEARN TO TEACH LITERATURE
The Childrenās and Young Adult Literature graduate certificate provides teachers with strategies for teaching international pieces of literature. Program foci include multimodal texts, conversations surrounding literature and whether texts are written for children, adults or both.
Program Director: Laura Apol
Contact: apol@msu.edu
(517) 353-6450
Economics of Education Specialization
EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE
The interdisciplinary specialization in Economics of Education provides doctoral students with advanced statistical training and understanding of applying these methods to educational topics, with particular emphasis on use of economic methods and theories.
Program Director: Scott Imberman
Contact: imberman@msu.edu
(517) 355-4667
Education Policy & Social Sciences Specialization
CONDUCT POWERFUL RESEARCH
Learn to conduct research at the intersection of social science methodology and education policy evaluation and implementation.
Program Director: Scott Imberman
Contact: imberman@msu.edu
Educational Psychology Graduate Certificate
EXPLORE LEARNING, DEVELOPMENT
The Educational Psychology graduate certificate provides educators and non-educators with perspectives on learning and development. Students will gain insight into the needs of developing learners by understanding psychological processes that underlie learning, among other topics.
Program Director: Jennifer Schmidt
Contact: jaschmid@msu.edu
(517) 355-6683
Educational Technology Graduate Certificate
TEACHING PROBLEM-SOLVERS
The Educational Technology graduate certificate prepares educators to help students become powerful digital-age thinkers, makers and problem solvers. Acquire knowledge and skills that transform thinking about how, why and when to integrate digital technologies to support student learning.
Program Director: Liz Boltz
Contact: boltzeli@msu.edu
(517) 432-9259
Elementary STEM Education Graduate Certificate
EXPLORE STEM TEACHING
The Elementary STEM Education graduate certificate will provide elementary teachers with knowledge about student learning and engagement and instructional practices in STEM disciplines. The primary program focus is understanding inquiry-oriented practices across STEM disciplines.
Program Director: Doug Hartman
Contact: dhartman@msu.edu
(517) 432-9603
English Language Learner Education Graduate Certificate
UNDERSTAND LEARNING ENGLISH
The English Language Learner (ELL) Education graduate certificate is for doctoral students seeking to explore educating ELL students. Included: Influence of socio-historical, local and policy contexts; working with diverse levels of English proficiency and prior schooling experiences.
Program Director: Peter De Costa
Contact: pdecosta@msu.edu
(517) 432-7705
K-12 Computer Science Education Graduate Certificate
TEACH COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
The K-12 Computer Science Education graduate certificate prepares teachers to teach computational thinking at the elementary and secondary levels. Topics include using culturally relevant pedagogy to teach computational and algorithmic thinking, and development of creative thinking.
Program Director: Liz Boltz
Contact: boltzeli@msu.edu
(517) 432-9259
K-12 English as a Second Language Graduate Specialization
TEACH A NEW LANGUAGE
The K-12 English as a Second Language graduate specialization prepares educators to teach English as a Second Language. Learn to understand: present-day English grammar, phonology, lexicon and dialect; factors contributing to successful second language acquisition and more.
Program Director: Peter De Costa
Contact: pdecosta@msu.edu
(517) 884-7728
Language and Literacy Education Specialization
ASPIRE TO LEAD
The Language and Literacy Education specialization is designed for doctoral students who aspire to be scholars, curriculum developers and policy leaders in literacy. Foci include literacy theory, research and education, use and instruction, and more.
Program Director: Tanya Wright
Contact: tswright@msu.edu
(517) 432-7705
Learning Design Graduate Certificate
DEVELOP EFFECTIVE CURRICULUM
In the Graduate Certificate in Learning Design program, participants will learn how to develop effective, engaging and inclusive online curriculum. Launching Fall 2024.
Program Director: Liz Owens Boltz
Contact: MALXDegree@msu.edu
Learning Design Leadership Graduate Certificate
GO FROM IDEATION TO CREATION
Participants will learn how to employ a diverse set of pedagogies, technologies and frameworks to lead teams in creating powerful learning solutions. Launching Fall 2024.
Program Director: Liz Owens Boltz
Contact: MALXDegree@msu.edu
Learning Sciences Graduate Certificate
EMPOWER EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Understand the complex nature of learning, its cultural embedededness and how it evolves the active construction of knowledge. Launching Fall 2024.
Program Director: Liz Owens Boltz
Contact: MALXDegree@msu.edu
Literacy and Language Instruction Graduate Specialization
LEAD LESSONS IN LITERACY
The Literacy and Language Instruction graduate specialization is designed to develop strong expertise in literacy and language instruction. The specialization is available as an elective to masterās students, and can prepare teachers for reading or reading specialist endorsements.
Program Director: Tanya Wright
Contact: tswright@msu.edu
(517) 432-2367
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Graduate Certificate
SUPPORTING STUDENT LEARNERS
The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support graduate certificate will prepare leaders to find and enact educational and behavioral systems supporting all students. Participants can take what they learn and directly apply it to work settings, providing support for schools and teachers.
Program Co-Director: Erin Hamilton
Program Co-Director: Erin Hamilton
Contact: erinhami@msu.edu
(517) 355-1837
Online Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate
TEACH ONLINE COURSES
The Online Teaching and Learning graduate certificate prepares individuals to design and teach online courses. Students learn to apply theories of learning and pedagogy, and become more knowledgeable of tools that support online instruction.
Program Director: Liz Boltz
Contact: boltzeli@msu.edu
(517) 432-9259
Qualitative Research Methods Graduate Certificate
UNDERSTANDING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
The graduate certificate in Qualitative Research Methods focuses on enhancing doctoral studentsā preparation and expertise in conceiving, designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative research studies. The program also prepares students to teach introductory and advanced courses in qualitative research methods when assuming faculty positions.
Program Director: Avner Segall
Contact: avner@msu.edu
(517) 432-4874
Science Education Graduate Certificate
DEVELOP SCIENCE EXPERTISE
The Graduate Study in Science Education offers Ph.D. students and Masters students an opportunity to gain practical experience in science teaching and research. The science educators at the College of Education are committed to helping students build programs of study connected to multiple scientific fields. Our programs include biological science, environmental education, developing science curriculum materials, physics, and science for social justice. Faculty work closely with students to tailor the program to their interests in order to develop the future science scholars and educators.
Program Director: Christina Schwarz
Contact: cschwarz@msu.edu
(517) 432-7705
Sport Coaching Graduate Certificate
BECOME AN EFFECTIVE COACH
Develop disciplinary knowledge and skills to help students become more effective coaches at professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic and community levels.
Program Director: Andy Driska
Contact: scla@educ.msu.edu
Sport Leadership and Administration Graduate Certificate
BECOME A LEADER IN SPORT
Develop the functional knowledge and skills required for work in the administration and governance of sport organizations and athletic departments.
Program Director: Andy Driska
Contact: scla@educ.msu.edu
Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education Graduate Certificate
EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE
The graduate certificate in Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education is designed to assist educators and practitioners from a variety of professional settings and disciplines who seek to enhance their understanding of teaching and learning issues for adult learners. Courses facilitate an overall understanding of learning in adulthood and what implications this knowledge holds for helping adults learn in postsecondary institutions, organizations, and in the broader society.
Program Director: Riyad Shahjahan
Contact: shahja95@msu.edu
(517) 353-5187
Teacher Leadership Graduate Certificate
LEAD YOUR PEERS
The Teacher Leadership graduate certificate helps educators build expertise and become prepared to step into roles as teacher leaders in their schools and districts. Students who complete the certificate qualify for a Michigan Advanced Professional Education Certificate.
Program Co-Director: Curtis L. Lewis
Program Co-Director: Kristy Cooper Stein
Contact: lewiscur@msu.edu
(517) 432-7705
Urban Education Graduate Certificate
TRANSFORM SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
The graduate certificate in Urban Education is for masterās and doctoral students who aspire to understand and focus on issues relevant to urban school contexts, such as racial test score gaps; allocation of resources; contexts of social, cultural, and economic differences; urban disinvestment; and transforming how school leaders learn to better engage children and families in their school communities.
Program Co-Director: Gerardo Lopez
Program Co-Director: Terry Flennaugh
Contact: terah@msu.edu
(517) 353-8480