Advance your Teaching Career
Michigan State University offers a top-ranked, fully online Master of Arts in Special Education designed for passionate K-12 educators. Our program, recognized by U.S. News & World Report, equips you with advanced skills to support diverse learners. Enhance your teaching practice with specialized courses and focus areas, including endorsements in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Learning Disabilities. Benefit from a flexible, high-quality education that fits your schedule, while joining a collaborative community of professionals dedicated to making a difference in special education.
Why choose MSU?
- Flexible Online Format: Learn on your schedule with our fully online program.
- Top-Ranked Education: Benefit from a degree recognized for excellence.
- Specialized Endorsements: Gain expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Learning Disabilities.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from leading experts in the field of special education.
- Career Advancement: Enhance your credentials and open new career opportunities.
Key Features of Our Program
- Personalized Learning: Choose courses and focus areas that align with your career goals.
- Supportive Community: Join a network of educators committed to inclusive education.
- Real-World Application: Apply your learning directly to your teaching practice.
Start your journey with MSU and become a leader in special education. Explore our program and take the next step in your professional growth.
Special Education Focus Areas and Endorsements
There are a variety of program sequences students can take to earn their M.A. in Special Education. The program also offers endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Learning Disabilities (LD).
Coursework incorporates research-validated instructional methods and evidence-based practices to help graduates successfully educate students in kindergarten through grade 12.
The Online Student Experience: Grace Gimesky
Learn more about being an online master’s student at MSU’s College of Education from Grace Gimesky, a special education teacher based in Ypsilanti, MI. A recent alum, Grace balanced her studies in the M.A. in Special Education program (seeking the Learning Disabilities endorsement) with working full time as an educator. Here she discusses what drew her to the field of special education, how she chose Michigan State for her master’s degree, and how she juggled graduate school with her professional and personal obligations.
Our Program at a Glance
100%
Of Courses are Fully Online
30-36
Credits, Typically Completed in Two Years
1:1
Academic Advising for All Students
>85%
Of Graduates Received a Pay Increase
Leaders in Special Education
Becoming a Spartan special educator means interacting with faculty who are national and international leaders in their field.
Courses are taught by faculty members who have extensive experience as researchers, teacher educators and special education classroom teachers. Faculty teach in their areas of expertise, including assessment, literacy, applied behavior analysis and more.
Points of Distinction
Apply Cutting-Edge Research
Support diverse learners and provide meaningful access to the curriculum
Collaborate with Peers
Share resources and expand content knowledge and skills through peer interaction
Gain meaningful Experiences
Complete projects and clinical experiences in your own classroom or school.
Meet Program Coordinator, Erin Hamilton
Ranked #9 in the Nation
U.S. News & World Report ranks MSU nineth in the nation for online master’s in special education.
Hi2LD Fellowship
Project Hi2LD provides tuition funding and specialized training to top students seeking the LD endorsement.