Frequently Asked Questions

The degree title is Master of Arts in Special Education. The program is listed as Special Education (Online Program) (Masters) in the MSU application portal.

Our annual application deadlines are:

Feb. 1 for Summer Semester admission (classes start in May)
June 1 for Fall Semester admission (classes start in late August)

The Master of Arts in Special Education is designed to be completed within approximately two years of matriculation, though full-time versus part-time status will affect the length of the program because many courses are offered only once a year.

Typically students take two courses (six credits) per semester. A helpful rule of thumb is to devote at least two hours per credit outside of class, in addition to the online contact hours for the course. This means an estimated six to nine hours per week per three-credit course.

No, the GRE is not required for admission into the M.A. Special Education program.

Yes, you need a teaching license to be in the M.A. Special Education program.

Typically, you will hear from us 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.

There is a common misconception that there is one factor over all others that we emphasize in the evaluation of each application. The review is comprehensive and faculty consider each component of the application for the applicant’s fit with the program philosophy, knowledge about the program and faculty members’ interests and expertise and experiences that reflect preparedness to assume graduate-level work.

Students are required to maintain 3.0 or higher.

Because the pool of applicants is highly competitive and admission decision-making occurs only after extensive faculty deliberations, the retention rate is nearly 100%. The exceptions to this rule are typically related with one of the following: a shift in students’ life circumstances, students’ desire to re-focus career goals, or failure to maintain “good-standing” status within the program. These are the exceptions, but such cases do occur from time to time.

The Registrar’s Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and can be reached at (517) 355-3300. Information is also available on the Office of the Registrar site. You may also make after-hours and weekend inquiries with the university operators at (517) 355-1855.

For general technology questions, contact the ATS Help Desk at (517) 432-6200, or visit tech.msu.edu/support.