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< About

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< Academics

  • Majors & Degree-Granting Programs
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Five Spartans pose for a photo in a row during an awards ceremony; three are holding paper awards and wearing medallions around their neck with a turquiose ribbon.

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< Certifications

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Celebrating: Kristen Bieda

Bieda named Department of Teacher Education Chair
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Education > Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education > Special Education, M.A. >

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the degree name?

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.

When is the application deadline?

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)

How long is the program? Can you complete it on a part-time basis?

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.

What is the average course load per semester?

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.

Do you require the GRE test and if so what scores do you need?

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

Do I need a teaching license to be in the special education program?

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

When are admissions decisions made?

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

What has the greatest weight in terms of all the application materials?

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.

What are the average GPA scores of students in the program?

Students are required to maintain 3.0 or higher.

What is the retention rate after the first year?

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.

Where can I get answers to other general questions I might have?

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.