Watch a recent virtual information session, hosted by Special Education Master’s Program Coordinator Erin Hamilton.
Preparing future leaders
Michigan State University’s Master of Arts in Special Education is a fully online graduate degree program that prepares students to advance the quality of special education in K-12 schools.
Ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, this master’s program was created for highly driven and competent teachers seeking the skills and knowledge to become expert practitioners in the field of special education.
Designed to meet your goals
MSU’s entirely online program is designed for working educators, combining educational excellence with the flexibility teachers need. Course sequences and focus areas can be tailored to your unique interests and goals. Students will graduate from this program as thought leaders, accomplished professionals, and pioneers in and out of their classrooms.
Join one of the most dynamic and impactful learning communities in the nation. Who will make a difference for the next generation of students? Spartans will.
Program Highlights
Special Education Focus Areas & 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. Grace balances 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 juggles 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 EXPERIENCE
Complete projects and clinical experiences in your own classroom or school
