College of Education and Human Development

Project SHINE

Interdisciplinary Preparation of Personnel “Supporting High-Intensity Needs in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education”

Project SHINE––at Western Michigan University (WMU)––will provide interdisciplinary preparation of personnel “supporting high-intensity needs in early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE).” Across the five-year project, we will prepare 20 graduate students to meet the needs of young children (birth through five years) with disabilities who have high-intensity behavioral and communication needs, including autism.

Ten scholars will earn a Master of Art (M.A.) in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten, which will include completion of coursework and student teaching hours required for the Michigan teacher certification exam for the ZN endorsement. This program is online and takes approximately two years.

Ten scholars will earn an M.A. in Behavior Analysis, which will include completion of coursework and fieldwork supervision requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential exam. This program is in person and takes approximately two years.

In addition to the M.A. program, SHINE scholars will participate in shared coursework, additional professional development, and professional conference attendance.

Teacher Koretta King-Jackson goes back to school to earn her teacher certification.

Benefits

Scholars receive full in-state tuition, a support fund, and exam fee reimbursement. Funding dependent on federal grant continuation.

Teacher reaching in a school library with students around her.

Service

Funded scholars must work in special education or a related field for two years per year of support, totaling four years.

How to Apply

The process

Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort of SHINE Scholars! This first cohort will include 10 students and will begin in Fall 2026. The application process for becoming a SHINE Scholar is a two-step process.

Step 1: Apply to a master's program

Please note that students must meet the eligibility requirements for the selected M.A. program and be accepted into the M.A. program. Select one M.A. program:

Option 1: The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies at Western Michigan University invites applicants for the M.A. in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten. This is a 33 credit, online program. Upon completion, candidates will be eligible to apply for a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate and ZN (Early Childhood General and Special Education) endorsement, pending passing of state certification exam. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
Apply here by clicking on apply now: https://wmich.edu/education/early/masters

Option 2: The Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University invites applicants for the M.A. in Behavior Analysis. Upon completion, candidates will be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam. The application deadline is January 1, 2026.
Apply here by clicking on apply now: https://wmich.edu/psychology/academics/graduate/ba/masters

Step 2: Apply to be a SHINE scholar.

After applying for the M.A. program, please complete an application to be a SHINE scholar. To apply for Project SHINE, prospective scholars will need to meet the following criteria: (a) a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, (b) an overall grade point average of 3.0 during undergraduate coursework, (c) three letters of recommendation, and (d) a written statement explaining their desire to pursue the M.A. program in Early Childhood General and Special Education or Behavior Analysis. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.

Acceptance or Orientation

Virtual interviews will be held mid-February and acceptance letters sent shortly thereafter. Project SHINE orientation will be held in April. Classes will begin mid-August 2026.

Our faculty

Dr. Emily Curiel

Special Education and Literacy Studies

—Ph.D., BCBA-D

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Dr. Hugo Curiel

Department of Psychology

—Ph.D., BCBA-D

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Dr. Meagan Walsh

Special Education and Literacy Studies

—Ph.D.

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Dr. Melissa Rajter

Special Education and Literacy Studies

—Ph.D., BCBA-D

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Other Research of Interest

HIL Project

The High Impact Leadership for School Renewal (HIL4SR) project works to disseminate and scale up the use of the HIL Model in k12 schools throughout the state of Michigan and beyond.

Learn more

INSPIRE Project

The Integrated Network of STEM Partnerships Investing in Resources for Equity (INSPIRE) program purpose is to is to increase the quality and opportunities of STEM learning for children in the PK-3rd grade levels.

Learn more

The College of Education and Human Development at WMU is committed to research grounded in evidence, innovation, and real-world relevance. Faculty and students pursue meaningful inquiry that informs practice, shapes policy, and contributes to the public good. To learn more, click here.