Special Education, MA

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Overview

The Special Education graduate programs at Western Michigan University are designed for working professionals, career changers, and school-based personnel seeking to expand their expertise and advance their professional opportunities. Offered in an online, partially synchronous format, these programs provide flexible pathways to initial teacher certification, additional special education teaching endorsements, or preparation as a Behavior Intervention Specialist.

Through a combination of evidence-based coursework and supervised field experiences, students develop expertise in assessment, instruction, behavior support, collaboration, and data-based decision making. Field placements are completed in schools and educational settings across Michigan, allowing students to apply their learning in authentic professional environments. Endorsement options include K-12 Autism Spectrum Disorder, K–12 Learning Disabilities, and K–12 Emotional Impairments, preparing graduates to meet critical workforce needs in special education.

Meet Isabel

A master's student studying early childhood education and Founder and Director of Mi Casa es su Casa Bilingual Family Daycare.

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U.S. News & World Report badge announcing a Top 2 ranking: No. 2 in the state for Best Online Master's in Education Programs 2026.

Program options

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

Special Education K-12

Program for certified teachers seeking their first K-12 special education teaching endorsement in EI or LD.

—Applicants hold a MI Standard teaching certificate in any area; pursuing their first K-12 special education teaching endorsement

More about the Special Education K-12 track

Teacher reaching in a school library with students around her.

Expedited Special Education K-12 (Initial Cert.)

Program for individuals pursuing initial teaching certification in K-12 special education with endorsement options in EI or LD.

—Applicants hold a Bachelor's degree in any area; no prior teaching certification needed; pursuing first K-12 special education teaching endorsement

More about the Expedited Special Education K-12 track

A student teacher uses flash cards to teach math.

Special Education K-12: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Program for certified teachers seeking their first K-12 special education teaching endorsement in ASD.

—Applicants hold a MI Standard teaching certificate in any area; pursuing their first K-12 special education teaching endorsement

More about the ASD track

Expedited Special Education K-12: Autism Spectrum Disorder (Initial Cert.)

Program for individuals pursuing initial teaching certification in K-12 special education with an endorsement in ASD.

—Applicants hold a Bachelor's degree in any area; no prior teaching certification needed; pursuing first K-12 special education teaching endorsement

More about the Expedited ASD track

Master Teacher, Special Education Endorsement

Program for current K-12 special education teachers adding an endorsement in ASD, EI, or LD.

—Applicants hold a MI Standard K-12 special education teaching endorsement; pursuing an additional K-12 special education teaching endorsement

More about the Master Teacher Special Education Endorsement track

Students talking with their teacher in a small group table.

Master Teacher, Behavior Intervention Specialist

Program for school-based professionals advancing their skills in positive behavior supports and intervention.

—Applicants are school-based professionals with a Bachelors degree who are seeking additional knowledge and skills; no prior certification required

More about the Master Teacher Behavior Intervention Specialist track

Admissions

We are currently accepting applications for a Fall 2026 cohort. All applications materials, including official transcript(s) and three professional recommendations, must be received by Monday, August 17 in order to be considered. Applications completed after August 17 will be processed for the next available start term.

Applicants are evaluated on:

Undergraduate GPA
Special education experience
Congruence of goals and requested program option
Writing skills

Note: International students cannot be enrolled in all online programs

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher (a graduate grade point average may be considered if at least 9 hours of recent and relevant course work have been completed).
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Official transcripts.
Experience in special education, general education, or a related field.
Statement addressing endorsement you are pursuing, current teaching certificates, current special education endorsements, identify your professional goals and explain why an additional special education degree is sought.
Three professional letters of reference.
International students must submit a CELCIS transcript with a minimum grade of “BA” or a TOEFL score of 550 or better.

Cost & funding