What Sets UM-Flint's Special Education (MA) Program Apart?

Focus:

• UM-Flint’s Special Education program provides you with valuable knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions in working with students with special needs in a range of diverse settings.

• You may choose to specialize in Learning Disabilities (SM) or Cognitive Impairments (SA) and master skills in assessment, program planning, and behavioral and instructional methods.

• Your study will culminate with practicum experiences in both elementary and secondary settings.

• The program is aligned with Michigan Special Education Teacher Standards and the Professional Standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).  It is also nationally recognized by the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Flexibility:

• You can complete the program full-time within 18 months or on a part-time basis in approximately 24 months.

• Various program options offer full MA or endorsement-only:

- Full Master of Arts in Education – 36 credits
- First endorsement in Special Education (without MA) – 33 credits
- Second Special Education Endorsement – minimum 18 additional credits

• We work to ensure that full-time teachers can successfully complete their required placements within the scope of the program.

• Convenient course hours for working professionals

Resources:

• You will learn from faculty who are at the forefront of trends in education. Learning directly from these experts, you will be at a distinct advantage.

• UM-Flint Education faculty make themselves available to students outside the normal class schedule, with flexible office hours and online availability.

Results:

• The program prepares you to add a K-12 Learning Disabilities (SM) or Cognitive Impairment (SA) endorsement to your Michigan teaching certificate

• Core coursework will equip you with:
- a comprehensive understanding of Special Education in schools
- an examination of issues in teaching and learning as they apply to diverse learning needs
- insight into individuals with special needs from a developmental life-span perspective
- collaborative skills for school, family, and community

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

• A Michigan teaching certificate

Application Process

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

• Application for Graduate Admission

• $55 application fee (non-refundable)

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

• Three letters of recommendation, preferably with at least one from an academic reference and one from an individual familiar with your teaching or professional work

• Statement of Purpose describing your goals for entering the graduate program and how these goals connect to your views on teaching and learning

• Résumé

• A copy of your teaching certificate

• International students must submit additional documentation. Visit www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/admissions/international-students.page for details.

Application Deadlines

The program has rolling admissions and reviews completed applications each month. Application deadlines are as follows:     

• Fall (early deadline*) – May 1
• Fall (final deadline) – August 1
• Winter – November 15
• Spring – March 15
• Summer – May 15

*You must apply by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

International students are required to apply earlier than the deadlines posted here. The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester, September 1 for the winter semester, and January 1 for the spring term.

Catalog Description:

Calvitta Collins

Graduation Year: 2012

Hometown: Chicago, IL

The level of education that I am receiving from the University of Michigan-Flint’s Special Education program is the same quality that I anticipate my employer to expect of me and my performance. The instructors have high standards for me. They want me to succeed, and each instructor has taken the time to assist me in my success. The quality of education here is exactly commensurate with the level of work I put into my classes.  The program has contributed to my profession by affording me the skills that employers look for, that my students require from a qualified teacher, and are designed to make me more employable. I have an enhanced knowledge of my profession based on the classes I’ve attended.