Master of Arts in Special Education Clinical Teacher (SCTM)

Students may focus their studies on obtaining a special education teaching endorsement, in depth study of special education content for personal growth, or preparation for advanced graduate training. This program prepares students to earn their initial special education teaching endorsement. Students select one of three special education endorsement areas to pursue– emotional impairment (EI), learning disability (LD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree to enter the program. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) to earn their selected special education endorsement.

Admission Procedures by Program
WMU has an online graduate application system that allows all students (domestic and international) to submit required information into one system. General application information for the University, as well as specific requirements for individual programs, are captured into this one system.

Within the online application system, applicants must provide general information (including educational history details), as well as the following specific program requirements.

Applicants must also request official transcripts, and any required graduate test and/or language proficiency official scores, be sent to WMU.

Application deadlines
On-going; students may be admitted for each semester.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required; please submit within the online application system.

Graduate test
This program does not require a graduate test.
(Note: International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.)

Recommendations
This program requires three professional recommendations. Please send email requests for such recommendations from within the online system.

Written statement
Please prepare a statement which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application:

In three (3) typed, double-spaced pages or less, address the following areas: 

1. State which endorsement you are pursuing: EI (Emotional Impairments), LD (Learning Disabilities), or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders); 
2. Identify if you currently hold a teaching certificate and, if so, list which teaching certificate you currently hold: elementary, secondary or other; and from what state; 
3. Summarize your prior professional experiences to date; and 
4. Identify your professional goals, explaining why a special education degree is sought.

Previous written work
This program does not require any previous written work be submitted.

Other program materials
Attach a copy of your Teaching Certificate and Endorsements (if you have any).

Additional information
None

Application Review
Applications are evaluated on the basis of: 

1. Undergraduate grade point average, minimum GPA of 3.0 (a graduate grade point average may be considered if at least 9 hours of recent and relevant course work have been completed);
2. Experience in special education, general education, or a related field; 
3. Congruence of professional goals and requested program option; 
4. Writing skills; 
5. Professional references. 

International students must submit a CELCIS transcript with a minimum grade of “BA” or a TOEFL score of 550 or better to be considered for admission.