Overview

The Special Education M.A. at Western Michigan University provides advanced training for professionals dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs. This programme offers specialised pathways for those seeking initial certification, additional endorsements, or advanced expertise as a behaviour intervention specialist.

Students can tailor their studies to focus on specific areas of need, including autism spectrum disorder, emotional impairments, or learning disabilities. The curriculum is designed to meet the rigorous standards set by the Council for Exceptional Children and the Michigan Department of Education, ensuring graduates are prepared for high-impact roles in schools.

Why Special Education at Western Michigan University?

The university holds a prestigious ranking, placed fourth in the state of Michigan for graduate schools in education by U.S. News and World Report. This recognition reflects the high quality of instruction and the commitment to excellence within the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies.

Students benefit from a programme that is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Furthermore, the institution boasts an impressive employment rate, with 96% of graduate students finding work or continuing their education within three months of completing their studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core competencies in special education and behavioural support. Modules may include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Emotional Impairments
Learning Disabilities
Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports
Coaching Behavior Management
Literacy Studies
Clinical Teacher Practice

Careers with Special Education

Graduates are well-equipped for a variety of leadership and specialist roles within the education sector. Many pursue careers as special education teachers, focusing on specific areas such as autism or emotional impairments. The programme also prepares individuals for roles as behaviour intervention specialists, providing vital support to both students and staff.

Beyond the classroom, alumni find opportunities as school principals, school psychologists, and speech pathologists. The advanced training in positive behaviour intervention and coaching management allows graduates to take on consultancy and advisory positions, helping to shape inclusive educational environments across diverse school districts.

Programme Structure

Courses Included:

Advanced Assessment for Except. Learners

Curriculum Development for Except. Learners

Issues in Special Education

Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education

Applications of Research in Special Education

Organization and Administration of Services for Learners with Disabilities

Supervision of Special Education Programs and Services

Legal Aspects of Special Education

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

For national students: on-going.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Special Education View 864 other Masters in Special Education in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

This program requires three recommendations

Written statement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Special Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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