The special education program prepares students to teach all children effectively. Students learn to use teaching methods that promote maximum understanding and social and emotional growth for students with special needs. They gain the knowledge and skills necessary for successful teaching in general education classrooms and a variety of special education settings.
All students in special education meet requirements for both elementary teacher certification and a K-12 endorsement in the special education area of learning disabilities. This is achieved after completing an immersive fifth-year teaching internship experience in schools under the guidance of mentor teachers and university faculty.
Alumni Pursuits
Graduates in special education pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of pedagogy, classroom management and intercultural communication.
Alumni work at:
Chicago Public Schools (Illinois)
Lansing School District (Michigan)
Detroit Public Schools Community District (Michigan)
South Lyon Community Schools (Michigan)
Grand Rapids Public Schools (Michigan)
Fairfield Unified School District (California)
Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
Alumni work as:
Special education teachers
Elementary teachers
Paraprofessionals
Resource room teachers
Behavior analysts
Behavioral Therapy Technician
January 2025
College of Education
501 Erickson Hall,
EAST LANSING,
Michigan,
48824, United States
MSU strongly encourages a college preparatory curriculum in secondary school.
Minimum English requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based test: score of 79 with no sub score below 17; International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Regular admission: Score of 6.5 or higher; Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Minimum score of 53; minimum sub score requirement of 48.
Application submission deadline: Regular Admission: February 1.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.