Special Education—Learning Disabilities—MS

The MS program leads to an endorsement in the area of Learning Disabilities on the Michigan State Certification, and a Masters in Science Degree in Education. MS candidates seeking certification must qualify for a valid State of Michigan teaching certificate before the degree can be granted. This includes passing the MTTC Subject-Area Exam (Learning Disabled).

The MS program can be taken concurrently with the MAT program; this entails working on a general education and special education advance degree simultaneously. Special Education can satisfy as a major for the MAT program, so all of the MAT requirements must be fulfilled as indicated in the Bulletin and the Masters of Arts in Teaching Handbook.

Program length

This 43-credit program can typically be completed in two years.

Eligibility requirements

• Baccalaureate degree: A four-year degree from an accredited United States institution, or its equivalent from an institution outside the U.S.
• Undergraduate GPA: Minimum 2.60 (or 2.75 on the last half of undergraduate courses). The entire student profile is considered during the admissions process; students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may also apply.
• English proficiency: Students whose language of education is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.
• Teacher Certification or current enrollment in the MAT program

Admission requirements

• Official transcripts: From institutions where all post-secondary coursework was taken. Download Transcript Request PDF
• Recommendations: Two recommendations are required from professionals—such as advisors, major professors, and employers—excluding relatives. You are asked to provide names and email addresses on the online application, and then recommenders will receive an email with a direct link to the form.
• Resume or professional history: Information about your employment, research, or special projects.
• GRE score: The exam must be taken within five years prior to admission.
• Statement of Purpose: A 500-word essay explaining your objectives in seeking a graduate degree at Andrews University. Include a description of your personal, professional, and academic goals; your philosophical perspective; and what you hope to accomplish professionally in ten years following the completion of your degree.

Additional requirements for international students

• English proficiency: Students whose language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80.
• Transcripts: Students have two options for submitting their transcripts.
  1. Sending transcripts directly from the university attended. Official, literal English translations of transcripts, along with the original-language documents, from institutions where English is not considered the official language.
     
     OR
  2. Having official transcript evaluations done through one of our approved credential evaluation agencies: WES, AACRAO or ECE. Evaluations must be sent directly from the organization us and must include:
     • At least the overall GPA
     • Degree title equivalent in the U.S.
     • Date the degree was conferred
     These are the guidelines you must follow if you use any of the approved credential evaluation agencies:
     • WES: Students who choose this organization must request the WES International Credential Advantage Package (WES ICAP) which includes verified copies of official transcripts. Students using WES ICAP will not need to submit additional copies of transcripts.
     • AACRAO: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcripts in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
     • ECE: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcript in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• Bachelor’s degree diploma: A copy of the literal English translation of the diploma, along with the original-language document may be sent by email. The copy of the Diploma is not needed if the transcripts come through an approved credential evaluation agency (WES, AACRAO, ECE) listing the graduation date. Also, a copy of the diploma is not needed if the transcripts list the graduation date and degree conferred.
• Secondary Documents: A copy of these Secondary Documents may be required where applicable.
  • Baccalaureate for the French system
  • Abitur Diploma for the German system 
  • A-level results for the British system
• Summary of Educational Experience: Complete the educational summary form and submit to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• I-20 form: International students must obtain an I-20 form before applying for a visa. The requirements for obtaining an I-20 form are:
  • Academic acceptance
  • Payment of $2,000 advance deposit (not required for Mexico and Canada)
  • Submit the Estimated Budget Sheet showing evidence of financial resources for one academic year
  • A full semester payment in advance is required for citizens of Kenya and Ethiopia

The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management reserves the right to request additional documents at its own discretion.

Financial summary

$8056 per Semester (based on 8 credits).
Scholarships may apply.

Next steps

You can read up on application requirements, finances and frequently asked questions; or submit your application.

Have questions? We have answers. Just email gradenroll@andrews.edu, call us at 269-471-6013, or Skype AndrewsGraduateSchool.

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