May 01, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Special Education Major: K-12


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This course of study is designed to meet the state of Michigan requirements for an endorsement to teach Special Education, K-12. To obtain this endorsement, students must complete all of the requirements for one grade band certification program (i.e., B-K, P-3, 3-6) and the Special Education Major, pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for Special Education Endorsemment in addition to the required certification tests for one of the aforementioned grade band certifications. Complete internship in TE 456 , including student teaching in both the certification grade band and special education endorsement.

Following admission to a grade band teacher certification program, meet with your program advisor to plan a course of study.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the College of Education Teacher Education Program.

Special Education Professional Studies Requirements


The Special Education Core is taken by all Special Education candidates. Additionally, each student will choose an initial endorsement area from the following: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cognitive Impairment (CI), and Learning Disabilities (LD). Special Education Endorsement Candidates should contact their faculty advisor upon admission to the College of Education.

TE 303  and TE 305  are waived from the professional sequence of courses in the Teacher Education (BA) for students seeking special education endorsement.

Students seeking a special education endorsement are required to complete fieldwork experiences in elementary, middle, and high school settings aligned to their endorsement area across their core, endorsement, and student teaching courses.

Special Education Core


The Special Education Core is taken by all Special Education candidates and includes the following courses:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement Course Sequence


Candidates pursuing an ASD Endorsement will take the following courses:

Cognitive Impairment (CI) Endorsement Course Sequence


Candidates pursuing a CI Endorsement will take the following courses:

Learning Disabilities (LD) Endorsement Course Sequence


Candidates pursuing an LD Endorsement will take the following courses:

Required Clinical Experience (12 cr)


Candidates must complete the following Student Teacing and Clinical Internship courses.

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