Coordinator:
Carol A. Swift
405A Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3067
swift@oakland.edu
Program description
The Master of Education in special education is a degree focusing on 1) the broader concepts of exceptionality – learning, instruction and development and 2) an in-depth preparation for one or two areas of exceptionality. Exploration of theory and research and advanced application in instruction and assessment with selected populations are integrated throughout the program.
The Master of Education in special education degree is designed to provide students advanced training and expertise in a chosen area of concentration. The areas of concentration offered within the M.Ed. in special education degree program at Oakland University are:
- M.Ed. in special education with a concentration in specific learning disability
- M.Ed. in special education with a concentration in emotional impairment
- M.Ed. in special education with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder
- M.Ed. in special education with dual concentration in specific learning disability and emotional impairment
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.
- July 15 for fall semester
- November 15 for winter semester
- March 15 for summer semester
Readmission and program transfer
Requests for readmission and program transfers must be completed and approved prior to the beginning of a semester.
International application deadlines
International applications are reviewed for fall and winter admission only. To ensure adequate time for review, international applications must be completed at least six months before the desired date of intended enrollment in the University. All international application materials must be submitted by May 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for winter admission. International applicants are not eligible for Special Graduate classification.
Special Graduate classification
Applicants who are seeking a graduate degree or graduate certificate, but are unable to meet the deadline for filing all required application materials or credentials for graduate admission, may contact the department and request Special Graduate temporary admission. The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study, plus a copy of a transcript providing evidence of a bachelor’s degree awarded and any specific evidence concerning their qualifications for graduate study as required by the department. Up to 12 credits may be earned in the Special Graduate classification. Admission as a special graduate student in no way assures subsequent admission to a degree or graduate certificate program.
Students may request special graduate classification beginning with the dates below.
- August 1 for fall semester
- December 1 for winter semester
- April 1 for summer semester
Note: Special Graduate classification will not be granted after the first week of classes in a semester.
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all of the following university and program application documents by the published application deadlines.
University graduate application requirements
Program application requirement
- Supplemental Program Form
- Requirements for recommendations
The recommendation forms must be from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for successful graduate study
- Copy of current (or most recent) teaching certificate or verification of pending certificate
- Goal statement, which includes the reason for application, the intended focus of graduate study, a description of professional experiences and accomplishments, and professional and career goals
Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.
To be admitted to the M.Ed. in special education degree program in full standing, the applicant must have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0, but with an appropriate academic background and strong letters of recommendation, may be considered for admission in limited standing. Students who qualify for this admission classification must complete a maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework with a grade of 3.0 or above in each course within the first three academic terms from the time of initial enrollment.