Program Requirements

Certified teachers may obtain an endorsement in learning disabilities (Code SM) by pursuing a master of arts in education degree with a concentration in learning disabilities (LD). Those not seeking the master of arts in education degree may elect to pursue the endorsement only. The faculty adviser will offer direction to the student in creating a plan for each program and, if applicable, evaluate undergraduate and graduate credits to determine equivalencies of any prior work.

Students entering this preparatory program are required to have taught for at least one year.

Courses listed below are required of all students seeking the master's degree in LD.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Education, Leadership and Public Service department page.

Total Credits Required 34-40

Tier 1 Courses12-15
ED 500 Educational Research **3
ED 560 Issues and Trends in Special Education 3
    *Exempt if taken with prior endorsement and department approval
ED 561 Collaboration in Special Education 2
ED 562 Introduction to Learning Disabilities 3
ED 571 Diagnosis and Treatment of Reading Disabilities 4
(approved by the State of Michigan to meet the PA 32 reading requirement for professional certification)
Tier 2 Courses14-17
    NOTE: All courses from Tier 1 must be completed before starting Tier 2
ED 558 Teaching of Reading: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities 4
ED 566 Classroom Management: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities 3
    *Exempt if taken with prior endorsement and department approval
ED 567 Teaching of Math: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities 3
ED 581 Oral and Written Expression: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities 3
ED 587 Assessment in Special Education: Methods for Assessing Students with Learning Disabilities 4
Tier 3 Courses4
    NOTE: All courses from Tier 1 and Tier 2 must be completed before starting Tier 3
ED 568 Internship for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities 3
ED 569 Seminar for the Supervised Practicum for the Learning Disabilities Endorsement 1
    NOTE: ED 568 and ED 569 must be taken during the same semester
Capstone Project2-4
ED 574 Seminar in Educational Research ** (2 cr.) or
     ED 599A Thesis ** (2 - 8 cr.)

*Students who already satisfy these requirements, whether from undergraduate preparation or through another area of endorsement, would not be required to include them in their plan, and appropriate electives, if needed, would be substituted.

**These courses are not required for those seeking a LD endorsement only (33 credit hours).

Note: To obtain the additional endorsement in learning disabilities (K-12) from the State of Michigan, students must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in Learning Disabilities and file the appropriate application at www.michigan.gov/moecs.