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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Education in Educational Leadership - Special Education Administration Emphasis

The special education administration program is known for its comprehensive approach to preparing individuals for the many facets of special education administration including special education law, finance, personnel administration, staff development, curriculum, and current issues. Students may choose to complete the approval/certificate program if they have previously completed a master's degree program.

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education and Community Innovation section in this catalog.

Website: gvsu.edu/coe/grad

Mission
Teaching, leading and learning in a democratic society.

Philosophy
Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education and Community Innovation prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Values
The College of Education and Community Innovation values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

Accreditation

The program is nationally recognized by the Specialty Program Association: Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Program Location

The program is offered in DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, and at the Wayne Regional Educational Services Agency, in Wayne, MI.

Requirements for the M.Ed. Degree in Educational Leadership - Emphasis in Special Education Administration

The M.Ed. degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in special education administration requires a minimum of 45 credit hours. Candidates seeking a Master of Education (Ed.D.) degree in special education administration must complete the following.

Social Foundations Course (3 credits) Choose one:

Research and Evaluation (3 credits):

Emphasis Area Courses (24 credits):

PLUS one of the following:

Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (12 credits):

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Capstone (3 or 6 credits) Choose one:

EDF 660 is prerequisite.

Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a Capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, Capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDL 693) or one to six credits (EDL 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.

Requirements for the Special Education Supervisor and Director Approval and Administrator Certificate

The special education supervisor and director approval and administrator certificate requires a minimum of 36 credit hours.

Emphasis Area Courses (24 credits):

Choose one (3 credits):

Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (12 credits):

Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.


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