WMU Special Education Program

WMU Special Education Program page for the special education programs at Western Michigan University. Students will have the option to earn a minor in the core content areas.

Undergraduate program
Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education
Upon completion of this five-year program, graduates will be eligible for Michigan teacher certification in Elementary Education K-5, Elementary Education K-8 (self-contained), Special Education endorsements in Learning Disabilities (K-12) and Emotional Impairment (K-12). Graduate Programs
Master’s Degree in Sp

ecial Education with a First Endorsement – Clinical Teacher Option
At the graduate level students may earn first endorsements in one of the following areas: Autism, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, and Learning Disabilities. Students interested in a first endorsement should apply to our Clinical Teacher program indicating their area of endorsement. Each endorsement is a minimum of thirty credit hours. A Master’s degree with a first endorsement is a minimum thirty-six credit hours. Master’s Degree in Special Education with a Second or Additional Endorsement or concentration area—Master Teacher Option
At the graduate level students may earn a second or additional endorsements in the following areas: Autism, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, and Learning Disabilities. Students may also earn a concentration as a Behavior Specialist. Students interested in any of these areas should apply to our Master Teacher program indicating their area of interest. Each endorsement is a minimum of twenty credit hours. A Master’s degree with a second or additional endorsement or concentration is a minimum of thirty credit hours. Master's Degree in Special Education Administration
At the graduate level students may earn a master’s degree in Special Education Administration. Students interested in this program will need to have at least one endorsement in special education or related area. Students should apply to our Special Education Administration program that is a minimum of 31 credit hours. Students who earn this degree must also take a sequence of 25 credit hours in Educational Leadership to receive a State approval as a Special Education Supervisor or Director and a Central Office Certificate. There is the option to earn a K-12 Principalship with additional credits instead of the Central Office Certificate. Doctoral Degree in Special Education (Ed.D)
This program is designed for students who have earned a Master’s degree in special education or related area and completed one endorsement area in Special Education. Students interested in this program should carefully read the criteria necessary to apply to the program.

One of our own joins the growing list of WMU educators being honored across Michigan this year, congratulations Erik! 💛🤎...
05/08/2026

One of our own joins the growing list of WMU educators being honored across Michigan this year, congratulations Erik! 💛🤎

We’re proud not only of our new national rankings, but of the alumni who show up every day to embody what those rankings represent: leadership, excellence, and impact in education. 🍎

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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!We’re proud to be part of the College of Education and Human Development and to support ...
05/04/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

We’re proud to be part of the College of Education and Human Development and to support the incredible educators being celebrated. Through our work in Special Education and Literacy Studies, we’re committed to helping prepare teachers who create meaningful, lasting impact in classrooms and communities every day. 💛🤎

03/30/2026

WMU College of Education and Human Development
WMU Special Education Program

Dear Students, Alumni, and Community Friends,

This year’s Giving Day was an incredible success. Together, CEHD reached 1,020 donors and raised $106,990 in support of our students, programs, and future educators. To put this into perspective, CEHD’s impact was nearly equal to the combined total of all other colleges—and we proudly contributed 22.6% of all donors across the university. This achievement reflects not only generosity, but a deep, shared commitment to the work we do every day.

Several areas and initiatives saw outstanding momentum:
The Resilience Fund secured a $25,000 match and won the Lunchtime Crunch Time Challenge ($1,000).

SPLS secured a $5,000 match and won the Kickoff Challenge ($1,000).

The CEHD Young Leaders Award captured the Final Countdown Challenge ($1,000).

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the Special Education Development Fund! Each dollar raised will go to support our students who are becoming special education teachers. It is always a great day to be a Bronco!

03/27/2026

WE WILL SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!!!!

47 of 50 states have shortages of special education teachers. Based on experience, we know that if we can support colleg...
03/25/2026

47 of 50 states have shortages of special education teachers. Based on experience, we know that if we can support college students through scholarships, more will become teacher. Every dollar you provide to the Special Education Development Fund will go directly to student support.

If you contribute on March 25, all contributions up to $5000 will be matched! Thank you for supporting WMU Special Education.

WMU College of Education and Human Development

Join me and make a gift to Western Michigan on Giving Day!

03/25/2026
03/25/2026

Every voice deserves to be heard—and understood 📚✨

This Giving Day, support the students of the Special Education and Literacy Studies department, like Kenzie who is studying Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Your gift helps prepare educators who open doors for every learner.

Join me in investing in inclusive, impactful education for all. Give: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/74211/donations/new?tc=94763

Dr. Sarah Summy and Dr. Kristal Ehrhardt have joined together to raise funds for scholarships for our special education ...
03/24/2026

Dr. Sarah Summy and Dr. Kristal Ehrhardt have joined together to raise funds for scholarships for our special education teacher candidates. Please join us by contributing at the link below. No gift is too small and all funds will be used to support our WMU Special Education students at the WMU College of Education and Human Development.
https://www.givecampus.com/s/gwn63g

WMU College of Education and Human Development

Join me and make a gift to Western Michigan on Giving Day!

03/07/2026

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1903 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI
49008

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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