Special Education
All students seeking a Special Education endorsement must complete a field experience (formerly known as practicum) as a part of their program. Students are eligible for the field experience upon the completion of the necessary coursework (see individual program plans). 

Questions should be directed to the faculty adviser for each concentration.

Students may demonstrate the required field experience competencies in any of the following ways:

• in their own professional setting, if appropriate (must be special education teacher of record)
• in a setting under the supervision of a teacher certified in the targeted categorical area
• in OU's summer field experience program

Students must apply to complete field experience. Deadlines to apply are below.

• Apply by July 15 for Fall practicum
• Apply by November 15 for Winter practicum
• Apply by February 15 for Summer practicum

To obtain a practicum application, please email Donna Simons.

Students will also need to complete a Degree Works Evaluation prior to submitting practicum/field experience application in order to demonstrate that all prerequisite courses have been completed. To complete the evaluation, please visit the Degree Works webpage.

Adding the Endorsement

Once you complete all program requirements for the ASD, EI, SLD or ZS endorsement and pass the related MTTC, (and grades have been posted) you must apply for the endorsement in the Michigan Online Education Certification System (MOECS).

Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS)

Endorsements can only be added to active teaching certificates. If your certificate has expired or you have applied for renewal, your renewal must be complete before the endorsement can be added. Once your endorsement program is complete and your official passing MTTC score has been released, follow the steps below to add your new endorsement.

1. Apply for the new endorsement in Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
2. Submit a request for Recommendation for Additional Endorsement, as this begins the official audit process.
3. Applications will typically be processed within 2-6 weeks from the date the application and all documentation are received - this timeline is dependent upon the number of applications in queue for audit at the time.
4. MOECS will send an email prompting you to pay the state fee once your application has been approved. You can also log into MOECS and check the status of your application.
5. Once MDE processes your payment, you can print your new certificate from within MOECS. Applications that include felony and misdemeanor paperwork require additional MDE review and will take longer to process. Refer to the following document for additional guidance: Adding Endorsements – Detailed MOECS Instructions.

If your program results in a university issued degree or certificate, you will also apply to Oakland for your degree or certificate to be awarded. Please contact Graduate Education or the program coordinator should you have questions regarding this process.