MASTER OF EDUCATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Research has shown that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), provided by individuals trained in the principles of behavioral analysis, can help individuals including those with autism to learn specific skills such as how to communicate, develop relationships, play, care for themselves, learn in school, succeed at work, and participate fully and productively in family and community activities, regardless of their age. ABA has a strong database of research to document its effectiveness with positive behavioral changes for a variety of populations.

Oakland University's graduate certificate in ABA and the M.Ed. in Special Education with ABA concentration (5th edition Task List), both going into effect in Fall 2020, are pending approval by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

In order to earn the BCBA designation, individuals are also required to complete up to 1500 hours of ABA fieldwork, and pass the board’s national exam. 

• The graduate certificate in ABA (21-31 credits) offers specific courses in behavioral principles and techniques that fulfill course requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.  Candidates for the certificate program should already hold a board-approved master's degree.
• The M.Ed. in Special Education (45 credits) fulfills the BACB degree requirements; ABA concentration courses are embedded within the degree. Candidates for the master’s program must have (at minimum) a bachelor's degree.
• A variety of board-approved fieldwork options are available. Contact faculty adviser (Dr. Jessica Korneder) for details.

For more detailed information on this credential, please visit Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Admissions Criteria

• For the M.Ed. in Special Education with ABA concentration: Candidates must have a minimum of a bachelors degree.
• For the Graduate Certificate in ABA: Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in ABA must have a masters degree: Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A personal interview may be required
• Potential for success in the program

Locations
ABA Concentration - Oakland University, Main Campus - (Map / Directions)
M.Ed. Core - All core courses are offered online
Fieldwork - To be completed at an approved ABA site

Additional Information
Erica Ruegg, Ed.D.
(248) 370-2894
[email protected]

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

This Master of Education degree focuses on the broader concepts of exceptionality (learning, instruction and development) and in-depth preparation in the area of autism.

This degree is an 24 - 36 month program designed for individuals who currently have or are eligible to receive a teaching certificate in Michigan, and who wish to receive state certification to teach individuals on the autism spectrum. The program is offered online. A practicum is required.

Field Experience (practicum)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements to earn this credential, the Michigan Department of Education requires that candidates complete a minimum of 180 clock hours in an approved, supervised field experience, teaching students on the autism spectrum. The field experience is offered as the final experience required for K-12 certification in ASD. The specific nature of the experience will be individually determined at the time of approval of the field experience request. For additional information and practicum requirements, visit the Field Experience/Endorsement Requirements webpage.

Admissions Criteria

• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Minimum 3.0 (or higher) GPA
• Hold (or be eligible for) a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (elementary or secondary certification)
• Demonstrate potential for success in the program

Locations
This is an online program. All coursework, with the exception of the ASD Practicum, is completed online.  Find out if an online program is right for you.

Additional Information
Erica Ruegg, Ed.D.
(248) 370-2894
[email protected]

Adding the Endorsement
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 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.

This Master of Education degree focuses on the broader concepts of exceptionality (learning, instruction and development) and in-depth preparation in the area of emotional impairment. This program is typically completed in 24 months

This program can be completed by teachers and non-teachers alike.

• Teachers - upon completion of all coursework and practicum and after having passed the related MTTC test - will be eligible to have the EI endorsement added to their Michigan teaching certificate.
• For individuals without teacher certification, completion of the program provides a special education master's degree that signifies having gained the expertise needed to more effectively serve - in their current or intended capacity (i.e., counseling, juvenile justice system, mental health) - the population of individuals who experience emotional difficulties that impact their lives.
  

Field Experience (practicum)
In partial fulfillment of the requirements to earn this credential, the Michigan Department of Education requires that candidates complete a minimum of 180 clock hours in an approved, supervised field experience, teaching students with emotional impairment. The field experience is offered as the final experience required for K-12 certification in EI. The specific nature of the experience will be individually determined at the time of approval of the field experience request. For additional information and practicum requirements, visit the Field Experience/Endorsement Requirements webpage.

Admissions Criteria

• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Minimum 3.0 (or higher) GPA
• Hold (or be eligible for) a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (elementary or secondary certification)
• Demonstrate potential for success in the program

Locations
This is an online program. All coursework, with the exception of the EI Practicum (in an approved EI site), is completed online.  Find out if an online program is right for you.

Additional Information
Erica Ruegg, Ed.D.
(248) 370-2894
[email protected]

Adding the Endorsement
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 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.

This Master of Education degree focuses on the broader concepts of exceptionality (learning, instruction and development) and in-depth preparation in the area of specific learning disability.

The program is designed for individuals who have – or are eligible for – Michigan teacher certification, and who wish to specialize in teaching students with learning disabilities. Upon completion of all coursework and practicum and after having passed the related MTTC test, candidates are eligible to have the SLD endorsement added to their Michigan teaching certificate. This program is typically completed in 24 months.

Field Experience (practicum)
In partial fulfillment of the requirements to earn this credential, the Michigan Department of Education requires that candidates complete a minimum of 180 clock hours in an approved, supervised field experience, teaching students with specific learning disabilities. The field experience is offered as the final experience required for K-12 certification in SLD. The specific nature of the experience will be individually determined at the time of approval of the field experience request. For additional information and practicum requirements, visit the Field Experience/Endorsement Requirements webpage.

Admissions Criteria

• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Minimum 3.0 (or higher) GPA
• Hold (or be eligible for) a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (elementary or secondary certification)
• Demonstrate potential for success in the program

Locations
Most courses in this program are offered online. Two courses are held on campus in Rochester, and the practicum is completed in an approved SLD site.

Additional Information
Erica Ruegg, Ed.D.
(248) 370-2894
[email protected]

Adding the Endorsement
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 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.