Director of Special Education

About our Approval Program

Those who wish to obtain full approval as Director of Special Education must

• possess an earned master's degree;
• have full approval in at least one area of special education;
• three years of successful professional practice or administrative experience in special education or a combination thereof;
• one year of successful experience as a Director of Special Education in an approved special education program.

Additionally, the student must complete or show a record of completion of course work leading to State approval as a Director of Special Education (30 credits) offered by the Educational Leadership and Services department (see link below for requirements as listed in our Graduate Catalog).

Questions related to the Director of Special Education course of study may be directed to the SVSU College of Education Graduate and Teacher Education Admissions Office at 989-964-4057 (option #1) or the Macomb Regional Education Center at 586-749-0067. Students should make an appointment with a Certification Advisor to review previous coursework taken and to develop an individualized course of study prior to enrolling in their first semester of courses.

Upon admission to the program, a faculty advisor is available to answer questions regarding coursework requirements, transfer of or course waivers, and the internship for this approval program. Students are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor prior to the completion of 9 credits and again prior to the completion of 18 credits to assure a smooth transition through the program. To schedule an appointment with a faculty advisor, please contact us at the numbers listed above.

• For any person who is employed on a full-time basis, the course load during Fall and Winter semesters is a maximum of six (6) credit hours or two (2) courses.
• Questions related to your teaching certificate should be directed to the Certification Office at 989-964-4179.