GVSU special education administration graduate students networking in a lobby.

Educational Leadership - Special Education Administration Emphasis

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Graduate Major

Detroit • Grand Rapids • Traverse City • Hybrid • 36-45 Credits

Educational leadership is the process of guiding and managing educational institutions to improve teaching and learning outcomes through strategic planning, resource allocation, and fostering a positive school culture.

Overview

Grand Valley's special education administration degree prepares experienced special educators for leadership roles in special education law, finance, personnel administration, and curriculum. Grand Valley's Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration is designed to prepare individuals for the multifaceted role of special education administration. The program covers essential areas such as special education law, finance, personnel administration, staff development, curriculum, and current issues. It is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and is offered at both the Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the Wayne Regional Educational Services Agency.

The curriculum includes a variety of courses that cover foundational and advanced topics in special education administration like:

Foundations of special education administration.
Administration of special education programs and services.
Curriculum and instruction leadership.
Special education law.
Special education finance.

Additionally, the program includes practical field experiences and a capstone project or thesis to ensure that students gain hands-on experience and can apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are leaders in their fields, providing students with valuable insights and practical knowledge. The flexible scheduling of classes, including evenings, weekends, and summer sessions, accommodates the needs of full-time educators, and the availability of faculty and advisors to support students throughout their studies make it an excellent choice for those seeking to advance their careers.

Courses Admission Requirements Program Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GVSU's special education administration program accredited?

Grand Valley State University's College of Education and Community Innovation is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The faculty are leaders in their fields, melding together the philosophy of education and your needs as a practitioner.

What is a special education administration degree?

A Special Education Administration degree is typically a master's degree, educational specialist (Ed.S.), or graduate certificate that prepares experienced educators to lead special education programs in school districts and educational agencies. Rather than teaching students directly, special education administrators oversee services for students with disabilities and ensure schools comply with federal and state special education laws.

What background do I need to apply for GVSU's special education administration program?

For Grand Valley State University's Master of Education in Educational Leadership with a Special Education Administration emphasis, the program is specifically designed for experienced special educators who want to move into leadership roles in special education.

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Program Website

College of Education and Community Innovation

gvsu.edu/education/grad

DeVos Center Building C
(616) 331-6890
Meet our College of Education and Community Innovation faculty

CECI Advising

Program Director

Nichole Moore, Ed.D.
(616) 331-6236

Application Deadline

Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter, November 15; spring/summer, March 15. Early application is strongly encouraged to secure course enrollment. Those applications received after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis and program availability. Late applicants should contact program director Nichole Moore, [email protected]. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if you have previously applied to GVSU.

79%

GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation

A "Best College for Education in America"

- Niche.com

"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"

- Direct Parent

Accreditation

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.