Degree or Program Details
Learning Disabilities
Program Requirements
Certified teachers may obtain an endorsement in learning disabilities (Code SM) by pursuing a master of arts in education degree with a concentration in learning disabilities (LD). Certified teachers not pursuing the master of arts in education degree may elect to pursue only the endorsement.The faculty adviser will direct the plan for each program and evaluate students’ undergraduate and graduate credits to pinpoint any core area deficiencies and determine equivalencies of any prior work. These determinations will become the foundation for an appropriate plan of study. An approved plan of study must be developed after taking ten credits.
Students entering this preparatory program are required to have taught for at least one year.
Courses listed below are required of all students seeking either LD endorsement and/or the master's degree in LD.
Those seeking the endorsement are not required to take the research component
For department information or additional degree requirements, click here
For course description, click on the course.
| Total Credits Required for Degree | 34-52 |
| Research | 5 |
| Concentration | 17-30 |
| (if seeking initial special education certification) |
| Electives | 0-4 |
| Cognates | 8-17 |
* Students who already satisfy these requirements, whether from undergraduate preparation or through another area of endorsement, would not be required to include them in their plan, and appropriate electives, if needed, would be substituted.
Note: To obtain the additional endorsement in learning disabilities (K-12) from the State of Michigan, students must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in Learning Disabilities and file the appropriate application with certification specialist in the School of Education.
