Inclusive Education (MA)

Why UM-Flint

What Sets UM-Flint's Program Apart?

The Master of Arts in Inclusive Education is a unique degree dedicated to educators who want to improve the inclusive environment of their classroom, school, or district. The objectives of this program will benefit classrooms from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

RESEARCH SUPPORTED, APPLICATION BASED

The primary goal of the MA in Inclusive Education is to move proven research methods into practicing educators’ classrooms to create a truly inclusive environment. Educators will learn how to adapt and apply best practices to their unique classrooms so that all students are valued and have access to meaningful participation in both the academic and social domains of education. Through interactive online methods, each course will employ practices to be used in the classroom.

CONTINUOUS COACHING

One of the most valuable benefits of the MA in Inclusive Education is the collaborative coaching provided by instructors. Our professors don’t simply lecture about theories and research, expecting you to self-administer. The program's faculty are there to guide implementation, celebrate in your successes, and support you in navigating challenging situations in your classroom.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

The core curriculum gives students the essential skills administrators covet when hiring new teachers and looking to improve inclusivity within their school districts. The program covers characteristics of students with exceptionalities; how to identify students with social and behavioral difficulties; and implement research-based academic, social, and behavioral interventions; how to meet the needs of students in poverty and culturally diverse students in the inclusive classroom; how to implement technology and Universal Design for Learning; and best practices for collaborating with families and in interdisciplinary teams.

IMPROVED LEARNING FOR ALL

While the strategies studied in this program will help educators create a more inclusive environment for students with exceptionalities, the skills learned will be applicable to all students in your classroom. Undoubtedly, your overall classroom practice will be improved as part of successful inclusive practices.

ONE-OF-A-KIND PROGRAM - 100% online

While there are a variety of programs that focus on inclusion, very few have an applied approach like the MA in Inclusive Education at UM-Flint. Furthermore, the part-time, 100% online format gives teachers the convenience to attend while working. The program’s 10 classes/30 credits can be completed in as little as 20 months. Students will learn in a collaborative cohort format that promotes sharing of ideas and successful practices across school districts.

U-M RESOURCES

As part of the world-renowned University of Michigan system, UM-Flint students can tap additional resources, expertise, and contacts at the Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses. “Maize and Blue through and through,” our supportive community provides students with invaluable assistance in research, networking, and other initiatives.

Courses

Requirements

Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours of graduate course work. The MA in Inclusive Education can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Fall Year 1

EDN 505 – Inclusion in Today’s Classrooms and Society (3)
EDN 515 – Teaching Exceptional Students (3)

Winter Year 1

EDN 502 – Family, School, and Community Collaboration for Students with Special Needs (3)
EDN 565 – Social and Behavioral Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom (3)

Spring Year 1

EDR 522 – Teaching English Language Learners in the K-12 Classroom (3)
EDR 645 – Literacy Instruction for Students Identified with Special Needs (3)

Students will take one of the two courses listed above; both courses will be offered.

Summer Year 1

EDN 525 – Technology in the Inclusive Classroom (3)

Fall Year 2

EDN 655 – Research Seminar in Special Education (3)
EDN 665 – Methods for Differentiation and Remediation (3)

Winter Year 2

EDN 635 – Poverty and Culture in the Classroom (3)
EDN 695 – Capstone (3)

Additional information on the Master of Arts in Inclusive Education including course descriptions can be found in the catalog.

Admission

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Teacher’s certification (any state/country) or proof of experience in early childhood settings
Candidate must be currently teaching or have reasonable access to an educational setting to complete required fieldwork

State Authorization for Online Students

The federal government requires universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, especially if it leads to professional licensure, please visit umflint.edu/oel/state-authorization-distance-education to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.

Applying

To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.

Application for Graduate Admission
$55 application fee (non-refundable)
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Statement of Purpose: submit a typewritten statement describing your experiences with inclusion as well as your goals for entering the graduate program and how these goals connect to your views on teaching and learning.
Résumé
Copy of Teaching Certificate or Proof of Experience form
Three letters of recommendation: from individuals familiar with your work in academic or professional contexts. Electronic recommendation requests are sent out as a part of the online application process.
International Students: Submit additional documentation. Visit umflint.edu/international for details. The Inclusive Education program is an online program. Students admitted to this program
are not eligible to obtain a student visa (F visa). Students with all other visa types are eligible.

Application Deadlines

To be considered for admission by the School of Education and Human Services, all applications materials must be submitted on or before:

Fall (early deadline): May 1*
Fall (final deadline): August 1

*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to guarantee application eligibility for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

I chose UM-Flint primarily because the program was online, so the schedule was compatible with working full-time as a teacher. The Inclusive Education aspect also coincided with my entering into a more inclusive teaching model in my current position. My success is not in my own employability, but in how much more I can bring to help the special education program within my current school district. Originally, I had no higher aspiration than in continuing to work with my special education students. As I began to experience the benefits of keeping my students in their general education classes and working with them in that setting, I knew that a master’s degree in Inclusive Education would better legitimize my efforts to more widely promote such practices within my school district.

Dr. Melissa Sreckovic

"The goal of this program is to help educators build a toolbox of research based-strategies to create safe learning environments where all students are valued and can succeed."

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