Ph.D. Degree Admissions Checklist Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Special Education (CEPSE)Special Education ProgramMichigan State University

The following materials are needed for a complete application to the doctor of philosophy (PhD) program in Special Education. An applicant must submit a complete application by December 1 to be considered for financial assistance.

Information Required of All Applicants: A completed Application for Graduate Study available online at http://grad.msu.edu/apply.

Your answers to Question #17 should be 1727 for the PhD degree major code and Special Education for the major name. Also, you must submit a completed CEPSE Department application available online at http://www.educ.msu.edu/cepse/appforms.asp

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores report from the Educational Testing Service (scores above the 50th percentile are typically considered competitive).

Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions.

A resume, vita, or other record of previous experiences.

At least three letters of recommendation on letterhead stationery. We strongly recommend that applicants seek letters from those who can speak directly to their ability and motivation for successful doctoral study. Thus, letters from former professors or other supervisors of graduate or undergraduate work are often more helpful than letters from teaching colleagues.

A goal statement of approximately two pages in length. The goal statement should focus not so much on the origins of the applicant’s interests in pursuing a doctorate in special education, but more so on what the applicant anticipates the program will provide vis-à-vis her or his professional aspirations and, most importantly, why the applicant believes she or he will make an outstanding addition to the program and the field of special education. Note that the response to the personal statement field (Item #22) on the Application for Graduate Study is not sufficient.

A scholarly writing sample (e.g., master's thesis or project, published article, research presentation, paper written for a graduate course). The sample of scholarly writing should show the applicant’s ability to think critically about an issue, review relevant information about that issue, and draw reasonable and creative conclusions or implications.

Additional Information Required of International Students:

International students who are admitted to the program must meet English language proficiency requirements and, depending on status, may be required to enroll in English Language courses either before enrolling in regular coursework or concurrently with enrollment in regular coursework (for more information, see http://grad.msu.edu/internationalstudents).

Statement of Financial Proof available online at http://grad.msu.edu/apply/docs/finproof.pdf. The Statement of Financial Proof is part of the Application for Graduate Study.

Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

Graduate Assistantship Positions:

If you are interested in a teaching assistantship position, submit an application for Graduate Teaching Assistantship found at http://www.educ.msu.edu/cepse/specialed/Financial.asp. Students who have never taught at MSU are required to participate in a 3-day teaching assistant (TA) training program sponsored by the University, and international students are required to participate in a 5-day TA training program. More information about TA training can be found at http://tap.msu.edu/.

If you are interested in a research assistantship, contact faculty members in Special Education who have active research or personnel preparation grants.

Send All Materials (except the on-line MSU application) To:

Graduate Studies SecretarySpecial Education Program335 Erickson HallMichigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI 48824-1034Email: davisme@msu.edu Phone: 517-355-1837Fax: 517-353-6393