Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Graduate Certificate
Online
Course Delivery
15
Total Credits
$867
Credit Hour
2 Years
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The Multi-Tired Systems of Support (MTSS) graduate certificate provides training for individuals who wish to build expertise in MTSS implementation for students and schools. Learning from faculty who are leaders in the field, students will explore how to accurately identify the academic and behavioral needs of individuals they work with. Graduates from MSU's MTSS program will have the skills to improve students experiences and achievements through hands-on and informed decision-making. The MTSS graduate certificate can be completed individually or in connection with the Master of Arts in Special Education program.Program Outcomes
Graduates will be able to strongly and meaningfully contribute to a more positive school climate for students. The program will teach graduates how to adapt their work to individual student needs to improve achievement and prevent actions that may cause academic or behavioral problems.
Career Outlook
After completing the graduate certificate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Spartans will be leaders in their schools, satisfying a growing need for advocates of the academic, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
A Top-Ranked Education
- #3 in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #3 in Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #6 in Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #9 in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #7 in Online Master’s Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Dr. Josh Plavnick
Professor and Director of Special Education Programs
Joshua Plavnick is a professor of special education as well as the director of the Special Education master's program, Special Education Ph.D. program and Special Education Multi-Tiered Systems of Support master's program. He is also the director of the Early Learning Institute, which he founded in 2014. His research interests involve the development and implementation of community-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, automated measurement of human behavior, applications of technology to behavior analytic interventions, and training educational service providers to administer behavior analytic interventions.
Course Information
Core
CEP 802A - Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Special Education I: Mild Impairment (3 Credits)
CEP 803A - Assessment of Students with Mild Disabilities (3 Credits)
CEP 804B - Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation for Students with Literacy Disabilities (3 Credits)
CEP 809 - Data-Driven Instruction within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (3 Credits)
Elective
CEP 841 - Classroom and Behavior Management in the Inclusive Classroom (3 Credits) CEP 844 - Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers (3 Credits)Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree
- Previous work experience
CV/Résumé - A written personal statement
- 3 Letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Submit all required materials to the application portal.
- Send all transcripts to Michigan State University.
Key Dates
Fall
Application Deadline
June 1st
Spring
Application Deadline
October 1st
Summer
Application Deadline
February 1st
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$933
$933
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
Program Overview
The Multi-Tired Systems of Support (MTSS) graduate certificate provides training for individuals who wish to build expertise in MTSS implementation for students and schools. Learning from faculty who are leaders in the field, students will explore how to accurately identify the academic and behavioral needs of individuals they work with. Graduates from MSU's MTSS program will have the skills to improve students experiences and achievements through hands-on and informed decision-making. The MTSS graduate certificate can be completed individually or in connection with the Master of Arts in Special Education program.Program Outcomes
Graduates will be able to strongly and meaningfully contribute to a more positive school climate for students. The program will teach graduates how to adapt their work to individual student needs to improve achievement and prevent actions that may cause academic or behavioral problems.
Career Outlook
After completing the graduate certificate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Spartans will be leaders in their schools, satisfying a growing need for advocates of the academic, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
A Top-Ranked Education
- #3 in Online Master's in Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #3 in Online Master's in Education Administration — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #6 in Online Master's in Education/Instructional Media — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #9 in Online Master's in Special Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #7 in Online Master’s Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Dr. Josh Plavnick
Professor and Director of Special Education Programs
Joshua Plavnick is a professor of special education as well as the director of the Special Education master's program, Special Education Ph.D. program and Special Education Multi-Tiered Systems of Support master's program. He is also the director of the Early Learning Institute, which he founded in 2014. His research interests involve the development and implementation of community-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, automated measurement of human behavior, applications of technology to behavior analytic interventions, and training educational service providers to administer behavior analytic interventions.
Course Information
Core
CEP 802A - Reflection and Inquiry in Teaching Special Education I: Mild Impairment (3 Credits)
CEP 803A - Assessment of Students with Mild Disabilities (3 Credits)
CEP 804B - Advanced Diagnosis and Remediation for Students with Literacy Disabilities (3 Credits)
CEP 809 - Data-Driven Instruction within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (3 Credits)
Elective
CEP 841 - Classroom and Behavior Management in the Inclusive Classroom (3 Credits) CEP 844 - Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers (3 Credits)Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree
- Previous work experience
CV/Résumé - A written personal statement
- 3 Letters of recommendation. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Submit all required materials to the application portal.
- Send all transcripts to Michigan State University.
Key Dates
Fall
Application Deadline
June 1st
Spring
Application Deadline
October 1st
Summer
Application Deadline
February 1st
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$933
$933
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
The MSU Value Promise
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.