What is Special Education?
A special education degree prepares teachers to work with children with disabilities in schools or in support services. Teaching special education is a rewarding and versatile profession.
What are the tests or special requirements for special education?
There are a number of requirements at different levels:
- Meet the Praxis I / CORE / ACT / GRE requirements
- Admission to professional education
- GPA must be 2.75 or higher
- Pass the Praxis II test in order to sign up for student teaching. This test and the CORE test is available at the ets homepage. (For licensure, DPI requires test 0146 or 5146)
- Pass the Wisconsin Foundation in Reading Test (WIFOR) or the WIFORT Alternative Pathway Portfolio
When do I apply to College of Education and Professional Studies?
Apply to professional education during the semester you are taking your pre-block classes.
What can I teach with Cross Categorical Special Education?
You can teach students with disabilities requiring minimal to extensive educational support and from kindergarten through twelfth grade. You can teach students of all types of disability eligibility.
If my major is outside the College of Education and Professional Studies, can I still minor in special education?
Yes, please see Disability in Community School and Society minor if you are not planning to be a teacher but want to learn about individuals with disabilities.
What is professional education and how do I apply?
See this page for further information on professional education: Admission to Professional Education
How much field experience do you have in your program?
For undergraduates, there are three field experience prior to the student teaching semester. For graduate students, field expectations are woven into selected graduate course requirements. Visit The Office of Clinical Experiences for more infomation.
What sciences satisfy university and PI-34 requirements?
The university requires a lab science and a second science from a different discipline. PI-34 specifically requires a biological science and a physical science. One of which must be a lab science.
Can you finish the undergraduate special education program in 4 years?
Yes indeed! See our 4-year plan.
I am a paraprofessional/instructional support aide and want to be a special education teacher. Is there a program for working professionals?
If you are working in an educational environment and would like to earn a BSE with Cross Categorical (Special Education) Licensure, SPECED4U may be the online program for you.
If you have a bachelor’s degree and would like to earn Cross Categorical (Special Education) Licensure, our online asynchronous MSE Special Education: Cross Categorical Licensure may be the online program for you.
With a special education degree, do I qualify for Loan Forgiveness Incentives?
For the most up-to-date answer to this question, go to the Government student aid portal.
What about placement after graduation?
There is a national shortage of special education teachers. Upon graduation, there are many options for employment, including teaching residential and adult services. Our program has 100% employment or graduate school attendance after graduation.