DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Department of Special Education is a collaborative community of learners. Graduates of the program will:
- Possess the knowledge, skills and dispositions of professional organizations like CEC, IDA and BACB
- Implement research based practices
- Advocate for equitable education of all children and adults in all setting across the lifespan
- Facilitate purposeful change on behalf of all persons with disabilities
- Value lifelong learning and reflective practice
The undergraduate special education program prepares professionals to become agents of change who use evidence-based practices and critical thinking to support individuals with disabilities and their families across a variety of contexts and settings.
Through an intersectional lens, the special education graduate programs prepare leaders to move their fields forward using evidence-based practices that support individuals with disabilities.
Accreditation
The College of Education and Professional Studies (COEPS) is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Department of Special Education is a collaborative community of learners that has specialty program accredited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and soon, the International Dyslexia Association.
Winther Hall, Room 5035
262-472-1106 | specialed@uww.edu
In our department and across campus, special education students will find organizations like:
- Best Buddies
- CARE
The LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program offers a complete college experience to young adults (ages 18 to 25) who have an intellectual disability. Participants gain independent living skills and prepare for meaningful employment experiences. Special Education majors have an opportunity to work and engage with students in the LIFE program.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Where is the website for tuition information?
The website for tuition information can be accessed from here.
Where is the website for financial aid?
The website for financial aid can be accessed from here.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Go to the Graduate Studies admissions page.
What is an official transcript?
A transcript with an official university seal that is in a sealed envelope from the university.
Where do I send my official transcripts?
To the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education 2013 Roseman Hall.
Can I have my undergraduate university/college fax you my official transcript?
No. Graduate School policy dictates that only transcripts with a university seal, delivered in a sealed envelope from the university, can be considered an "official" transcript.
I graduated from UW-Whitewater. Do I have to order an official transcript?
No. The School of Graduate Studies will order transcripts from the Registrar's Office for you.
What GPA do I need to be admitted in "good standing"?
At least, a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average; at least, a 2.90 cumulative undergraduate grade point average in the last half of the undergraduate degree program; a master's degree or higher from an institution regionally accredited at the graduate-level; or to have completed, at least, 12 graduate-level credits at UW-Whitewater with a cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
As an international student, are there special steps or requirements for me to be admitted to a graduate program?
Yes.