Special Education

The Special Education graduate program prepares educators to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. The program will renew and strengthen your understanding of special education and broaden your qualifications as a professional working with students with disabilities. This program leads to licensure in Special Education for Cross Categorical (801) and Specific Learning Disabilities (811) at both the 72 and 73 levels.

The Special Education program has four options:

Teachers who hold a valid Wisconsin teaching license and want additional certification but do not want a Master of Arts in Education degree.
Teachers who hold a valid Wisconsin teaching license and want additional certification and also want a Master of Arts in Education degree.
Teachers who hold a valid Wisconsin Special Education license and want a Master of Arts in Education degree with a Special Education emphasis.
The Special Education Program offers an alternative pathway to certification for non-traditional students who possess a baccalaureate degree and are interested in making a career change.
Recertification (variable credits)

31-37 credits as follows:

9 credits:

SPE 600 Orientation to the Program, 0 cr.
SPE 644 Special Education Law: Families and Students, 3 cr.
SPE 674 Learning with Technology: Effective Strategies for Students with Disabilities, 3 cr.
TDE 618 Advanced Educational Psychology, 3 cr.

17-23 credits:

Field experiences and clinical practice not required for special education teachers who are already licensed and just getting a master degree.

SPE 621 Reading Instruction for Students with Disabilities, 3 cr.
SPE 624 Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education Programs, 3 cr.
SPE 626 Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Disabilities, 3 cr.
SPE 634 Diagnosis and Assessment of Students with Disabilities, 3 cr.
SPE 637 Classroom Management Applications, 3 cr.
SPE 642 Professional Portfolio, 1 cr.
SPE 645 Field Experience Seminar, 1 cr.
SPE 655 Clinical Practice and Seminar (Required for WI Code 801 - CC), 3 cr.

AND/OR

SPE 665 Clinical Practice and Seminar (Required for WI Code 811 - SLD), 3 cr.

5 additional credits for master degree:

(License-only students do not need to take Action Research)

TDE 612 Action Research, 3 cr.
TDE 613 Action Research in Education: Reporting the Findings, 2 cr.