Special Education: Teacher Certification MS
Master of Science in Special Education

Is this program right for you?
Interested in leading, collaborating, and improving lives for individuals with disabilities? A career as a special education teacher might be for you! No prior special education background needed—just a passion for students and advocacy. Our program boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate!
- A cross-categorical certification with emphasis on intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disabilities
- Learn how to bring a deeper knowledge base and academic skills to their work in the field of special education
- Become a resource and advocate for persons with disabilities and will be able to assume a leadership role to enhance the education of all students
Education that works for you
Become a valuable resource and advocate for students with disabilities with your special education teaching certification from UW–Madison’s Master of Science in Special Education program.
Program type
Master’s degree
Degree awarded
Master of Science in Special Education
Commitment
4 semesters
Tuition
Resident: $670.47 per credit
Nonresident: $1,503.40 per credit
Format
Accelerated
Evening/weekend
Face-to-face
Credits
41 graduate credits
Admission terms
Program admits for fall, spring, and summer terms
Offered by
STEM opt eligible
No
Supports F-1 Visa
Yes
Application deadlines
Summer 2025
- Deadline: May 1, 2025
Fall 2025
- Deadline: May 15, 2025
Spring 2026
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
Your questions, answered
Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Admissions and events
Program requirements
Application materials required
April 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
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Special Education: Teacher Certification MS
$61,800
Estimated market salary in 2021
Job titles
4%
Projected growth from 2020-2030. Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2020.
#1
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked first in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings
What you’ll learn
Prepare to create supportive learning environments and effective instruction for students with disabilities in the Special Education: Teacher Certification MS program. Through a combination of coursework in inclusive practices and development and field experiences, you’ll be equipped to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Creating inclusive classrooms and settings
- Instructional planning for disabilities
- Diagnosis and assessment in special education
- Methods for transition and vocational education
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