Special Education: Teacher Certification MS
Master of Science in Special Education
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.
Is this program right for you?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Master of Science in Special Education is designed for people working full time that are interested in making a career change to become certified as Special Education teachers. Contact us to find out the best route to become an educator.
The four-semester program combines coursework with practicum and student teaching in local schools. The collaborative development of the program with local and rural school districts in Wisconsin ensures that you will be supported by the school district while deepening your professional skills to better serve students.
The special education master’s is a cross-categorical certification with emphasis on intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disabilities. Graduates of the program will continue to serve the schools, bringing a deeper knowledge base and academic skills to their work in the field of special education.
You will be prepared to 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.
Is this program right for you?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Master of Science in Special Education is designed for people working full time that are interested in making a career change to become certified as Special Education teachers. Contact us to find out the best route to become an educator.
The four-semester program combines coursework with practicum and student teaching in local schools. The collaborative development of the program with local and rural school districts in Wisconsin ensures that you will be supported by the school district while deepening your professional skills to better serve students.
The special education master’s is a cross-categorical certification with emphasis on intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disabilities. Graduates of the program will continue to serve the schools, bringing a deeper knowledge base and academic skills to their work in the field of special education.
You will be prepared to 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.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
Connect with us
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Program highlights
- Our program is accelerated, so you earn your degree in just four semesters when you start in the summer term.
- We work with local schools, so you can complete in-depth coursework with corresponding practicum and student teaching.
- Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for a cross-categorical special education license in K-Grade 12 (age 21).
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible to participate in the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge, a program that provides financial support to students who pledge to teach at a PK-12 school in Wisconsin for three or four years.
- The UW–Madison special education program is ranked 10 among departments of special education according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate School rankings.
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
How you'll learn
- Four-semester program combines coursework on UW–Madison campus with practicum and student teaching in local schools.
- Heavier course load during summer semesters.
- Evening courses with some online components during fall and spring semesters.
Sample curriculum
First Semester Summer
- Individuals with Disabilities
- Teaching Mathematics in Inclusive Settings
- Development, Learning and Education Foundations
Second Semester Fall
- Introduction to Teaching in Special Education
- Classroom Management for Inclusive Classrooms
- Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Disabilities
- Practicum
Third Semester Spring
- Diagnosis, Assessment, and Instructional Planning in Special Ed
- Language and Reading Instruction for Students with Disabilities
- Student Teaching
- Student Teaching Seminar
Fourth Semester Summer
- Methods in Transition and Vocational Education
- Multicultural Issues in Special Education
- Research Methods in Rehabilitation, Mental Health, and Special Ed
Job outlook
- Special Education Teacher
Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2020.
Burning Glass Technologies’ Market Salary is an estimated expected salary. Market Salary uses machine learning algorithms to account for experience, skill, and education among other factors that may impact individual salaries.
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
