M.S. in Special Education
Do you have your bachelor’s degree? Interested in being a leader, collaborating with others, and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families?
The special education master’s program is the academic home to many students who enjoy working with children and youth, especially children and youth with disabilities. Special education master’s graduates enter a high-need field with an almost 100% job placement rate after graduation. Employment opportunities are available all across the country.
Want more information?
Explore Funding Opportunities
UW-SET Residency Program
Consider supporting your own community and focusing on the most underserved populations by joining the UW–Madison Special Education Teacher (SET) Residency Program.
As part of the program, you will receive a stipend in the amount of $38,800 divided over the course of your residency.
Project INCLUDE
Project INCLUDE (Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Language in Universally Designed Education) promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars from two different programs, Special Education and Speech-Language Pathology, with a focus on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology for children and youth who have significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Funding package total of $29,500 over the course of the program.
Response-to-Intervention
This training grant, funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, will improve the quality and supply of personnel who serve children with disabilities by training master’s-level special educators and school psychology graduate students in skills needed to perform effectively in problem-solving teams involved in response-to-intervention (RTI).
Funding package includes $12,067 per year for two years for in-state residents; $25,558 per year for two years for out-of-state residents.
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Student Loan Forgiveness
Federal Loan Forgiveness: All students in the teacher certification track of the Master of Science in Special Education program may be eligible for loan forgiveness as a teacher. To learn more about loan forgiveness or cancellation, please check the Loan Forgiveness page on the Federal Student Aid website.
Teacher Pledge: All students in the teacher certification track of the Master of Science in Special Education program are eligible for the Teacher Pledge Program. Pledge to work at a Wisconsin pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade school for three to four years after graduation. The School of Education pledges to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing and licensing costs. Learn more about the Teacher Pledge.
Eligibility
- Previously earned bachelor’s degree (can be unrelated to education)
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Seeking initial special education teaching license
- Interested in changing the lives of and empowering those around them
Application Process
- To apply you will need:
- 1 statement of purpose indicating your reasons for pursuing special education certification
- Additionally, state your interest in any of the funding options (above)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- 1 current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from colleges/universities attended
- 1 statement of purpose indicating your reasons for pursuing special education certification
- Apply for the “Special Education MS – Teacher Certification” program via Graduate School Application Portal
- Choose which term you would like to start
- Application fee required
Deadline to Apply
- Fall 2021: Rolling
- Spring 2022: October 15
- Summer 2022: May 15
Coursework
Courses are offered on campus, Monday-Friday, during the day and evening. Information regarding program requirements, course descriptions, and graduation requirements can be found in The Guide.
Additional coursework may be required if accepted into one of the funded programs.
Program Length
The master’s in special education with teacher certification can be completed in as little as 14 months, including summer coursework.
Other Paths to Becoming a Special Education Teacher
Bachelor's in Special Education
Be eligible to apply for a Wisconsin cross-categorical Special Education license at the Middle Childhood through Adolescence level (ages 6-21)
Bachelor's in Elementary Education & Special Education
Be eligible to apply for both Elementary Education and Special Education licenses at the Middle Childhood–Early Adolescence levels (approximately ages 6 through 12–13)