MS 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.
Attend a Teacher Preparation Info Session
- December
- December 14
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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 (approximately $15,000) 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.
Watch our comprehensive program overview video that covers the program basics including curriculum, time to completion, and application process.
Watch the Program Overview on YouTube
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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
- Spring: October 15
- Summer: May 15
- Fall: January 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.
Jesus Cortez was an engineering major at UW–Madison, until he changed his mind and changed direction. Having a lot of time to think and examine his values in the midst of the pandemic allowed him to home in on his passion. He’s now enrolled in a special education master’s program through UW–Madison School of Education, and he’s sharing his journey from New York City to Madison.
Other Paths to Becoming a Special Education Teacher
Bachelor of Science in Education
Be eligible to apply for a Wisconsin Special Education teacher's license through one of the four undergraduate Special Education Programs at UW-Madison.
1. Special Education Cross-Categorical, Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12)
2. Special Education Cross-Categorical, K-12 and Elementary Education, Kindergarten though Grade 9 (K-9)
3. Early Childhood Special Education, Birth-Grade 3
4. Early Childhood Special Education, Birth-Grade 3 and Special Education Cross-Categorical, K-12