The MS degree in Special Education prepares students to serve as resources and advocates for students with disabilities and their families, and to work cooperatively with schools and community agencies to improve the quality of life for students with disabilities. The MS degree in Special Education offers two named options: the Teacher Certification program and the Research and Theory program.
Graduates of the Teacher Certification program are eligible to apply for Wisconsin K-12 cross-categorical Special Education licensure. The program is an applied professional training program, preparing students to go directly into positions as Special Education teachers. Students enrolled in this program are not permitted to accept teaching assistantships, project assistantships, research assistantships, or other graduate appointments that would result in a tuition waiver. Additionally, students are unable to take courses outside the required courses listed under the "Requirements" section or dual major while in this program.
The Research and Theory program option focuses on graduate-level research and theory in the field of Special Education. A plan of study generally includes multiple research courses and theory courses in Special Education as well as related coursework from other departments that contribute to the student's academic and research interests. The program deepens students' academic preparation to understand key questions and issues in the field of special education and to strengthen students' analytical and research skills. These skills contribute to the development of high-quality scholars and leaders in the field. Most graduates choose to pursue further study in a doctoral program, or to pursue positions in schools or community-based agencies, or advocacy organizations that promote independence and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Special Education faculty research focuses on the following areas:
- Research methodologies in special education
- Diversity and equity issues in the field of special education
- Literacy and reading instruction for individuals with disabilities
- Teacher education and preparation of high-quality special education teachers
- Evidence-based interventions with students with severe disabilities including multiple disabilities, intellectual disability and autism
- Special education issues in adolescence, transitional and vocational education
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursar’s Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Information
For current funding opportunities, visit the department's Funding and Financial Aid page.
Special Education with Teacher Certification Program Restrictions
Students enrolled in this program are allowed to accept teaching assistantships, project assistantships, and research assistantships, but will not receive tuition remission.
Teacher Pledge
The School of Education pledges to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing, and licensing costs for all teacher education students, including Special Education Teacher Certification MS students. In return, you pledge to work at a Wisconsin PK-12 school for three to four years after graduation. Restrictions apply. Please see the Teacher Education Center's website for more information.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 15 credits must be in graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | n/a |
| Assessments and Examinations | See Named Option for policy information. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
Required Courses
Select a Named Option for required courses.
Named Options
A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Special Education must select one of the following named options:
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Research and Theory Proficiency: Describe current and emerging theories and research methods in special education.
- Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Identify, critically analyze, and evaluate research in special education and related fields to inform practice.
- Inclusive, Equitable, and Culturally-Responsive Practices: Apply inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive teaching and expansive learning practices to facilitate the academic, social, and emotional growth of individuals with disabilities.
- Collaboration and Teaming: Apply culturally responsive and transformative practices to collaborate with students, families, communities, and/or other related professionals to promote the well-being of individuals with disabilities across a wide range of settings.
- Ethical and Professional Practice: Engage in professional learning and practice within ethical standards articulated by professional organizations (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children) and legal guidelines (e.g., Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Certification/Licensure
Special Education: Teacher Certification
Recommendation for certification to the state of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for a teaching license also requires successful completion of state mandated certification requirements including:
- Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test - WFoRT: Minimum passing score - 240 or successful completion of the WFoRT Alternative Portfolio Assessment and completion of RP & SE 465 Language and Reading Instruction for Students with Disabilities with a grade of B or higher
- Final Performance Assessment Portfolio
For more information on required tests, see: https://tec.education.wisc.edu/current-students/applying-for-your-wisconsin-license/
Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)
The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.
Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.
UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.
The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Wisconsin
The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Not applicable
Updated: 1 June 2025