Winther Hall 5035
262-472-1106
specialed@uww.edu
Overview
Special Education prepares personnel to work with individuals who have a variety of disabilities in schools or other settings. Program options leading to licensure include Cross Categorical Special Education K-12. Other program options include emphasis in Evidence Based Practices or Applied Behavior Analysis and certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis, Assistive Technology, Autism, Dyslexia and Language Based Learning Disabilities, Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health in Schools, Transition Planning, and Trauma Informed Care.
Master of Science in Education
The Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) Degree program in Special Education has an evidence-based practice emphasis, an applied behavior analysis emphasis, and a cross categorical K-12 Wisconsin teaching license emphasis.
The Evidence Based Practice emphasis and Applied Behavior Analysis emphasis are designed for currently licensed teachers or professionals in related fields who seek advanced knowledge in special education. Graduate students who are not seeking licensure select from two emphases: Evidence Based Practices or Applied Behavior Analysis. An Applied Behavior Analysis certificate, an Autism Specialist certificate, a Dyslexia and Language Based Learning Disabilities certificate, a Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health in Schools certificate, a Transition Specialist certificate, and a Trauma Informed Practice in Education certificate may also be attained as part of these two emphases.
The Cross Categorical emphasis links to Wisconsin cross categorical teaching licensure grades K-12. The curriculum is designed to develop an advanced understanding of the causes, characteristics, and identification of disabilities, pedagogical approaches, and the historical/legal bases for programs involving special populations. Graduate students seeking cross categorical licensure will also apply to Professional Education, meet all requirements for admittance, and meet with a faculty adviser within the licensure area to develop a licensure plan which schedules a practicum slot. Students complete a criminal background check prior to admission to professional education.
Program Coordinator
Shannon Stuart
Winther Hall 5042
262-472-4877
stuarts@uww.edu
Licensure Coordinator & Field Experiences
Barb Hilliker
Winther Hall 5050
262-472-5376
hillikeb@uww.edu
Applied Behavioral Analysis Certificate Program Coordinator
Tia Schultz
Winther Hall 5045
262-472-5375
schulttr@uww.edu
Assistive Technology Certificate Program Coordinator
Lama Bergstrand-Othman
Winther Hall 5041
262-472-3019
bergstrl@uww.edu
Autism Specialist Certificate Program Coordinator
Shannon Stuart
Winther Hall5042
262-472-4877
stuarts@uww.edu
Dyslexia and Language Based Learning Disabilities Certificate Program Coordinator
Amy Stevens
Winther Hall 5034
262-472-5817
stevensa@uww.edu
Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health in Schools Certificate Program Coordinator
Tia Schultz
Winther Hall 5045
262-472-5375
schulttr@uww.edu
Transitional Specialist Certificate Program Coordinator
James Collins
Winther Hall 5044
262-472-5804
collinjc@uww.edu
Trauma Informed Practice in Education Certificate Program Coordinator
Shannon Stuart
Winther Hall 5042
262-472-4877
stuarts@uww.edu
Program Requirements
Students seeking the Master's Degree in Special Education must complete 36 credits of requirements in three core areas:
Students may select to develop their professional portfolios to address any of the following:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills required for certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;
- Report the results and implications of their field-based action research on the development and overall refinement of a special education program emphasis;
- Complete a practicum experience for one or more certificates; and/or
- Document successful completion of their professional development goals for Wisconsin Professional Educator License.
The thesis option is not required. Students complete six units of Action Research as part of the program OR complete a graduate-level phase 4 teaching licensure portfolio.