How to Apply
Alternative Education Certification
Typically there are four kinds of students that take these courses. Please identify under which category you fit and follow the steps indicated.
1. I am a licensed teacher and want to get my #952 add-on license to teach in an alternative education setting.
Visit the University Special Student website and complete an UW System online application. There has been some confusion over items you must select to be considered a University Special Student. Before you complete the application please view this instruction sheet.
Generally within 10 days of submission you will be notified by mail when you have been admitted as a non-degree seeking Special Student.
In your admissions letter you will receive an ePanther ID that you will need to register for classes. As classes tend to fill quickly please follow the directions in your admissions letter as soon as you receive it and register for classes on the opening date of the enrollment period.
*Note: University Special Students are non-degree seeking students and are typically not eligible for financial aid. There is no application fee for a non-degree seeking University Special Student. For more information on Special Students, see the section to the right. →
2. I am a licensed teacher and want to get my 952 license while working towards an accredited master's degree.
You will have to apply to the graduate school for admissions into the master's program of your choice.
After accepted you may take the two courses as part of your program.
Applying as a Master's Degree Student
If you are planning on enrolling in a master's degree program, like Cultural Foundations of Education, while attaining your Alternative Education Certification you must apply as a graduate student.
3. I am currently an enrolled student at UWM and want to take these courses to have a better understanding of alternative education settings.
Log into your PAWS account to view your enrollment dates.
After the opening day of your enrollment period you may register for the courses.
4. I am not an enrolled student at UWM and do not hold a teaching license, but want to take these courses to have a better understanding of alternative education settings.
If you are not currently enrolled at UWM, you must apply before being able to register and take courses. If you do not wish to pursue a degree you may register as a University Special Student. You may follow the same steps as the first category in this section.
Alt Ed. PDF Handbook
Check out our Alternative Education Certification Program Handbook. It includes further information on program delivery, the application process, requirements, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Additional Information regarding Special Students:
If you are interested in this program you may apply as a Special Student unless you are planning to enroll in a master's program--for example, Cultural Foundations of Education.
When you enroll as a University Special Student you become a non-degree seeking student. This means that under most circumstances you will not be eligible for financial aid other than external scholarships.
Generally, when you complete your online application admissions will receive it the next day. Before completing the application please view the application instructions to make sure you make the correct selections to become a special student in the Alternative Education Certification Program. Typically, within ten days of submission you will be notified by mail of your acceptance. You will be issued student identification information and you will be able to register for classes after activating your account when your enrollment date is open.
If you have any questions about applying as a special student or the application process you may contact the Office of Adults and Returning Student Services (OARSS) at 414-229-6732.
