The goal of our program is to further prepare educator's to serve as an change agent in their schools and communities toward promoting the full participation of individuals with disabilities. It is intended to help students develop strategies and new ways of thinking in a wide variety of contexts, with particular emphasis on working within a multicultural and urban context.

The Department of Exceptional Education offers two options for a program of study at the master's level: a Certification Option or a General Option. (Masters Information Packet)

Certification Option:Student who are interested in earning certification and licensure as a special education teacher as part of a Masters Degree must first apply directly to the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program in Exceptional Education. Directions for Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

After you are admitted to one of the certification programs...

• Early Childhood
• Middle Childhood- Early Adolescence
• Early Adolescence - Adolescence
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing

you will work with an advisor to determine application to the Graduate School and your program. Up to 15 credits of coursework in the certification program may be applied to the Master's Degree in addition to 15 credits of core requirements.

If you have questions regarding the certification areas please contact the appropriate Exceptional Education Department advisor.

General Option:Student enroll in 15 credits of core requirements and 15 credits that reflect a focus area of study. Working in consultation with an advisor and a Faculty advisor, a themed focus area of study is selected based upon the student's educational background, areas of professional interest, and professional development goals.

Focus areas...

• Assistive Technology
• Transition from School to Life
• Literacy and Learning Disabilities
• Multicultural Special Education
  
• Students with Significant Disabilities (Cognitive Disabilities & Autism or Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities)
• Early Intervention/Early Childhood
• Early Intervention/Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  
• Teacher as Leader

For Focus areas, applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. You can apply online at https://apply.wisconsin.edu/ as a graduate student. It can take 6-10 weeks for your application to be complete. If you have questions regarding the application process or the status of your application, please contact the Graduate School.

Both Options (Certification and General):Students are required to complete 30 credits (15 core studies and 15 either certification or focus area). Core studies include courses include:

• EXCEDUC 715 Issues and Trends (3cr)
• EXCEDUC 815 Capstone Seminar in Special Education (3cr)
• EXCEDUC 970 Research course (3cr)
• EXCEDUC 990 thesis/Research course (3cr)
• Course options for advanced issues or methods in special education (3cr)
  

The Master's course of study culminates in a thesis or project. Students use this project to bring new information and insights to their work settings. Students present their thesis or project to Faculty and other graduate students upon completion.