Working hand-in-hand with the UW College of Education’s nationally-recognized faculty, our students develop the expertise to improve the lives and outcomes of students from birth through adulthood. With a shared commitment to making an excellent education a reality of all learners, our programs include a focus on applying current research knowledge and theory to educational services.

Our graduates pursue work in a range of public and private settings as educators, school psychologists and researchers.

Learn More About Special Education Programs

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Program Degree

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Prepares professionals to use the science of applied behavior analysis to help improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

 M.Ed.

Early Childhood Special Education (MEd/Cert)

Two-year program preparing teachers interested in working with young children (birth-8) with special needs and their families. Endorsement in Early Childhood Education (P-3) available.

 Certificate, M.Ed.

High-Incidence Disabilities Teacher Education (M.Ed./Cert.)

Prepares teachers to serve students with high-incidence disabilities such as learning and emotional/behavioral disabilities. Three degree options: Initial Teaching Certification, Special Education Endorsement, and Master's Only.

 Certificate, M.Ed.

Low-Incidence Teacher Education

Prepares special education teachers to meet the individual needs of students with low-incidence disabilities (severe intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities and/or severe behavioral disorders/autism) and their families.

 Certificate, M.Ed.

Special Education Doctoral

Create a highly tailored program of study that includes intermediate and advanced coursework in special education as well as outside coursework to gain broader perspective and deeper insight into specialized topics.

 Ph.D.