Master of Science in Special Education (MSE)
If you have questions or want to learn more about the program, contact Julie Clark at julie.clark@uwrf.edu or 715-425-4854.
Empower Every Learner. Advance Your Career.
At UW-River Falls we believe great educators are more than teachers—they’re changemakers, problem-solvers and leaders who rise to the challenge. Our Master of Science in Special Education (MSE) is designed for those who see obstacles as opportunities and are ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of students with disabilities.
This fully online program combines academic rigor with real-world experience, allowing you to learn on your schedule while completing in-person fieldwork in your own community. With no out-of-state tuition, UW–River Falls offers one of the most affordable graduate programs in the region and our team works with candidates from all U.S. states to support teacher certification needs.
Aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards, the program prepares you to meet nationally recognized expectations for excellence in special education - a field that’s in high demand nationwide.
Choose from three flexible pathways designed to fit your background and career goals:
- Initial Special Education Licensure + Master’s Degree: For those seeking their first special education license while earning a master’s degree.
- Additional Special Education Licensure + Master’s Degree: For currently licensed educators who want to add a special education license and earn a master’s degree.
- Additional Special Education Licensure Only: For educators who want to add a special education license without pursuing a master’s degree.
At UW-River Falls, you’ll gain the knowledge, credentials and confidence to make a meaningful difference in your classroom, your community and your career.
Key Features
- Fully Online Coursework: Complete your courses from anywhere with a flexible, career-driven curriculum tailored for working professionals.
- Start Dates: Begin fall, summer or spring semesters.
- Cost: Tuition per credit in 2025-2026 is $550.
- Total tuition costs may vary depending on textbooks and additional course fees. Find more information about graduate costs.
- In-Person Field Supervision: Gain real-world experience with expert faculty guiding you through fieldwork in your local school or district.
- Accelerated Timeline: Finish in as little as 1.5-2.5 years, including summer sessions.
- Multi-State Certification: Earn credentials in Cross-Categorical Special Education (WI) and similar special education certifications in additional states.
Curriculum
View the program's degree requirements.
Skills and Learning Outcomes
- Understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences.
- Create safe, inclusive, culturally-responsive learning environments.
- Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
- Select, adapt and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities.
- Practice professional ethical principles and professional practice standards to guide your work.
- Collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities and personnel from community agencies to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences.
Turn Your Passion for Teaching into Purpose
At UW-River Falls, we’ve been preparing educators for over 150 years. Our Master of Science in Special Education continues that tradition, helping passionate professionals like you build the skills, confidence and credentials to change lives.