If you have questions or want to learn more about the program, contact Satomi Shinde at satomi.shinde@uwrf.edu.
Lead. Innovate. Transform.
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 dynamic program offers three pathways to help you take charge of your career and elevate your influence in education:
- Initial Special Education Licensure + Master’s Degree: For those seeking their first license in special education 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.
We anticipate accepting applications beginning in May 2025, contingent upon approval at the June Board of Regents meeting, and we can’t wait to welcome our first cohort of future special education leaders! If you're eager to take the next step in your career, don’t wait—express your interest today and be the first to know when applications officially open!
Designed for Your Life. Built for Impact.
- Fully Online Coursework: Complete your courses from anywhere with a flexible, career-driven curriculum tailored for working professionals.
- 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 to 2.5 years, including summer sessions.
- Multi-State Certification: Earn credentials in Cross-Categorical Special Education (WI) and Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS) (MN).
Pathway 1: Master’s program for initial license in special education for students with non-education undergraduate degrees.
- SPED 530*: Exceptional Child (3 cr.)
- TED 701*: Psychology of Teaching & Learning (3 cr.)
- TED 706*: Historical, Philosophical and Multicultural Foundations of Education (3 cr.)
- SPED 701: Collaboration & co-teaching (3 cr.)
- SPED 702: Applied Behavior Analysis, SEL, & Classroom Management (3 cr.)
- SPED 703: Assessment in Special Education: Identification & Progress monitoring (3 cr.)
- SPED 704: Introduction to Assistive Technology (1 cr.)
- TED 731*: STEM-infused Math for Elementary and Middle School Educators (3 cr.)
- TED 711*: Literacy Methods: English Language Arts Assessment, Instruction and Intervention (3 cr.)
- SPED 706: Methods (Preservice Teaching at ECSE to Elementary) (3 cr.)
- SPED 707: Methods (Preservice Teaching at Middle to High School + Transition) (3 cr.)
- TED 746*: Student Teaching (6 cr.)
- SPED 709: Research in Special Education (for Master’s degree) (3 cr.) (1 credit/semester/term)
NOTE: PELSB requires 100-hour field experience before student teaching.
Pathway 2: Master’s program for additional license in special education for students with education undergraduate degrees.
- SPED 701: Collaboration & co-teaching (3 cr.)
- SPED 702: Applied Behavior Analysis, SEL, & Classroom Management (3 cr.)
- SPED 703: Assessment in Special Education: Identification & Progress monitoring (3 cr.)
- SPED 704: Introduction to Assistive Technology (1 cr.)
- SPED 705: Intervention and Assessment in Math (3 cr.)
- TED 731*: STEM-infused Math for Elementary and Middle School Educators (3 cr.)
- READ 730*: Teaching Students with Reading Difficulty (3 cr.)
- SPED 706: Methods (Preservice Teaching at ECSE to Elementary) (3 cr.)
- SPED 707: Methods (Preservice Teaching at Middle to High School + Transition) (3 cr.)
- TED 746*: Student Teaching (6 cr.)
- SPED 709: Research in Special Education (for Master’s degree) (3 cr.) (1 credits/semester/term)
Pathway 3: Additional license in special education for students/current teachers with education undergraduate degrees (no MSE).
- SPED 701: Collaboration & co-teaching (3 cr.)
- SPED 702: Applied Behavior Analysis, SEL, & Classroom Management (3 cr.)
- SPED 703: Assessment in Special Education: Identification & Progress monitoring (3 cr.)
- SPED 704: Introduction to Assistive Technology (1 cr.)
- SPED 705: Intervention and Assessment in Math (3 cr.)
- TED 731*: STEM-infused Math for Elementary and Middle School Educators (3 cr.)
- READ 730*: Teaching Students with Reading Difficulty (3 cr.)
- SPED 706: Methods (Preservice Teaching at ECSE to Elementary) (3 cr.)
- SPED 707: Methods (Preservice Teaching at Middle to High School + Transition) (3 cr.)
- TED 746*: Student Teaching (6 cr.)
NOTE: Students in pathways (1) and (3), who will only teach in WI, may be exempted from TED 746 student teaching. PELSB requires 12 weeks of student teaching and practicums at all levels from EC to high school with transition settings.
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.
Be Among the First to Apply!
This is more than a degree—it’s a launchpad for your next great achievement. Be among the first to join this groundbreaking program by expressing your interest today! Sign up for updates and be ready to apply as soon as applications open!