Exceptional Education: K4-12 Special Education BS
Want to make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities in elementary and middle schools? A special education degree can help you do just that!
Upon successful completion of the K4-12 Special Education program, you will be eligible to apply to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for a Wisconsin teaching license in cross categorical special education, ages 4-21 (grades K4-12).
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Why Choose Our Program?
- Multiple Pathways. The K4-12 program offers multiple pathways to Wisconsin certification in special education: undergraduate, post baccalaureate career changers, UWM K4-12 fifth-year dual certification, add-on certification and para-professional to teacher.
- Urban Focus. The program has an urban focus including culturally responsive teaching of students from diverse backgrounds.
- Content. You will learn evidence-based teaching strategies and practices that can accelerate the progress of students with disabilities.
Program Highlights
- Evening classes. We offer flexible class schedules, including evening classes, to meet the needs of working professionals.
- Field-based. You will be in schools for most semesters, putting into practice what you are learning in your classes.
- Experienced faculty. Our faculty members have extensive classroom experience and are recognized leaders in the field of special education.
- Master’s degree option. Post baccalaureate students can combine certification with a Master’s Degree in Exceptional Education.
- Standards-based. This program is aligned with the Wisconsin Teacher Standards (PDF), which UWM has contextualized with an urban education framework.
Program Handbook
For additional information about the program, please see the K4-12 Special Education Program Handbook (PDF)
Program Requirements
Undergraduate Program Pathway
The K4-12 Special Education major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education and recommendation for Wisconsin special education certification (Grades K4-12). The professional sequence, taken after all/most of the liberal arts required courses are taken, is a cohort program that begins a two-year course sequence each fall semester.
Post-Baccalaureate/2nd Degree Program Pathways
The post-baccalaureate program is a cohort program that is two years for those entering without certification and one year for those entering with prior teaching certification in another area. Students include those earning K4-12 certification in regular education who remain at UWM for a fifth year to earn dual certification, certified teachers returning to add on a special education certification, and those beginning new careers. Career changers have the option of working as a paraprofessional and then teaching under a permit while earning certification.
- Requirements for Students With Prior Certification in Regular Education
- Requirements for Students With a Bachelor’s Degree That Is Not in Education
Master’s Degree Option
You have the option of combining the certification program with a master’s degree, taking up to 18 credits of your certification program at the graduate level. The remaining credits, including an action research project, can be completed after certification. Your advisor will help you determine the best time in your program apply to the graduate school.
UWM Admission
| Undergraduate Admission | To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application. |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certification | The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher. |
| Graduate Admission | To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest. |
The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.
In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:
- It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
- When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
- When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
- Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
- When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
- Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
- Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
- Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.
School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)
Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form
Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.
Undergraduate Program Pathway
Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Forms are due April 1. Generally, students apply to the professional sequence in the final semester of their sophomore year. Application to the professional sequence does not guarantee admission.
If you have not officially completed all coursework required to apply at the time of application but will do so before the beginning of the fall semester, we encourage you to submit a program application. We recommend you meet with a School of Education advisor to determine the best time to apply.
Post Baccalaureate/2nd Degree Program Pathway
Admission criteria include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all coursework completed for undergraduate credit
The K4-12 post baccalaureate program has rolling admissions. Once your materials are in and all criteria met, you will be contacted for an interview. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for admission consideration.
Faculty
- Professor, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate
- erdrame@uwm.edu
- Enderis Hall 397
April 1
Program Director
merritt3@uwm.edu
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:
Student Advising & Support Services
ccep-advising@uwm.edu
(414) 229-4721