Exceptional Education: K4-12 Special Education

BS

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
  • K4-12 Special Education One Year Post-Baccalaureate Requirements (PDF)
• Requirements for Students With a Bachelor’s Degree That Is Not in Education
  • K4-12 Special Education Two Year Post-Baccalaureate Requirements (PDF)

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.

Application Process

Undergraduate Program Pathway

Applications 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.

Students must meet all application requirements. 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. Once ready, complete the application form linked below to apply.

K4-12 Special Education Undergraduate Admission Application

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. Complete the application form linked below to apply.

K4-12 Special Education Post-Baccalaureate/2nd Degree Admission Application

Faculty

Elizabeth Drame, PhD

• Professor, Teaching and Learning

• erdrame@uwm.edu
• Enderis Hall 397

Sara Jozwik, PhD

• Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning
• Program Director, Exceptional Education: K4-12 Special Education

• jozwik@uwm.edu
• Enderis Hall 319

Laura Owens, PhD

• Professor, Teaching and Learning

• lowens@uwm.edu
• Enderis Hall 361

Nancy Rice, PhD

• Professor, Teaching and Learning
• Department Chair, Teaching and Learning

• nerice@uwm.edu
• Enderis Hall 375

Advising

• (Last names A-L) – Andrea Azarian
• (Last names M-Z) – Tyree Bolden

Andrea Azarian, MS

• Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services

• azarian@uwm.edu
• 414-229-4721
• Enderis Hall 209

Tyree Bolden, MS

• Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services

• boldentc@uwm.edu
• 414-229-4721
• Enderis Hall 209