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
Program Format
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 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.
Application Process
Undergraduate Program Pathway
Applications are due April 3. 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 Program Pathway
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.
You can find more information on our Post-Baccalaureate Special Education Teacher Certification Admissions webpage, which also includes the program application packet, information session dates and additional admissions information.
Faculty
- 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
- Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
- azarian@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4721
- Enderis Hall 209
- Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
- boldentc@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4721
- Enderis Hall 209