1. Meet with your academic advisor

    Review your academic plan with your advisor and discuss your eligibility to apply for admission to the professional program sequence.

    (Last names A – L) – Andrea Azarian, azarian@uwm.edu
    (Last names M – Z) – Tyree Bolden, boldentc@uwm.edu

  2. Submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC)

    The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that all applicants to an educator preparation program pass a Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to admission. If you have a current CBC on file with UWM (must be valid through at least fall 2024), you do not need to complete an additional CBC for admission. If your CBC is expired or if you have never had a CBC through UWM you will need to complete a CBC for admission. CBCs previously completed for employment or other purposes cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

    Note: The CBC can take up to 30 days for processing. You cannot be admitted or enroll in professional education courses until your CBC has cleared.

    Criminal Background Check Requirements

  3. Prepare a personal statement

    All applicants to the K4-12 Special Education program must prepare and submit a personal statement.

    Personal Statement Guidelines

    Explain why you want to become a Special Education teacher. Discuss why you are applying to this program with its urban education mission. Describe the experiences that have influenced your decision and outline your strengths for teaching students with disabilities.

  4. Complete the following application form

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Note: Please ensure that the link to your personal statement is shared and does not require a password to be accessed.
Admission Semester: I am applying for admission to begin the K4-12 Special Education Program (select the appropriate semester)(Required)
Acknowledgement: By submitting this form, I acknowledge that I am aware of the following criteria for admission to the K4-12 Special Education professional program:
  • English Composition: Achieve a placement level of 4 or higher on the English Placement Test, or complete ENGLISH 102 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
  • Mathematics Skills: Complete Math 175 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
  • Completion of CURRINS 300 with a grade of C or better and a positive field evaluation or equivalent.
  • A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA in all UWM and transfer courses at the time of admission application.
  • A minimum of 45 credits (UWM and transfer credits) completed at the time of admission application.
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