Program Overview

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Special Education: Research and Theory, MS

The master's degree research program is flexible and individualized to meet the needs of each student. Programs can provide:

• Advanced study in areas of special education for students who are already certified to teach.
• Predoctoral study consisting of clinical and academic coursework.

Together, the student and a faculty advisor design a master's program based on the student's previous education, experience, and interests. Completion of the degree requires a minimum of 30 graduate degree credits, to include a research seminar course (RP & SE 700) and additional coursework determined in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students completing this degree program are also required to complete a project and/or thesis and must pass a culminating master's comprehensive examination.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s).

• Fall Deadline: January 1
• Spring Deadline: This program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: This program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 2

Applicants are required to submit:

• Statement of purpose
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Current CV/resume
• Unofficial transcript(s)

The admissions committee considers a variety of factors including academic preparation, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and professional experiences.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Program Information

There is no guaranteed funding to complete the Special Education Masters Research & Theory named option. Students in the Special Education Research & Theory named option are eligible to work for any department/unit on campus and receive tuition remission.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Named Option Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Mode of Instruction Definitions

• Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion.
• Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UWMadison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.
• Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
• Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.
• Online: These programs are offered 100% online.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: n/a
• Assessments and Examinations: Students in the Theory and Research named option are required to complete a master's project or thesis.
• Language Requirements: No language requirements.

Required Courses

A minimum of 30 credits to include:

• Core:
  • RP & SE 780: Introduction to Research in Special Education (3 credits)
  • RP & SE 690: Research or Thesis (3 credits)
• Electives: Students complete 9 credits from the following courses:
  • RP & SE 320: Introduction to Teaching in Special Education
  • RP & SE/CURRIC 365: Teaching Mathematics in Inclusive Settings
  • RP & SE 435: Overview of Early Childhood Special Education
  • RP & SE 464: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Instructional Planning in Special Education
  • RP & SE 465: Language and Reading Instruction for Students with Disabilities
  • RP & SE 472: Methods in Transition and Vocational Education
  • RP & SE 473: Classroom Management for Inclusive Classrooms
  • RP & SE 510: Partnering with Families and Other Professionals in Early Childhood Special Education
  • RP & SE 515: Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Disabilities
  • RP & SE 605: Development, Learning and Education Foundations in Special Education
  • RP & SE 710: Multicultural Issues in Special Education
• Additional Coursework: To satisfy minimum credit requirement, complete additional courses to be determined in consultation with faculty advisor (15 credits)
• Total Credits: 30

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior Coursework

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on Probation.

Advisor / Committee

Students are assigned a faculty advisor upon admission to the program.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit minimum. Refer to the Graduate School's policy on Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on Time Limits.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

School of Education Grievance Policy and Procedures

The School of Education Student Grievance Policy and associated procedures are designed for use in response to individual student grievances regarding faculty or staff in the School of Education. Any individual student who feels they have been treated unfairly by a School of Education faculty or staff member has the right to file a grievance and receive a timely response addressing their concerns.