Program Overview

Master of Arts in Special Education

The Special Education graduate programs prepare graduates in the Master of Arts degree for research, academic and leadership positions in teaching, and service with a focus on equity and social justice for persons with disabilities. The graduate program in Special Education includes a broad curriculum of study, including response-to-intervention across the curriculum, early childhood education, diversity, social development and behavioral health prevention practices, universal design, transition, legal aspects of special education, professional skills, and single subject research design. A rigorous set of research methods are provided for students. The faculty support a strong program of mentorship that encourages students to work closely with faculty of their choosing in investigating the world of teaching, intervention, disabilities, knowledge generation and dissemination, as well as pedagogical action and advocacy.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Special Education program include:

• A general application to the WSU Graduate School (including application fee)
• A current resume or vitae
• A letter of intent that must include:
  • The reason for pursuing a graduate degree
  • A description of teaching or other life experience that relates to graduate study
  • A commitment to scholarship or professional development
  • A specific research or inquiry interest(s) in Special Education
  • Briefly describe how your research interests are similar/map to those of the faculty member(s) you have mentioned
  • The unique perspective you would bring to the graduate program, and,
  • if applying for an assistantship, why you would be an effective teacher at the college level
• An academic writing sample, which must be a formal, academic writing sample, such as a thesis or paper
• Three letters of reference, submitted through GradCAS, that must address:
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Scholarship
  • Experience with children or youth or adults
  • Facility with written, oral, and interpersonal communication
  • In addition, if applying for a teaching assistantship, one of the letters must also address effectiveness as a teacher
• Complete educational history and transcripts from any colleges/universities:
  • Where any degrees have been granted or are expected
  • That show any graded bachelor’s work and/or graduate-level work (including doctoral) taken after the bachelor’s degree
  • Unofficial copies may be uploaded with the Graduate School application for application review
  • If admitted, official copies will be required to be submitted to the WSU Graduate School
• International students must meet the university’s English proficiency and funding requirements
• Copies of currently held education certificates
• A video answering two questions:
  • What in your background prompts your interest in special education and applying to our program?
  • What are your topics of research interest and how do they fit into your future plans after your time at WSU?

Student Opportunities

Internships in the public school system are available.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of the Master of Arts in Special Education program include teaching, educational specialist, and K-12 administration.

Program Details

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 6
• Total Core Graduate Faculty in Program: 6
• Graduate Students in Program: 1
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: January 10
  • Spring: July 1
• Campus:
  • Pullman
  • Spokane
  • Vancouver
• International Student English Proficiency Exams:
  • TOEFL – iBT
  • IELTS
  • Duolingo