Admission Requirements 

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

• Personal interview to determine an applicant’s basis for seeking admission, potential for completion of the program, and relevant background and experience in exceptional education.
• Completion of the reason statement on the application.
• A background check shall be completed no more than 6 months prior to the date of admission into the educator preparation program. The background check shall include a review of criminal conduct at the state and federal levels.

Credits and Courses

The minimum degree requirement is 30 graduate credits, of which 18 credits must be in Exceptional Education. The remaining credits may be taken either in or outside of the School of Education. Courses in either the Certification Option or General Option are determined in consultation with an advisor from suggested course options identified by the Department.

Certification Option (Up to 18 credits)

A student pursuing the Certification Option must be admitted to the Department of Teaching and Learning’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program (consult the program web page for more information on admission dates and requirements). In consultation with an advisor, a student selects up to 18 credits of coursework required in the certification program for graduate credit. Additionally, the student enrolls in 12 credits of program core requirements. 

Students must meet statutory requirements, a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and pedagogical and content knowledge requirements in order to be endorsed for certification. Students should consult with an advisor for details.

General Option (Up to 18 credits)

The general option for a Master’s program in Exceptional Education is developed by identifying a theme of study that is based upon the student’s educational background, areas of professional interest, and professional development goals. A theme, for example, may focus on assessment, instruction, policy, autism spectrum disorders, transition to post-secondary settings, or other relevant issues in the area of special education. Courses are selected in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Additional Requirements

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student’s studies as specified in Graduate School regulations.

Thesis

A thesis or master’s project is required for all students in the certification and general options. All students are required to present the results of their thesis or project at a seminar session in the semester in which they complete their degree.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education

Specialization in Exceptional Education

Under the auspices of the doctoral program in Urban Education, the Department of Teaching and Learning provides doctoral training with a specialization in Exceptional Education. The program emphasizes the study of the socio-cultural context, educational policy, research-based practices, and systems change and reform to support learning and development of individuals with disabilities. Prospective doctoral students wishing to specialize in Exceptional Education must first be admitted to the Urban Education Doctoral Program. Admission and general program requirements can be obtained from the Director of Doctoral Studies in Urban Education. This program is described in detail on the Urban Education program page.