UWW COE

  • Department of
    Special Education
  • Winther Hall 4033
  • Whitewater, WI 53190
  • (262) 472-1106
  • SpecialEd@uww.edu

Prospective Students

What is Special Education?
A special education degree prepares teachers to work with children with disabilities. Teaching special education is a professionally challenging and rewarding experience.

Minor options in Special Education:

Options for Undergraduate Study
Undergraduates may choose single or dual licensure programs in general education and/or in several emphasis in special education. A special education minor is also available that does not result in teaching licensure. Beyond seeking licensure, graduate students may also pursue a master’s degree in special education. The three majors available are:

Minor options in Special Education:

  • Adaptive Education License
  • Non-Teaching Minor (Appropriate for general education, social work, and social sciences majors)

Fieldwork/Directed Teaching
Students participate in multiple field experiences in a variety of settings. All students gain experience in inclusive classrooms, secure settings, and as a co-teacher in general education.

Career Paths
The majority of graduates become teachers, with a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) birth to age 8. Students in the Cross Categorical program earn licensure for both middle childhood to early adolescence and early adolescence to adolescence.

Many students return to UW-Whitewater to pursue advanced degrees in the Master of Science in Education (MSE) programs and assume responsibilities as:

  • Autism Specialists
  • Program Support Teacher(s)
  • Public School and Community Agency Administrators
  • Transition Specialists, (MSE Only)
  • Staff Development Coordinators
  • In-service Coordinators
  • Teachers in Vocational/Technical Schools or Community Colleges
  • Consultants
  • College Faculty
  • Group Homes/Residential Service Coordinators

Placement after Graduation
There is a national shortage of special education teachers. Upon graduation, there are many options for employment, including teaching residential and adult services. Our program has a 99% graduate placement rate.