The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater has some of the only Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs in Wisconsin. The university has a variety of special education options, including a general cross-categorical degree, an autism specialist degree, a transition specialist degree and graduate certificates in early childhood education. Some of the specialization courses can be completed online, and the university strives to offer campus-based courses on the weekends, at nights and in the summer so that professional educators can pursue an advanced degree without sacrificing valuable time in the classroom. There are also programs for those who are looking to change careers and earn initial teaching licensure in the state. The special education programs at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater are designed to prepare future teachers to work in a kindergarten through 12th grade setting with all severities of special needs.
University of Wisconsin at Whitewater
College of Education and Professional Studies
The College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater leads several departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Counselor Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Foundations, Leadership: Military Science or Aerospace Studies, Health and Physical Education, Occupational and Environmental Safety and Special Education. The department strives to produce highly qualified teachers through extensive field experiences, licensure support and a minority teacher preparation program. In addition, the department works with high school students in order to help multicultural students make the successful transition from high school to college in the education department.
Master of Science in Education: Cross Categorical Licensure
The cross-categorical program is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree but is looking to change careers and work in the field of education and need an initial teaching license, in addition to those with current emergency licenses. This 36 credit hour, three year program is offered with nights and summer classes. Upon completion of the program, teachers will earn a Cross Categorical and a Learning Disabilities with an emphasis in Cross Categorical licenses. These licenses will allow the teacher to work in a K-12 setting with children who have mild, moderate or profound disabilities, including autism, visual impairment, cognitive delays or physical disabilities.
Master of Science in Special Education: Emphasis in Professional Development-Autism Specialist
The professional development track is for certified teachers who would like advanced training and licensure endorsements in the field of special education. The concentration in autism includes a graduate certificate certifying the student as an autism specialist. The autism specialist portion can be completed online in 15 credits. The required courses for this specialization include Foundations of Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis, Methods of Autism, Action Research and Applied Action Research. The certificate can be completed in under one year.
Master of Science in Special Education: Emphasis in Professional Development-Transition Specialist
This program is also designed for the professional teacher who has a current valid teaching license and would like to add additional endorsements in the field of special education. Individuals in this program receive specialized training on facilitating successful school-to-work transitions for individuals who have disabilities. The specialization portion of the MSE can be completed entirely online. Individuals in this program will be required to take five courses: Transition Planning and Programming, Transition Assessment, Collaborative Leadership, Reflective Practice and Action Research and Applied Action Research. This program can be completed in approximately one year.
Accreditations
The special education department at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater is accredited through both National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). In addition, the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Contact
University of Wisconsin at Whitewater
Winther Hall 5035
800 W. Main St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 472-1101
education@uww.edu
http://www.uww.edu/coeps/departments/specialed
For new and experienced teachers in the state of Wisconsin, there are several options for pursuing advanced certification in the field of special education through the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. A career as a special education teacher, transitional specialist or autism specialist can be very challenging. However, it can also be a very rewarding career choice and special education teachers have the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of children who have special needs, as well as with the families of those children. Pursuing Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs in Wisconsin is the first step towards starting a career as a special education teacher, autism specialist, transition specialist or special education program leader.
