M.S. in Education:
Special Education
The Master of Science in Education: Special Education at WOU is a highly comprehensive program that prepares students to work across K-12 and community settings specific to students with exceptionalities. The program prides itself on its collaborative and student centered focus in addition to having multiple partnerships with school districts across Oregon. The WOU SpEd program offers both an initial certification and an endorsement option.
Apply today to begin your program in fall 2026!
credits required
Attend a Program Information Session
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Learn more about Western Oregon University’s Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a Special Education focus
- Meet faculty from the program
- Explore program options and pathways
- Discover how WOU can help you advance your career in special education
Upcoming Info Sessions
- Monday, June 29 at 5pm, RSVP
Meet Virtually on Zoom
Program Details
Overview
Where this degree can take you:
- Teaching PK-12th grade
- Preparation for administration or doctoral programs
Designed for:
Individuals who want to become teachers who work with students with mild or severe disabilities. Candidates who successfully complete this program fulfill the requirement of the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) and are eligible for initial teacher licensure in Oregon.
To start, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Desire to become a special education teacher
Finishing will take:
- 4-5 terms
- Minimum 45 credits
- A professional portfolio
Begin your master’s degree in special education:
- Fall term
Where you will take classes:
- Online (synchronous meetings)
Technology you will need:
- Computer with internet connection
- Video conferencing capability (e.g., Zoom)
What you will learn:
The Special Educator initial endorsement program prepares special education teachers to work with students with mild disabilities and students with severe disabilities.
The Special Educator I program is designed for teachers who hold or are eligible to hold a valid initial teaching license.
The Special Educator II program is designed for students who do not hold a teaching license.
Learning outcomes:
- Effectively teach students who have a wide range of cognitive, physical, emotional, and learning disabilities.
- Understand current, credible research findings on disability, instruction, assessment and behavior management.
- Provide enriched learning opportunities for students with disabilities in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms or general education classrooms.
Application Requirements
Deadlines and key dates:
Priority Application Deadline April 1st for a fall start. Applications are being accepted until August 31st for fall consideration.
Completed applications received after the priority deadline may be considered until the cohort is full or placed on a waitlist.
Detailed application requirements:
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
- Transcripts
- You can upload an unofficial copy of your transcript to complete your application for admission. Save as a PDF with your first and last name in time from all previous colleges. We will require an official transcript from the Colleges or Universities you have attended for formal admission.
- Transcripts are used as Evidence of completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution as defined by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree. Applicants who hold a master’s degree will have the 3.0 GPA requirement waived. Students with less than 3.0 can also provide passing GRE scores to be fully admitted.
- Current Resume
- Save as a PDF with your first and last name in the title.
- Personal Statement
- Please provide a PDF personal statement answering the following questions:
- Describe your experience working with individuals with disabilities, your level of responsibility within the setting(s), and the length of time spent in each experience.
- Describe your career goals and explain how a Master’s Degree in Special Education will help you accomplish these goals.
- Describe the qualities that make you a good match for this specific program as well as your plan for being successful within the program.
- Please provide a PDF personal statement answering the following questions:
- Two Recommendations and EDA form
- Two references verifying your success working with youth. Each reference will need to complete an EDA form (reference copy) that is attached to their online recommendation request.
- EDA Form with Signature from Applicant
- Please review the form (applicant copy) and upload it with your signature.
- Please review the form (applicant copy) and upload it with your signature.
Curriculum
MSEd: Special Education curriculum overview:
The Special Educator initial endorsement program prepares teachers to work with students with mild disabilities and students with severe disabilities.
The Special Educator I program is designed for teachers who hold or are eligible to hold a valid initial teaching license.
The Special Educator II program is designed for students who do not hold a teaching license.
Your plan of study:
Faculty
SHARI HOPKINS
Associate Professor/Assistant Professor
503-838-8471 | hopkinss@wou.edu | RWEC
DANI LANE
Associate Professor/Assistant Professor
| laned@wou.edu |
Being a student in the M.S. in SpEd program at Western Oregon University gave me the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that equipped me to become an effective teacher. The professors in this program provide both challenge and motivation in the classroom setting through the support, knowledge, and enthusiasm that they exhibit in their teaching practices. Aside from establishing positive relationships with the professors, I also had the opportunity to build relationships with mentors in a nearby school district, while completing my field experience requirements. Receiving mentorship and guidance in the special education field before beginning my teaching career, helped me apply the knowledge that I had gained in my classes to support students in their academic and/or functional development. Overall, this program helped me grow so much as a person and a teacher, and I know it will do the same for you.
Nicolette Wise
M.S. In Ed. Special Education
