The Exceptional Education (Non-Licensure) submajor in the Community Engagement and Education (CEED) BS program allows students to complete their degrees in a flexible format (online or hybrid) while also completing 12 credits that can be used in pursuing post-baccalaureate K-12 Special Education licensure. The CEED BS program addresses issues of racial and social justice, strategies for supporting students placed at risk in the classroom, approaches for engaging with parents and the community, and much more. The submajor adds content on special education students, methods, teacher collaboration, and literacy. Students who choose not to pursue a subsequent teacher certification are well prepared by the CEED BS with the submajor to serve as paraprofessionals or in other roles in special education and education settings.
Requirements
General Education Requirements (GERs)
UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some of the requirements of your program may fulfill the campus GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.
Program Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Required Courses | ||
| ED POL 111 | Introduction to Community Engagement and Change | 3 |
| ED POL 112 | Introduction to Community Education and Development | 3 |
| ED POL 113 | The Milwaukee Community | 3 |
| or ED POL 203 | Communities and Neighborhoods in America | |
| ED POL 114 | Community Issues, Policies, and Solutions | 3 |
| Upper Division Required Courses | ||
| ED POL 375 | Cultural Foundations of Education | 3 |
| ED POL 506 | Research Techniques for Community Engagement and Education | 3 |
| ED POL 534 | Students Placed At Risk: Deconstructing Risk, Defining Promise | 3 |
| ED POL 601 | Foundations of Community-Based Organizations | 3 |
| Educational Policy Education Courses | ||
| ED POL 535 | Educating Students Placed At Risk: Pedagogies of Engagement | 3 |
| ED POL 624 | Education, Title IX, and the Human Experience | 3 |
| ED POL 626 | Approaches to Discrimination in Education | 3 |
| ED POL 627 | Theories and Issues of Policy and Reform in Education | 3 |
| ED POL elective, 300-level or above | 3 | |
| Exceptional Education Focus Courses * | ||
| CURRINS 545 | Reading in the Content Areas: Middle, Junior, and Senior High School | 3 |
| Choose one: | 3 | |
| The Exceptional Individual | ||
| Survey of Special Education (Preferred course) | ||
| Child, Learner, Disabilities | ||
| EXCEDUC 635 | Individualized Planning & Instructional Methods | 3 |
| EXCEDUC 662 | Collaborative Strategies | 3 |
| Total Credits | 51 | |
- *
These courses fulfil requirements that can be used towards second degree/post-baccalaureate teacher certification in the K4-12 Exceptional Education licensure program if a submajor graduate is accepted to the program. Grade of C or better is required for use in second degree/post-baccalaureate. Students should discuss details with School of Education academic advisors.
Requirements for Graduation
For information on credit, GPA, and other requirements for graduation, see UWM Degree Requirements.
2.5 UWM cumulative GPA required to continue into Exceptional Education Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program.
Opportunities
Prior Professional Education Experience (PPEE)
A student who has been accepted as a major in Community Engagement and Education is eligible to earn credit for their professional/life experience by demonstrating their competency through essay examinations (PPEE). Credits earned, by passing individual exams with a grade of C or better, will be counted toward the Community Engagement and Education degree in 3-credit blocks. Students pay for one 3-credit course, and all additional credits they receive through the course are awarded without cost. In order to "pass" the course and receive at least 3 credits, a student must attempt 7 of the 14 competency area essay exams listed below.
Competency Areas
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Community Perspectives on Human Resource Programs | 3 | |
| Resource Development | 3 | |
| Local Community Systems | 3 | |
| Political/Economic Analysis | 3 | |
| Personal Growth Competency | 3 | |
| Philosophies of Change | 3 | |
| Group Process Skills | 3 | |
| Leadership Issues | 3 | |
| Research Skills | 3 | |
| Change Strategies | 3 | |
| Educational Advocacy | 3 | |
| Administrative Skills | 3 | |
| Social Problem Analysis | 3 | |
| Conflict Resolution | 3 | |
Community Engagement and Education majors wishing to demonstrate their competencies for these credits are required to enroll in the competency examination course, ED POL 100 Community Education I, during their first or second semester of study. PPEE students have the opportunity to earn a maximum of 42 credits, which will only apply toward a Community Engagement and Education degree and only as lower-division electives. Students who leave the CEED program will not be able to use these credits in other programs.
Student Advising and Support Services
At the College of Community Engagement and Professions (CCEP), your success is our priority. Our dedicated student advising and support services team is here to help you navigate your academic journey, from your first semester through graduation.
Whether you’re exploring majors, planning your course schedule, or preparing for your career, our advisors offer personalized guidance tailored to your goals. You’ll also find a range of support services designed to help you thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. We’re committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
For more information, visit the CCEP Student Advising & Support Services website.
Email: ccep-advising@uwm.edu | Phone: 414-229-4707
Graduate Advising
If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or above on all School of Education credits.
High Honors in the Major
High Honors in the Major are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above on all School of Education credits.
College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.