Special education certification in the state of Wisconsin has undergone changes in the grade levels associated with specific licenses. The UWM Special Education program is adapting curriculum to prepare students to teach in K4-12 settings, including extensive fieldwork. This program prepares students to work in urban settings and takes place in close partnership with local school districts.

The UWM School of Education’s urban mission is upheld in the special education program’s commitment to preparing pre-service teachers to meet the needs of diverse populations. Students are admitted into the program upon admission to the University and completion of pre-professional coursework. It is possible to complete the program in four years. This is a field-based program involving gradual and extensive work in urban schools. Upon successful completion of all student teaching requirements, including state required assessments, students will be licensed to teach in special education.

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.  

Admission to Program

Program Core

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Non-Western History or Contemporary Culture and Minority Group Relations (Act 31) statutory requirements can both be met by taking one class. 

Professional Requirements 

Exceptional Education Degree, K4-12 Special Education Submajor Completion Requirements

• Completion of University GER;
• At least 30 program credits must be earned in residence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, following admission to the program; and
• Completion of a minimum 120 degree credits.

Second Degree, One Year Pathway

For individuals with a bachelor's degree and previous education certification.

Professional Requirements 

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An additional 1-3 credits of EXCEDUC 588 may be required in the following fall semester for students who do not demonstrate consistent levels of performance in their field placement.

Second Degree, Two Year Pathway

For individuals with a bachelor's degree and no previous education certification.

Professional Requirements 

Certification Requirements

• Demonstration of content knowledge proficiency through one of the following:
  • Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in prescribed content knowledge coursework;
  • A passing score on the PRAXIS Subject Assessment #5146; or
  • A Content Knowledge Portfolio.
• Evidence of pedagogical knowledge proficiency;
• Evidence of pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge related to teaching reading;
• Completion of ACT 31 requirement;
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all UWM and transfer courses; and
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a C or better in all professional courses. 

Advance to Major

Program Admission Requirements

• At least 45 credits completed;
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5;
• Grade of C or better in CURRINS 300 and a positive field evaluation or equivalent;
• Grade of C or better in MATH 175 and ENGLISH 102 (or placement of 4 or higher on English placement test);
• Approved CBC; 
• Successful application and interview; and
• For Second Degree candidates, bachelor's degree.

Benchmarks

Student Teaching

Students must complete paperwork in order to be assigned a student teaching placement. To determine your deadline (February or April), visit the Office of Clinical Experiences website.

Content Knowledge Coursework

A 3.0 cumulative GPA in 6 of the content-focused courses below meets the DPI content knowledge proficiency requirement. 

Portfolio/Performance Reviews

Conducted at the end of each semester and formal portfolio review at the end of Year 1. A favorable performance review is required to continue in the certification program.

Evidence of pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge related to teaching reading

• Depending on pathway: CURRINS 536 and EXCEDUC 681 or EXCEDUC 680 and EXCEDUC 681 with a grade of B- or better;
• Feedback and coaching from an expert of reading instruction;
• Portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading, comprehension, and fluency.

Undergraduate Advising

Our purpose is to provide collaborative, mentoring relationships which promote educational, career, and professional development. We value a student-centered, holistic, and ethical approach to advising based on strong partnerships with students, faculty and staff, and the larger campus community. We are committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment. We encourage students to be self-reliant through informed decisions and choices based upon dissemination of accurate information. We value our own continuous professional development to enhance the quality of the advising experience.

How to Prepare for an Advising Meeting

• Review your Advisement Report in PAWS.
• Come prepared with questions or topics for discussion.
• Make a list of courses you think you should take.
• Investigate opportunities to prepare for the job you want.
• Keep a record of your academic progress.
• Understand you are ultimately responsible for creating your educational, life, and career plans.
• Maintain honest and open communication with your advisor.
• Take responsibility for choices you make as a student and member of the UW-Milwaukee community.

Scheduling an Appointment

Office of Student Services
Enderis Hall, Room 209
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu

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 People Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account. 

Accelerated Program Option

This program is offered as part of an accelerated graduate program. For more information, see Accelerated Graduate Degrees.

Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning

Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.

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.