Master of Science in Special Education

At UW-River Falls we believe great educators are more than teachers—they’re changemakers, problem-solvers and leaders who rise to the challenge. Our Master of Science in Special Education (MSE) is designed for those who see obstacles as opportunities and are ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of students with disabilities.

This dynamic program offers three pathways to help you take charge of your career and elevate your influence in education:

• Initial Special Education Licensure + Master’s Degree: For those seeking their first license in special education while earning a master’s degree.
• Additional Special Education Licensure + Master’s Degree: For currently licensed educators who want to add a special education license and earn a master’s degree.
• Additional Special Education Licensure Only: For educators who want to add a special education license without pursuing a master’s degree.

Skills and Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences.
• Create safe, inclusive, culturally-responsive learning environments.
• Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
• Select, adapt and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities.
• Practice professional ethical principles and professional practice standards to guide your work.
• Collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities and personnel from community agencies to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences.

Admissions information for graduate programs