Special Education: MA, MS, MEd

Program Information

Program Description

Master’s and doctoral degrees are offered under the special education major. The master’s specializations include early intervention–early childhood and kindergarten through 12th grade, cross-categorical.

Graduates attain positions in the United States and abroad working in:

• Conducting research
• Teaching young children
• Managing residential living centers
• Community and family-based programs
• Coordinating in-service training programs
• Serving in higher-education faculty positions
• Conducting individual and group intervention programs
• Working in the administration of special education programs
• Consulting with teachers about educating children with disabilities in general education classrooms and school settings
• Delivering best practices in collaboration

Students earn initial teaching credentials in licensure and endorsement programs but can also pursue the master’s degree to enhance their skills—as early interventionists, special education teachers, or consultants—to work in adult service programs for people with disabilities, or to prepare for the doctoral program.

The summer term admissions are only for the early intervention licensure students. We also offer a K-12 licensure option or a master's with no licensure option, and those options only do fall term admissions.

Program Prerequisites

K-12 licensure applicants must either have taken a child/human development course, or will need to take this extra course if admitted.

Program Information  Faculty

Application at a Glance

You apply for admission through your program. Detailed instructions are available on the program’s website.

UO Application Requirements

• Official Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants
• Financial Verification for International Applicants

Program-Specific Application Requirements

Required

• Character questionnaire
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Professional goal statement
• Resume or CV

Not Required

• GMAT

Apply Through Department

Special Education: PhD

Program Information

Program Description

The focus of the Special Education doctoral degree includes:

• English learners
• Early intervention
• Learning disabilities
• Secondary-transition services
• Emotional and behavior disorders
• Emphases in positive behavior support
• Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Graduates attain positions in the United States and abroad working in:
• Conducting research
• Teaching young children
• Managing residential living centers
• Community and family-based programs
• Coordinating in-service training programs
• Serving in higher-education faculty positions
• Conducting individual and group intervention programs
• Consulting with teachers about educating children with disabilities in general education classrooms and school settings
• Working in the administration of special education programs; and delivering best practices in collaboration with a variety of professions in a range of settings. 

The doctoral program in special education prepares individuals for research and teaching positions in higher education, research positions with private foundations, administrative positions in school districts and other state educational agencies, and consultation positions in professional education.

We also offer a stand-alone special education endorsement designed to provide training in special education for already licensed/in-service teachers. Please contact the College of Education for more information.

Program Prerequisites

Strong applicants usually have previous teaching experience and/or master's degrees.

Program Information  Faculty

Application at a Glance

You apply for admission through your program. Detailed instructions are available on the program’s website.

UO Application Requirements

• Official Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants
• Financial Verification for International Applicants

Program-Specific Application Requirements

Required

• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal statement about working with individuals or families with disabilities
• Professional Goals Statement
• Resume or CV
• Writing Sample

Not Required

• GMAT
• GRE

Apply Through Department