Special Education-Master of Arts (MA) Online
All over the country, including Wyoming, school districts face serious shortages of special education teachers. Not only does this create job opportunities, but it also provides a tremendous opportunity for educators to build deeply meaningful, fulfilling careers.The online UW Master of Education with a concentration in special education is a generalist program that will prepare you to work with K-12 students across a range of special needs, qualifying you to apply for a teaching endorsement in K-12 special education from the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board. UW’s special education master’s degree can also serve as a path to doctoral-level study.
Master of Arts Program Admission
Application Deadlines
June 15 - If applying for the fall semester.
September 15 - If applying for the spring semester.
Admission Requirements
Domestic Students
GPA: 3.25
GRE: no requirement
International Students
TOEFL: 550 minimum written or 80 minimum online, OR IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
Until further notice, due to COVID-19 related postponements/cancellations of TOEFL/IELTS exams, we will be accepting Duolingo scores or 110 or higher as proof of English proficiency.
GRE: 900/291 minimum
Additional Requirements
Current teaching certificate from the United states and must be K-12 (any grade band or subject area)
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply to UW and the School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy and Design through the online applicant portal. When filling out your application please refer to the following document: Guidelines and requirements for applications.
- Access the UW graduate applicant portal. Make sure to use the corresponding application admittance semester indicated above.
- After completing the initial information page, you will receive an email from the system including a link and your temporary username and password.
- Please complete the contact, academic, residency information, etc.
- Submit the application fee
- Submit ALL required documents to the online document portal (see below for details)
- Agree to admissions terms and submit your application
Step 2: Submit official copies of transcripts and test scores to UW Admissions.
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions should be requested and sent to UW Admissions at the following address: University of Wyoming Admissions
; 1000 E. University Ave.;
Laramie, WY 82071
Required Documents
Please include ALL documents listed below in order for your application to be considered.
- A 3-4 page, double-spaced professional writing sample (download scoring rubric), including:
- A description of your professional goals
- An explanation of your commitment to Special Education
- An explanation of your philosophy of education
- An explanation of how this Special Education program fits your goal
- A complete and current resume, including:
- Educational experiences
- Work experiences
- Activities/honors
- Other relevant information
- Program application. (download here)
- Copy of current teaching certificate
- Signed Memo of Understanding (see student handbook )
- Unofficial copies of transcripts (official copies should be sent to UW Admissions)
Master of Arts Curriculum Requirements
All classes for the Master of Art in Special Education program are taught using distance delivery methods so you can enjoy the convenience of expanding your education while working full-time in your current postition. Upon completion of this program, students will be eligible to apply to the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board for an endorsement in K-12 Special Education.
Required Courses (35 credit hours)
Program Core
Students must take all courses listed below.
- EDEX 5071 Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5080 Teaching Students with Severe to Low Incidence Disabilities (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5720 Special Education Law (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5355 Assessment (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5100 Practicum I (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5110 Positive Behavior Support and Management (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5120 Academic Instruction in General Education for Students with Disabilities (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5200 Practicum II (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5000 Collaboration/Professional Interdisciplinary Relationships (3 credit hours)
- EDEX 5250 Assistive Technology (2 credit hours)
- EDEX 5260 Transition Planning (2 credit hours)
Research Courses
Students must choose 3 credit hours from courses listed below.
- EDEX 5150 Research Applications in the Classroom 3
- EDRE 5530 Introduction to Research 3
- EDRE 5550 Action Research 3
Other courses
Students must choose one credit hour from the below courses.
- PRST 5920 Continuing Registration on campus (1 credit hour)
- PRST 5940 Continuing Registration off campus (1 credit hour)