Master's Degree in Special Education

The Master's in Education, with an option in Special Education, prepares graduates for K-12 teaching positions to serve students with special needs. This program will benefit teachers seeking competence in instructional and positive behavioral strategies for students with learning/behavioral needs. 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. 

Program Details

The master's degree program is 34 credit hours for a Plan B project or 41 credit hours for a Plan A thesis. All the classes are taught using distance delivery such as video-conferencing, online, intensive weekends, or combinations of delivery methods. This program is designed for licensed teachers to add a Master’s degree to their qualifications. In addition to the degree, successful students can apply for a teaching endorsement in K-12 Special Education from the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board.

• Click here to review required courses and suggested course schedules

• Need a form? Check out our Enrolled Student Resources page!

Handbook and Master's Activity Options

Are you a current Master's student? See below for information on program policies (in the handbook) and Master's program culminating activity options.

• Special Education Student Handbook
• Master's Culminating Activity Options and Details:
  • Plan A
    • Thesis Description and Rubric
  • Plan B
    • Topical Paper Description and Rubric
    • Case Study Description and Rubric
    • Grant Writing Description and Rubric
    • Product Development Description and Rubric

Tuition and Fees

The University of Wyoming was ranked 11th in the nation for best value!

Additional outreach course fees: $20/credit for video or audio classes; $40/credit for online classes.

Please BE ADVISED that tuition for Outreach courses will be increasing. See link for details.

>>Click here to learn about funding opportunities

>>Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program (including Special Education) - please note this is not a scholarship

Relevant Scholarships

• Elnora Brooks Memorial Scholarship
• John K. Corbett Memorial Scholarship
• Ace Cossairt Scholarship
• Leona S. and Jeanette Heptner Scholarship
• Silver Symbol Circle of Kings Scholarshp
• Eleanor R. "Rusty" Rowland Memorial Scholarship
  

How to Apply

There are three application deadlines for this program: January 15, June 15 and September 15.

Step 1: Apply to UW and Professional Studies through the online applicant portal

1. Click here to access the UW graduate applicant portal
2. After completing the initial information page, you will receive an email from the system including a link and your temporary username and password
3. Please complete the contact, academic, residency information, etc.
4. Submit the $50 application fee
5. Submit ALL required documents to the online document portal (applications with missing documents will not be considered)
   1. Required documents for this program application:
      1. Special Education application form
      2. Unofficial copies of transcripts (official copies should be sent to UW Admissions)
      3. Three letters of recommendation (use the attached form)
      4. A 3-4 page (double-spaced) professional writing sample (click here to see the rubric), including:
         1. A description of your professional goals
         2. An explanation of your commitment to Special Education
         3. An explanation of your philosophy of education
         4. An explanation of how this Special Education program fits your goals
      5. A complete and current resume, including:
         1. Educational experiences
         2. Work experiences
         3. Activities/honors
         4. Other relevant information
      6. Copy of your current Wyoming Teaching Certificate
      7. Signed Memo of Understanding (can be found in the Special Education Program Handbook)
6. Use the applicant portal to request three letters of recommendation (use the attached form)
7. Agree to admissions terms and submit your application

Step 2: Submit official copies of transcripts to UW Admissions

1. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions should be requested and sent to UW Admissions
   1. Address: University of Wyoming Admissions – 1000 E. University Ave. – Laramie, WY 82071

Following the receipt of your completed application and a faculty review, faculty members will vote to recommend your admission or denial. You will receive an acceptance or denial letter from the Special Education Program.  You will be invited to campus for an on site interview with the faculty as part of the final acceptance process. If you accept the offer of admission, please email Jodi Camacho (jcamach1@uwyo.edu) within two weeks of the receipt of this letter.  Upon acceptance, a temporary advisor will be assigned to you.