apply now 
As a special education teacher, you will change lives. From teaching students with behavioral challenges to working with assistive technologies to engage youth with learning differences, you will be helping students make small—and bold—leaps toward reaching their potential.
In UW’s special education master of arts program, you will learn best practices for providing services to students with disabilities while also acquiring an understanding of special education law, assistive technologies and collaborating with regular classroom teachers to work with students of all abilities.
About Special Education
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.
The UW special education master’s program makes it possible for you to earn a master’s degree and qualify for a special education teaching endorsement at the same time.
Here are some additional reasons to consider the UW program:
At-a-distance convenience. Complete your classes wherever you may be through online and video-conferencing technologies with courses delivered by UW at a Distance.
Accredited. Choose an accredited program. UW’s College of Education is nationally accredited by by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In addition, the special education master’s degree adheres to the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Professional Preparation Standards.
Experiential Learning. Acquire practical skills that align with the Council for Exceptional Children standards and that follow the Wyoming Teaching Standards for Special Education Certification. Practica are completed in your current school or in schools in your community.
Assistive technology. Become familiar with how to assess and use assistive technologies to help students succeed.
Disability Studies. Utilize the resources of the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) whose mission is to promote the inclusion, independence and social participation of individuals with developmental and other disabilities and their families.
Special Education Director Endorsement. You can gain the Special Education Director endorsement from the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) if you have earned a masters from UW in either educational leadership or special education AND at least a graduate certificate from UW in either educational leadership or special education.
Online resources. Students in UW at a Distance courses can access resources to ensure their academic success and wellness while studying online.
Travel grants. Apply for travel support to cover some travel costs associated with attending or presenting at professional conferences.
Faculty. Study and conduct research alongside faculty who are experts in social and emotional disabilities, bullying and students with disabilities, and technology enabled personalized learning.
Assistantships. Apply for a graduate assistantship, which offers full-time, on-campus students with faculty research opportunities, college-level teaching experiences and stipends.
Scholarships. Look into relevant UW scholarships such as:
Your graduate degree program in special education positions you to take your place in a K-12 setting working with exceptional children.
Graduates from our program go on to become special education teachers, specialists and leaders in their schools and districts as well as pursue Ed.D. and Ph.D.-level degrees.
Special Education Careers
UW special education M.A. graduates hold titles such as:
“The special education master's program at the University of Wyoming was outstanding. This distance program allowed me to study in Los Angeles and receive valuable knowledge online. The program is rigorous and informative. Attaining this degree helped me to easily find a job in an area I desired. I would recommend this program to anyone considering it.”
– Olivia Spanos, M.S. ’19
Take these classes as a special education master’s degree candidate:
View the full Master of Arts in Education with a special education concentration curriculum.
1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
UW Operators (307) 766-1121 | Contact Us | Download Adobe Reader
