Special Education

College of Education, Sport, and Human SciencesDepartment of Teaching and LearningSpecial Education

Special Education

Special Education Program Overview

Multiple options. One common purpose.

The Special Education program makes a positive difference in the lives of others; it helps ensure opportunity and access.

The program offers three graduate programs: Ph.D., M.A., and Ed.M.

The online master’s degree has been widely lauded as one of the nation’s best. Here are just two examples:

Additionally, an undergraduate and graduate Special Education Endorsement is also offered. The Special Education Endorsement prepares candidates to teach Special Education in the state of Washington at the K-12 levels.

Research Initiatives

At WSU, our Special Education program focuses on creating and sharing new ideas that help improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families—through innovation, hands-on work, and community support.

WSU RISE

WSU ROAR

A program that makes a difference!

WSU ROAR is a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Graduate Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Special Education – Doctoral Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the Special Education PhD Degree Program students will:

Demonstrate a wide scope of as well as an in-depth understanding for the field of special education research and disabilities.
Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to evaluate, understand, and communicate (oral/written) special education scholarship and research.
Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to synthesize and apply special education research (knowledge/theory) to problems of practice through the generation and dissemination of original scholarship.
Demonstrate scholarly habits of curiosity, inquiry, skepticism, and data-based decision making.
Demonstrate understanding and valuing of diversity through pedagogical and inquiry endeavors.
Demonstrate a professional identity appropriate for future career plans.

Special Education – Master’s Degree Programs Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the Special Education Master’s Degree Program students will:

Demonstrate an appropriate depth and breadth of understanding about the field of special education and disabilities.
Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to evaluate, understand, and communicate (oral and written) special education ideas and research.
Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to synthesize and apply special education research to problems of practice through skillful inquiry.
Demonstrate and apply scholarly habits of curiosity, inquiry, skepticism, and data-based decision-making.
Demonstrate understanding and valuing of diversity through pedagogical and inquiry endeavors.
Demonstrate a professional identity appropriate for future career plans.