A teacher works with a group of young children.

Special Education

#5 Ranked Program by U.S. News & World Report

The Department of Special Education offers students the opportunity to gain specialist training and research experience with diverse populations across the lifespan. We offer both undergraduate and graduate programs, and our students study topics such as supporting bilingual students with disabilities, math and reading interventions, design and evaluation of assistive technology, educating students with autism spectrum disorders and the transition and post-school employment for people with disabilities.

Starting Fall 2024, our M.Ed. specializations in Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Intervention are available both fully online and in-person!

About

The Department of Special Education is a collaboration between faculty, students, staff and resources aimed at improving the quality of life and promoting success for individuals with disabilities.

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Programs

Our students engage in coursework led by experts in the field, and innovative research aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

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Research

Our research has an important global impact. The underlying focus of our research aims to improve the quality of life and access to equitable education for individuals with disabilities and their families, particularly in K-12 education.

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Department Announcements

Associate Professor North Cooc Receives Prestigious Spencer Foundation Grant

Dr. North Cooc and Dr. Grace MyHyun Kim will study the recruitment and retention of Asian-American teachers in K-12 education.

Department of Special Education Ranks No. 5 in the Nation

The department moved up four places in the US News & World Report 2023-2024 graduate school rankings list.

Associate Professors Receive Grants EIR Grants from the U.S. Department of Education

Dr. Christian Doabler and Dr. Doris Baker will research how to prepare high-needs students for science instruction.