Cost & earnings at University of Wisconsin–Parkside What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Education graduates earn a median $33,993 Across 412 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor’s in Special Education and Teaching at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside prepares students to become licensed educators who support learners with diverse needs across age ranges. It suits aspiring teachers who want a blend of coursework in inclusive pedagogy, assessment and behaviour support plus supervised field experience in local schools.
This programme combines general education, professional education courses and focused special education coursework to prepare students for classroom practice and state certification. Core topics include foundations of special education, assessment and individualized planning, behaviour management and positive behaviour supports, instructional strategies for learners with mild to moderate disabilities, transition planning and services, and collaboration with families and other professionals.
The programme is typically structured across four years, beginning with general education and introductory education courses, moving into more specialised content and practicum experiences in later years, and culminating in a capstone student-teaching semester supervised by university faculty and school-based mentors.
Admission to the bachelor’s programme normally requires a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent and a college-ready academic profile. Applicants should present a satisfactory high school transcript that demonstrates competency in English and mathematics; some transferable post‑secondary credit is also accepted. Prospective students may be asked to provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement describing their interest in special education, and evidence of relevant experience working with children or adolescents.
Before beginning clinical placements, candidates must meet programme and state requirements such as a background/criminal history check and verification of immunisations. Successful completion of any required preparatory or gateway assessments and meeting professional dispositions standards are also part of progression through the programme. To obtain state teacher licensure after graduation, candidates must satisfy Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requirements, which typically include passing the relevant certification examinations and completing required coursework and supervised clinical experiences.
Graduates are prepared for roles in K–12 school settings as special education teachers, resource-room teachers, inclusion specialists and co-teachers. Other common career paths include behaviour interventionist, transition coordinator, instructional coach for special needs programming, or roles in early intervention, non-public schools and community agencies that support individuals with disabilities. Many graduates progress to graduate study in special education, educational leadership, school psychology or related fields to broaden their career options and pursue advanced certification.
University of Wisconsin–Parkside offers a programme that emphasises hands-on learning through progressive field placements with partner school districts in the region, giving students experience in diverse classroom settings. The department typically maintains small cohort sizes and faculty mentorship that supports close supervision during practicum and student teaching. The curriculum is aligned with state certification requirements and focuses on inclusive practices, collaboration with families and community-based transition planning. Students also benefit from campus resources such as career services, academic advising and opportunities to engage in community outreach and research related to special education.
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