Admissions
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Is the GRE required for admission?
Currently, the GRE is only required for admission to the rehabilitation counselor education doctoral program. For up-to-date admissions information, please visit that program’s admission page.
What documents are required to apply for each program?
Special Education Master’s
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling MS
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Special Education PhD
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample (maximum 20 pages)
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Rehabilitation Counselor Education PhD
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample (maximum 20 pages)
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Can I complete the master’s or doctoral program online?
No. We pride ourselves in building a community of teachers, researchers, and advocates in our programs. This is accomplished through in-person courses, seminars, and research.
What funding opportunities does your department offer?
The RPSE department, along with the School of Education, offers a variety of funding opportunities for it’s master’s and doctoral students. Please see our Funding and Financial Aid page for up-to-date information.
What does the department look for in applicants for the master's programs?
Applicants are expected to meet general requirements for admission to the Graduate School. The admissions committee considers a variety of factors including academic preparation, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and professional experiences.
The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling master’s program suggests applicants review the Statement of Purpose Guidelines for further direction.
What does the department look for in applicants for the doctoral programs?
Rehabilitation Counselor Education
The following factors will be considered by the admissions committee: aptitude for doctoral-level study, relevance of prior academic work and career goals, stated goals for doctoral study, employment history, potential success in forming effective counseling relationships, respect for cultural differences, evidence of writing and research skills, and letters of recommendation.
Special Education
Applicants are expected to meet general requirements for admission to the Graduate School. The admissions committee considers a variety of factors including aptitude for doctoral-level study, relevance of prior academic work and career goals, stated goals for doctoral study, respect for cultural differences, evidence of writing and research skills. Recommendation letters are also considered. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to this program.
As an international student, what is required for admission?
Admission requirements for international applicants varies by country. Please see the Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission, choose your country, and read the requirements carefully. English proficiency requirements are also found on this page.
What should I discuss in my statement of purpose?
Master’s program applicants should describe their interest in the field, relevant professional experience, research experience, and professional goals. There is no word or length requirement but 1-2 pages is preferred.
Doctoral program applicants are encouraged to discuss the above as well as their research interests and a 1-2 potential faculty you would like to work with. There is no word or length requirement but 2-3 pages is preferred.
Please address any past academic issues or concerns.
How do I reenter into the major?
For information about reentry into the major as an undergraduate student, please visit the Transfer and Reentry page. For information about reentry into the major as a graduate student, please contact Kayla Armstrong (armstrongalf@wisc.edu).