The Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education offers different options in undergraduate and graduate programs. Select a program below to learn more about admission requirements and how to apply. To view frequently asked admissions questions, please visit our FAQ page.
Interested in funding opportunities like our Teacher Residency Program (TRP)? Visit our Funding and Financial Aid page.
Program Information Sessions
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Special Education PhD
Learn about the Special Education PhD program, including funding, and chat with current students and a faculty member.
Upcoming virtual info sessions:
- Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 at 5:00pm CST | Register for the Zoom link
Contact Kayla Armstrong (armstrongalf@wisc.edu) if you’d like to meet one-on-one!
Special Education with Teacher Certification MS
Learn about the master’s in Special Education with Teacher Certification, how to apply, and much more!
Information regarding application requirements and funding information also provided.
Check of the Professional Degrees & Certificates page for more information on upcoming webinars.
Contact Kayla Armstrong (armstrongalf@wisc.edu) if you’d like to meet one-on-one!
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling MS
Learn about the master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, chat with current students, and learn about what you can do with a master’s in Rehab Counseling!
Upcoming virtual info session:
- Coming soon!
Contact Kayla Armstrong (armstrongalf@wisc.edu) if you’d like to meet one-on-one!
Rehabilitation Psychology or Special Education Undergraduate Program Options
Learn about the undergrad programs!
Information regarding application requirements, different named options including the new Early Childhood Special Education option, and program sequence information.
Contact Rebecca Bradbury (rebecca.bradbury@wisc.edu) if you’d like to meet one-on-one!
Application Deadlines
MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Fall 2024 application deadline: February 15, 2024
MS in Special Education: Research and Theory Named Option
Fall 2024 application deadline: January 1, 2024
MS in Special Education: Teacher Certification Named Option
Spring 2024 application deadline for all applicants:
- October 15, 2023
Summer 2024 application deadline for:
- Domestic applicants: May 1, 2024
- International applicants: March 15, 2024
Fall 2024 application deadline for:
- Domestic applicants: July 15, 2024
- International applicants: March 15, 2024
PhD in Special Education
Fall 2024 admission: January 1, 2024
PhD in Rehabilitation Counselor Education
Fall 2024 admission: January 1, 2024
Admissions & Application FAQs
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Is the GRE required for admission?
Currently, the Rehabilitation Counselor Education PhD program is the only program that requires a GRE or MAT score. For up-to-date admissions information, please visit that program’s admission page.
What documents are required to apply for each program?
International applicants may require additional documents. Please see the Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission for more details.
Special Education Master’s
- 2 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 15 pages)
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling MS
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Rehabilitation Counselor Education PhD
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE or MAT scores
- Writing Sample (maximum 20 pages)
- Unofficial transcript(s)
Are any of your graduate programs offered online?
No, our programs are fully in-person. 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.
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, letters of recommendation, and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
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 the country, and read the requirements carefully. TOEFL and IELTS 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 potential faculty advisor they 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.
I started one of the programs and stopped enrolling. How do I reenter my previous program?
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).
Tuition and Costs
See the cost of attendance for UW–Madison undergraduate and graduate students.
Funding and Financial Aid
Learn about scholarships, TEACH grants, funding, and other financial support.
Graduate Steps to Apply
Find out more about the application process for graduate students.
Contact Information
Undergraduate Programs
School of Education Student Services
(608) 262-1651
soeacademicservices@education.wisc.edu
Graduate Programs
Kayla Armstrong
Graduate Program Manager
(608) 263-4608
armstrongalf@wisc.edu