Admissions and Aid

Both sessions will cover the same information, so please choose the date and time that works best for you.

During the session, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about our PhD programs, ask questions, and hear directly from faculty and current students about the graduate experience.

• Thursday, October 22 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time  |  Register here
• Wednesday, November 11 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time  |  Register here

All sessions will cover the same information, so please choose the date and time that works best for you.

• Thursday, October 15 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time  |  Register here
• Monday, October 26 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time  |  Register here
• Wednesday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time | Register here

Both sessions will cover the same information, so please choose the date and time that works best for you.

• Tuesday, October 13 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time  |  Register here
• Friday, October 23 at 11:30 a.m. Central Time | Register here

Contact Kayla Armstrong (armstrongalf@wisc.edu) if you’d like to meet one-on-one! 

No, we do not require the GRE for any of our programs in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education.

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
• Writing Sample (maximum 20 pages)
• Unofficial transcript(s)

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.

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.

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 recommends applicants review the Statement of Purpose Guidelines.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to these 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. An application rubric is available to applicants for review, as well as a list of Special Education faculty and their research interest areas.

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.

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.

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).