student working with a young child while holding a tablet

Special Education Program

Program Options   |   Career Opportunities   |   Licensure   |   Research to Practice   |   Apply Now

Learn from leading researchers in the field of special education 

No. 1
Highest ranked academic program at uo
No. 3
special education graduate program in the united states
No. 8
Graduate school of education among public institutions

Why earn a degree in special education?

Our programs and endorsements have been rated number 3 in the nation since 2000! This means the instructors and professors you will work with are pushing the field to improve the experiences for children with disabilities as well as their families. Our faculty are actively researching important issues in the field of early intervention and special education, so our students are actively engaged in that process both in their coursework as well as participating on research teams.


Program Options

The special education program offers the following degree options:


What can I do with a degree in special education?

Our master's program will prepare you for a variety of professional roles, including:

University of Oregon College of Education SPED student and child
University of Oregon College of Education SPED student teacher
University of Oregon College of Education SPED students

Home Visitors

Classroom Teachers

Consultants

A child writing in a notebooke
University of Oregon College of Education SPED student with child
University of Oregon College of Education SPED students helping with research

EI/ECSE service coordinators
(EI licensure program only)

Evaluation Specialists

Research Assistants


Are you interested in learning more about the Pathways to Special Education: Exploring UO’s Master’s and Licensure Options?

Check out this episode of the College of Education's Look No Feather podcast, with Dr. Elisa Jamgochian and Dr. Steph Shire to learn more about the University of Oregon’s Special Education Master’s Program (AMP, MS, MEd). Dr. Jamgochian coordinates the Special Education Minor as well as the K–12 Licensure and Master’s Degree programs, while Dr. Shire oversees the Master’s + Early Intervention Licensure programs. Together, they explain the structure of the accelerated program, the different licensure pathways, and the types of students and career goals each option is designed to support. The conversation also offers insight into applying to the program and preparing for the special education job market after graduation.

Take Me to the Podcast!

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Take the Next Step

Call us, email us, visit us or apply to the program. We’re here to answer your questions about how a degree in special education can shape your future and positively impact your community.


Licensure

In Oregon, student teaching and all licensure requirements including your admissions, academic preparation, program of study, field placement, supervision and assessments are under the regulations and jurisdiction of the state Teaching Standards and Practices Commission. The state Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) is responsible for issuance, renewal, and oversight of Oregon teacher licenses, levels, and renewals.

Our licensure graduates are highly sought after with 100% of graduates employed on completion

Our doctoral program will prepare you for:

Teacher with college students
Research and Teaching
Research and teaching positions in higher education
people in government office
Policy Positions
Policy positions in the state and federal government
students in meeting
Leading Initiatives
Leading district and nonprofit management initiatives

Research to Practice

The research completed by special education faculty is making a difference in every state in our nation as well as in other countries. Our faculty are working on a wide range of topics including culturally responsive instructional practices, equity in school discipline and achievement, effective and efficient reading and math assessments, and supporting the transition of youth from schools to community and work settings. Check out their efforts by visiting the following research centers:


Connect With Us!