Begin or Advance Your Special Education Career at a Nationally Ranked Program

The Special Education programs at UConn's Neag School of Education are designed for individuals who:

  • Want to help students with disabilities and students at risk for serious academic problems
  • Are passionate about social justice and civil rights for individuals with disabilities
  • Want to fit psychology and education together
  • Are motivated, thoughtful, and dedicated future and current educators

In our special education programs, our faculty aim to prepare future educators, leaders, and scholars in the field of Special Education to:

  • Create positive and inclusive teaching and learning environments;
  • Promote evidence-based practice;
  • Center equity by ensuring that each student has access to, engages in, and benefits from the specific supports they need to be successful; and
  • Use data to promote continuous improvement to support the growth and benefit of each and every educator, family, and student—including (and especially) students with disabilities.

At the advanced degree levels, we also equip students with the skills to evaluate (MA/6th year) and/or rigorously study (Ph.D.) these elements.

Learn from Nationally Renowned Experts

The special education faculty are nationally known experts in early intervention and early childhood; literacy (reading and writing); post-secondary transition; schoolwide positive behavior supports; and autism, neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our program is ranked at No. 18 among graduate special education programs in the U.S.

Teacher Certification Programs

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Integrated Bachelor's/Master's Program

For aspiring teachers, our five-year Integrated Bachelor's/Master's teacher preparation program offers courses of study for teacher certification in a variety of disciplines. Open to undergraduate students at the UConn Storrs campus, the program begins with two years of general education, followed by two years of professional education leading to a bachelor's degree in education. The four undergraduate years are followed by one year of graduate level professional education leading to a master's degree.

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Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates

The Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG) leads to Connecticut Teacher Certification and a Master of Arts degree in just 11 months. Through four consecutive semesters of full-time coursework, TCPCG students become teachers who transform their classrooms and their schools to promote a more just and equitable society. They disrupt historic patterns of inequity and help schools become inclusive, engaging, and inspiring spaces where all learners flourish.

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Graduate Programs

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Master’s Program

The General Studies program in special education provides graduate students with an opportunity to collaborate with their advisor to craft a 30-33 credit hour experience that meets their professional needs. The General Studies program is designed for a broad range of professionals (e.g., general or special education teachers, graduates in related fields) to provide in-depth learning and experiences related to supporting children and adults with disabilities and at risk for learning and behavioral difficulties.
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Ashley Taconet

Ph.D. Program

Our commitment to doctoral education is to inspire and prepare professionals in special education to create and broaden opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Key highlights of our program include:

  • Immersion in research
  • Career opportunities
  • Sought-after expertise
  • National reputation.

Funding for full-time students, including tuition and a generous stipend, are now available.
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Graduate Certificate in School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports

The SWPBS specialization provides in-depth understanding of SWPBS — a multi-tiered, proactive, and preventative approach to supporting student behavior in schools and classrooms. Students will examine theoretical and empirical support for SWPBS as well as implementation strategies appropriate for all students. A community practicum offers the opportunity to practice and observe implementation in a local school system.Learn More

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Graduate Certificate Program in Postsecondary Disability Services

Students with Disabilities are one of the fastest growing cohorts in higher education. The need for skilled professionals is growing along with it. To fill that need, UConn’s Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability is offering an online graduate certificate program that focuses on the administration and management of college and university level disability services. Learn More

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Graduate Certificate Program in Secondary Transition to Adulthood

With the secondary transition certificate, you can make a real difference in the lives of high school students with a broad spectrum of physical and cognitive disabilities, including autism, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, among many others. Core courses have content aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Career Development and Transition standards for secondary special educators. Learn More