You're a Freshman, transfer, or readmission interested in daytime programs.
Exceptional students need exceptional teachers
It takes a special person to want to help kids with special needs gain the opportunities they deserve in life. In this program, you can expect to feel fulfilled during educational coursework and real-life experiences. Choose from one of three distinct majors: early childhood special and general education, elementary/middle special and general education, and cross categorical special education.
Credits
125-139
Careers
- Special Education Teacher
- Paraprofessional
- Classroom Assistant
Financial Aid
The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.
Learn about financial aidProgram Overview
The special education program has a strong liberal arts foundation with a Christian emphasis. Education coursework and fieldwork experiences begin freshman year. It offers a public education track, a Lutheran teacher diploma track for students wishing to pursue education as an LCMS church work professional, and a Christian teacher certification track for students wishing to pursue education in another Christian school setting. This program may be pursued as a special education major only, leading to K-12 certification in cross categorical special education or as a dual major combining special education and general education. Dual majors are available at the early childhood and elementary/middle school levels. The special education program is accredited and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Job openings in this field are plentiful, as this is a high-need certification area nationally.
What to Expect
In addition to coursework, you’ll experience firsthand the blessing and challenge of working with special needs children in an actual, real-world setting. You’ll be grounded in a deep understanding of child and adolescent development in mind, body, and spirit, as well as the range of exceptionalities. You’ll work to master content knowledge in addition to a wide range of instructional strategies and learner accommodations. You’ll develop skills in classroom management, curricular design and assessment, and engagement and collaboration with other educators and school stakeholders.
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Undergraduate
Undergraduate Application Steps
Admit. Commit. That’s it!
For first-time freshmen and transfer students:
- Submit your online application
- Send Official High School Transcripts (College Transcripts if Applicable).
- Send your official ACT or SAT scores
For those that would like to be considered as test optional in the admissions process, please contact your admission counselor. Students with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 are required to submit an ACT/SAT. You will receive an email and a phone call from your dedicated Admission Counselor. Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions regarding the application process. We review each application on an individual basis using a holistic approach.
Linda Hensel Ph.D.
Department Chair - Special Education, Professor
Office: Luther Hall LU204B
Phone: (262) 243-4209
Email: linda.hensel@cuw.edu
Bio
Linda Hensel is a Professor of Education and the chair of the special education department. She teaches special education methods and assessment courses. Her research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Education
- Ph D - Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service, Cardinal Stritch University (2009)
- MA - Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Cardinal Stritch University (1996)
- BS - Special Education, University of Wisconsin (1984)
Presentations
- Hensel, L. & Routier, W. (2018). An Innovative Approach to a Collaborative Inter-Professional Problem-Based Learning Activity. Oral Presentation. Original Lilly Conference on College Teaching. Oxford, OH.
- Hensel, L. & Routier, W. (2018). Research into Inter-Professional Collaboration in a Problem-Based Learning Activity with Special Education Preservice Teachers and Related Service Providers. Oral Presentation. 2nd International Conference on Educational Studies. Madison, WI.
- Hensel, L., Bremer, S., Harmon, B., Hintsala, K. & Iorio, B., (2017). Adapting Centers to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners. Lecture. Early Childhood Festival on the Lake. Concordia University.
- Hensel, L., Barnhart, R., Moser, C., Routier, W. & Watry, M., (2017). Problem-Based Learning Inter-Disciplinary Experience. Oral Presentation. CU Faculty Scholarship Presentation. Concordia University, Mequon Campus.
- Hensel, L., Barnhart, R., Moser, C., Routier, W. & Watry, M., (2016). Problem-based Learning: An Inter-disciplinary Collaborative Student Experience . Poster. Lilly Conference on Designing Effective Teaching. Asheville, NC.
Research Interests
- Problem Based Learning
- Individualized Reading Instruction
Teaching Interests
- Behavior and Classroom Management
- Assessment in Special Education
Wanda J. Routier
Program Director - Master of Science in Education – Special Education, Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4304
Email: wanda.routier@cuw.edu
Bio
Dr. Routier is an educator, curriculum writer, legal expert, musician, and consultant on gifted, education, disability, and technology issues. She presents workshops at professional conferences and works with the media.
Education
- EDD - Child and Youth Studies, Nova Southeastern University (1993)
- MA - Special Education/Hearing Impaired, Hampton University (1985)
- BA - Music Education, Bluffton College (1977)
- Special Education Advocacy , Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William & Mary (2015)
Presentations
- Hensel, L. & Routier, W. (2018). An Innovative Approach to a Collaborative Inter-Professional Problem-Based Learning Activity. Oral Presentation. Original Lilly Conference on College Teaching. Oxford, OH.
- Hensel, L. & Routier, W. (2018). Research into Inter-Professional Collaboration in a Problem-Based Learning Activity with Special Education Preservice Teachers and Related Service Providers. Oral Presentation. 2nd International Conference on Educational Studies. Madison, WI.
- Hensel, L., Barnhart, R., Moser, C., Routier, W. & Watry, M., (2017). Problem-Based Learning Inter-Disciplinary Experience. Oral Presentation. CU Faculty Scholarship Presentation. Concordia University, Mequon Campus.
- Hensel, L., Barnhart, R., Moser, C., Routier, W. & Watry, M., (2016). Problem-based Learning: An Inter-disciplinary Collaborative Student Experience . Poster. Lilly Conference on Designing Effective Teaching. Asheville, NC.
Research Interests
- Inclusion and Post-Secondary Programming
- Technology
Teaching Interests
- Disability Law
- Special Education
Connect with a Counselor
Please select the area that best describes you from the options below.
Undergraduate
Accelerated
You're interested in evening classes or the online adult-accelerated program (includes BSN Completion and Medical Assistant).
Accelerated
Graduate
You want to learn more about the graduate programs available at our Mequon campus, online, or at one of our center locations.
Graduate
Non-Degree
You're seeking a certificate or individual courses at our Mequon campus, online, or at one of our nine centers (includes high school dual-credit).
Non-Degree
Other/Parent
You're a parent or just can’t be pigeonholed into one of the other categories.
Other/Parent