Admission Requirements

Special Education, M.A.

The following is a list of minimum requirements for the program:

Mild to moderate disabilities specialization

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Official transcripts showing a grade point average of B or higher (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
A two-page personal statement describing your experience working with children or youth who have disabilities and how you expect the Mild-Moderate, M.A., program to improve your impact with children or youth with disabilities.
Evidence of previous teaching experience. If you do not hold a teaching certificate, we require evidence of experience working with children or youth with disabilities.
Three professional letters of recommendation with a preference on letters from persons who can attest to your ability to do graduate level work and interact effectively with children and youth.
An interview with a faculty member. Your interview will provide you with valuable information about the program and give you an opportunity to ask questions about the program. Your interview may be conducted in person, by phone, or via teleconferencing.

Severe and multiple disabilities specialization

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Grade point average of B or higher (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
Experience working with individuals with severe and multiple disabilities preferred
Submission of application to the Graduate College. SER Personal Date Form, and 3 professional letters of recommendation
An interview with a faculty member. Your interview will provide you with valuable information about the program and give you an opportunity to ask questions about the program. Your interview may be conducted in-person or by phone.

Visual impairment specialization

Bachelor’s Degree: must be posted by the time student enters program
GPA: 3.0 overall in baccalaureate coursework
Documentation of 45 contact hours with children with special needs in a public school classroom (optional).
A minimum of three professional letters of recommendation.
Ability to qualify for an Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card to allow work with minors in public school environments.
Submission of a graduate application and payment of a graduate application fee.
Faculty interview