Special Education (M.A.)

The M.A. Special Education program is accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and is aligned to the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Educator Professional Ethics and Standards. The program has a particular focus on equity, culturally responsive and evidence-based teaching practices, and inclusion of students with high incidence disabilities. 

Candidates seeking licensure in special education will be immersed in clinical placements in local schools, completing a residency with a school-based clinical educator certified in special education.  The program requires candidates to complete the equivalent of a year-old residency and 60 additional hours of clinical placement designed to meet the Rhode Island certification regulations that take effect in December 2022.  The program also requires a minimum of 30 hours in an urban school district, and encourages candidates to spend more time in high-need districts.    

Students may pursue a 30/32-credit certification-only option, a master's degree option (36-44 credits), or a non-certification track (30 credits).  

• Demonstrate inclusive pedagogical approaches and practices aimed at providing an equitable education for all students, particularly students from historically minoritized groups (i.e. students of color, students who identify as LGBTQ+, students living in poverty, students with disabilities, students who are English Learners).
• Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical obligations required of professionals in the field of special education.
• Conduct, score, and interpret individual curriculum-based and norm-referenced educational achievement assessments that are cultural relevant, valid, and reliable in order to inform a student’s eligibility of special education services, develop Individualized Education Programs, and guide instructional practices.
• Utilize evidence-based strategies to meet the diverse instructional, behavioral, cultural, linguistic, and social/emotional needs of students with disabilities.
• Demonstrate culturally-competent partnerships with families/caregivers, educational professionals, related service providers, and other school personnel to develop, utilize, and assess individualized and inclusive supports for students with disabilities.
• Develop strategies to facilitate the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Special Education degree program, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university (4+1 students must be enrolled and in good standing in an undergraduate program.) 

To apply, submit the following:

1. Completed application form and $50 application fee.  An application fee is not required for RWU students.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of RWU students.
3. Letter of Intent (no more than three double-spaced pages) detailing: a. Why you hold the dispositions to become a special education teacher committed to equity; and b. Experiences that inspired your desire to work with youth with exceptionalities
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school and to work with children with exceptionalities
5. Current resume.
6. A copy of a current BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) background check or equivalent document.
7. Copy of current and valid teacher’s certificate(s) (only required for applicants who already possess certification)
8. Interview with Program Director (to be scheduled once all other application materials have been received.)
9. If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission.  Students may be asked to submit a passing score on the Praxis I Principles of Learning & Teaching K-6 (elementary) or 7-12 (secondary) to strengthen their applications.  International applicants should also read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents.

Each application will be reviewed using a portfolio approach - all parts of the application will be considered, inclusive of grades and trend of grades, letters of recommendation, the letter of intent, and other information that candidates for admission may wish to submit.

Documents should be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

Have questions about the application process? Visit the How to Apply page from the Office of Graduate Admission.

RWU discloses that the Master of Arts in Special Education and Bachelor of Arts in Education do not satisfy all educational requirements for licensure as an elementary or secondary public-school educator. Certification and licensure requirements are set by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), and students interested in learning about RIDE requirements, including state reciprocity policies, should enquire via the RIDE website or the students’ resident state websites for the most current information on licensure requirements for educators.

Open Houses

Open Houses are scheduled on the Bristol Campus every June and November with virtual Open Houses available in January and August. Join us to learn more about your program, the admission process, and financial aid at these informative events with faculty and Graduate Admission staff.

Virtual Information Sessions

Short on time or just want to learn more about us from the comfort of your home, school, or office? Join us for a Virtual Information Session.

The most current information on Open Houses and Virtual Sessions

Universal Design for Learning: Supporting Students of All Abilities

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive classroom experience. Come learn about the theoretical and practical applications of UDL to effectively teach students of all abilities. 

The session was presented on Thursday, December 16th, 2021, by Dr. Adam Moore, Associate Professor of Special Education and Director of Special Education Graduate Programs at Roger Williams University.

Access the Universal Design Lecture Recording