Master of Special Education at Western Washington University

International students can study the Special Education at Western Washington University at its main campus in Bellingham , United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on September 27, 2026.

About Master of Special Education

Department of Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching
Miller Hall 201A, 360-650-3330

No new applications are being accepted at this time. As this program has been placed in moratorium, please contact the department or see the department website for updated information.

Graduate Faculty

Coulter, Gail, PhD.
Kelley, Bridget, PhD.
Lambert, M. Charles, PhD.
Perzigian, Aaron, PhD.
Robinson, LeAnne, PhD.

Goals

The program prepares special educators to become master teachers and consultants in specialized instruction.

Graduate studies in special education is designed for students who have met Washington state teacher certification requirements, and are seeking a master's degree in combination with an endorsement to teach special education, or for certificated special education teachers to expand their knowledge. Prospective students who hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking a first Washington state certification should refer to the Special Education Post-Baccalaureate Program as preparation for graduate admission.

Application Information

Candidates must meet the requirements of the Graduate School (see General Requirements in this section of the catalog) in addition to the following departmental requirements:

Specific test requirements:
- Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam, General Test.
Supporting materials:
- A rÃ©sumÃ©
- A statement of purpose for seeking the MEd, and SPED endorsement, if applicable, not to exceed one page
- Completion of Washington state residency certificate requirements
- Three current letters of reference
- An on-campus interview if requested by the department

In limited cases, students who do not meet departmental admission requirements may be granted provisional admission by the Graduate School.

Research Paper

The department requires students to submit a proposal for a research paper (691). This proposal must be approved by the department committee prior to registering for SPED 691. In SPED 691 students will design and carry out independent research under the direction of a faculty committee. Two faculty are required for the committee directing the research paper (691).

Comprehensive Assessment

Student achievement of the program competencies will be assessed by faculty during the final two quarters of the program through one of two methods:

Research paper (SPED 691)
Qualifying examination - the qualifying exam is required by the end of the third quarter of enrollment, after completing SPED 501 with a grade of B- or better. Passage of the qualifying exam is required prior to registering for SPED 691 credits.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Special Education at Western Washington University

Entry Requirements

Transcripts

You are required to upload a scanned or electronically generated unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended as part of the application. Provide a copy of your diploma if your transcript does not list the degree awarded.

If you are admitted, a final, official transcript from each institution is still required before you can enroll. If your undergraduate degree is still in progress, please upload current transcripts at the time of application. If you are admitted and choose to attend WWU, you will be required to submit a final official transcript showing the award of the bachelor's degree prior to registration.

Documents must be issued within the last two years at the time of application.
To be considered official, transcripts must be in sealed envelopes prepared by the university or college; attested / certified copies prepared by the institution may be accepted if originals cannot be provided by the institution.
All transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the institution, Ministry of Education (or equivalent), or an accredited agency.

Credential Evaluation

This is NOT in lieu of official transcripts, but an additional requirement.

If your degree was earned outside the US or Canada, submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation. We accept both WES evaluations (standard course-by-course or ICAP), and Educational Perspectives evaluations through the CertiFile Certified Credential Attachment service.
- Note: If you choose to submit a WES evaluation, we recommend the ICAP product, because it includes verified copies of your official transcripts and eliminates the need to provide a separate official transcript to our office if you are admitted and choose to attend WWU.
- Please see Certifile Order Process for detailed information about ordering a degree evaluation through the CertiFile service.
You must have earned, or must be in the process of earning the equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree prior to beginning the graduate program.
The degree-granting institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in the country where the degree was earned.

Please contact the Graduate School office if you have questions or need clarification on these requirements. Applications cannot be sent to the department for admission consideration until all required documents are received.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 86

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Special Education at Western Washington University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Special Education at Western Washington University

Most materials, including unofficial transcripts, your statement of purpose, and writing samples (if required), are required to be uploaded at the time you submit your application. Preparing them in advance will expedite your process.

If you have questions about the application, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our staff is available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time), at (360) 650-3170 or [email protected].

Master of Special Education at Western Washington University

Western Washington University

United States of America, Bellingham