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Classrooms of Tomorrow Need You Today
Apply by May 19
Become an advocate for all learners. Join Portland State University’s top-tier Special Education K-12 graduate program and gain the expert skills in literacy, behavior analysis, and advocacy to help every student succeed.
Apply for free by May 19 to secure your spot in our Summer 2026 cohort! You’ll receive your decision within three days, and earn a special scholarship of $500 this summer.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity: The next cohort won’t begin until Summer 2027!
Quick Decision + Guaranteed Scholarship
FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER
We’ve extended the deadline, and streamlined the application process, so you can transition into our special education master’s program with ease and confidence.
$500 Scholarship: All new Summer ‘26 students receive a $500 scholarship.
72-Hour Admission Decision: Apply today and get a decision in just 3 business days.
No Application Fee: We’ve waived the fee to make your path to enrollment seamless.
Summer Start (June 2026): Join your cohort immediately and graduate ready to lead.
Master the Skills to Help Every Student Succeed
Today’s schools are diverse and inclusive communities. Special educators work in collaboration with other instructors, teaching assistants, counselors, and families to develop individualized lesson plans for students with a wide range of support needs—from complex disabilities to targeted social and academic skills.
With PSU’s expert faculty, you will:
- Earn your Master’s and Oregon teaching license in two years.
- Learn from seasoned teachers with scholarly expertise in behavior support and inclusive literacy.
- Design and implement lesson plans that encourage creativity and build community.
- Gain hands-on experience through discussion, practice, and clinical field experiences.
- Collaborate with families and administrators to advocate for all learners.
Make an Impact
PSU Special Education K-12 graduate students earn an Oregon teaching license and master’s degree. They complete our program well-prepared to work with a wide range of students, in a variety of instructional settings.
Potential roles include:
- Special Education Teacher
- Learning Specialist
- Resource Room Teacher
- Inclusive or Co-Teaching roles
- Transition Specialist
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Connect to the Power of Portland
Help Fill the Teacher Shortage
Completing your special education master’s degree at PSU ensures you’ll learn from the best and land a job quickly.
- Immediate Employment: Special education teachers are in high demand, and PSU is a primary pipeline for Portland Public Schools and surrounding metro districts.
- Built-in Network: Benefit from partnerships with local school districts and community agencies; these collaborations support preservice teacher candidates and recent graduates.
- Accredited Excellence: Our programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Drop by our Spring Program Fair
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FAQs
When is the application deadline? The final deadline to join the 2026 cohort is May 19, 2026.
How do I get the $500 scholarship? Simply apply and be admitted for the Summer 2026 term. The scholarship is automatically applied to support our incoming Special Education students.
Why start in the summer? Starting in June allows you to build immediate bonds with your cohort and complete foundational coursework before the busy K-12 academic year begins.
Can I start in the fall? The Special Education K-12 program starts in the summer only. If you miss this year’s deadline, the next cohort begins Summer 2027.
How much does it cost to apply? There is no cost to apply if you submit your application by May 19, 2026!
How long will it take to earn my master’s degree and license? The program takes two years, including two summers. If you start in June, you will be done by June 2028, and ready to start working as a teacher!
When and where are classes? Classes are held on PSU’s campus in downtown Portland. You will also have multiple practical student teaching experiences at one of our partner schools. Summer term classes are during the day; the rest of the year you will be on campus 1-2 evenings a week.
I already work in a school, can I continue working there? Generally, yes! This program is designed for students to maintain daytime employment until they begin student teaching, which requires a full-time commitment.
I don’t work in a school and I have no experience working with children, am I still eligible to apply? Generally, we recommend that you know what you are getting yourself into before making a commitment to a professional master’s degree program. If your experience is limited, connect with our advisor, Laura, to talk through your options.