Admissions | Special Education (Undergraduate)

Admission Timeline

Admissions Timeline
*Priority Application DeadlineJanuary 15
Final Application DeadlineMay 15
Prerequisite Deadline By the start of the program
Program StartSummer

Priority Application Deadline

Applying by the priority application deadline will allow you to apply for scholarships offered by the PSU College of Education. You can find scholarship opportunities, including College of Education scholarships, through the PSU Scholarship Application.

Admission Decision Timeline

  • Students who apply by January 15th will receive a decision by April 1st
  • Students who apply by May 15th will receive a decision by June 1st
  • Decisions will be received via email from askcoe@pdx.edu

Admission Requirements

  • Admitted to PSU
  • Completion of 90 credits (junior standing)
  • Complete the following required prerequisite courses with a C- or better: Math 211 and 212 OR 213; SPED 418

If you cannot complete all of the prerequisite courses, you may be able to fit them into your schedule during the program.

Required application materials

Along with your responses in the application form, all candidates for the Special Education program are required to submit responses to the following:

  • Experience: Applicant evaluation for the Special Education program includes a review of your work or other relevant education experience. While we pay special attention to experience in special education or related fields, you should include all of your volunteer, paid work, or personal experience. This includes experience related to advocacy, supervised field experiences, student teaching or practicum, extracurricular activities, etcetera.
  • Responses to four supplemental questions: To better understand who you are and your readiness for upper-division coursework in Special Education, you must respond to the four prompts below. Your responses will be reviewed for content and clear writing, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Consider adding examples to make your point. Your submission conveys essential information about yourself, why you want to study Special Education at Portland State University, and your readiness for the program. An appropriate response length is 300-400 words for each prompt.
    • Describe how this program fits your educational and long-term career goals and the difference you intend to make in your field. Explain how your college education will help you achieve these. As needed, convey additional information explaining your previous academic performance and readiness for the program.
    • What background, experiences, skills, or beliefs do you bring to support the inclusion of infants, children, or youth with elevated service needs (e.g., low-incidence disabilities, multiple disabilities) and their families and teachers?
    • What background, experiences, and skills would you bring to support culturally sustaining practices when working with underrepresented populations in schools or community-based settings? What previous actions or future actions would you take? Consider how personal culture and beliefs impact practice
    • Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or setback. How did you manage your emotions, time, and resources to overcome the obstacle, and what did you learn from the experience?
  • References: Submit contact information for two references. Portland State University will contact your references and provide them with instructions for submitting recommendation forms. Recommendation forms must be received by PSU by May 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Do not list your family or friends as references.

Questions?

PSU University transfer admissions:
Find your advisor here 

PSU undergraduate academic advisors:
Elizabeth Benner
ebenner@pdx.edu
societyandidentity.youcanbook.me/

Special Education program information and application support:
Laura Sequeira, Admissions advisor
askcoe@pdx.edu
calendly.com/laurasequeira