College of Education

Admissions | Special Education (Undergraduate)

The Special Education program is dedicated to enrolling and retaining students who possess a strong commitment to learn, while demonstrating self-reflection, professionalism and ethical behavior. We prepare teachers to effectively support students with a diverse range of needs and encourage their growth and learning through creative practices.

Admissions Timeline

Application TermApplication OpensPriority Application DeadlineFinal Application DeadlineTerm Begins
SummerJune 1, 2026January 15April 15Late June

Additional Timeline Information:

The deadline for recommenders to submit forms is April 30, 2027 at 11:59 pm Pacific time.  Recommenders will receive communication and instructions once you submit your application.

Upon submission and review by staff and faculty, admissions decisions are communicated via email 1–2 weeks after  interviews, which take place after the application deadline.

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:

  • Transcripts: From your most recent term of attendance. These should demonstrate that you meet or will meet the admissions requirements by the time you begin the program.
  • Résumé: Your resume should summarize work, volunteer, and life experiences relevant to your program. Here are some examples to help you get started: (Template 1) and (Template 2).
  • 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.
    • Our ideal student demonstrates the following dispositions: 1) professionalism, 2) flexibility, 3) ethical behavior, 4) self-reflection, 5) cultural awareness and responsiveness, and 6) high expectations and responsibility for student learning. Please provide examples of your experience with youth that demonstrate how you meet these dispositional requirements.
    • 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.
    • 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?
    • 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.
  • Recommendations: 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  April 30th, 2027 at 11:59 PM. Do not list your family or friends as references.
  • Interview: Shortly after you submit your application, we will send you instructions for scheduling an interview with Special Education faculty from the College of Education. Interviews are 60 minutes and available February through May.

How to apply

Submit the Special Education Supplemental Application by the listed deadline

Apply to the Special Education Program about this content

Questions?

PSU University transfer admissions:
Find your advisor here 

PSU undergraduate academic advisors:
Society and Identity Pathway

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