With millions of students nationwide receiving special education services, there is a demand for highly educated teachers who can work with students at all skill levels. Our special education master’s degree will teach you to help students with a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Our graduates are prepared to adapt and teach general education, reading, writing, and math to students across a continuum from those with mild and moderate disabilities to those with complex needs. With your master's in special education, you will be equipped to teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques. Our innovative program offers the option to complete the master’s degree in conjunction with a teacher licensure program or independently.
PSU Special Education faculty represent leadership and excellence across literacy, bilingualism, positive behavior supports, multicultural special education, behavior analysis, assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication, visual impairment, early childhood, and transition.
After graduating from Portland State University’s College of Education, Kamala Arumugam was hired to be the Learning Specialist and Individualized Education Program (IEP) case manager at William Walker Elementary and Barnes Elementary Schools in Beaverton. “I came to PSU because of the multicultural values of inclusion and diversity at the College of Education. The faculty consists of culturally and linguistically diverse members, making PSU a more equitable place for all. That was extremely important to me coming from another culture,” she says. Read Kamala's story >> |
“Special Education is a highly satisfying career that makes a positive impact on the lives of children with learning disabilities.”
~Alumna Kamala Arumugam, 2019 Special Education alumna |
Our graduates work as:
- Special Education Teacher
- Literacy Specialist
- Transition Coordinator
Our graduates are employed at schools throughout the greater Portland Metropolitan Area, particularly at Portland Public Schools.