Skip navigation

Exceptional Education: BS

School of Education, College of Professional Studies Building, UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Telephone: (715) 346-2040 Website: www.uwsp.edu/education (choose "undergraduate")

Admission to UW-Stevens Point

  • Application Procedure

To apply for admission to UW-Stevens Point, submit a completed UW System application form to

UWSP Admissions Office
102 Student Services Center
UW-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897

Request that your official transcripts be forwarded directly to the UWSP Admissions Office from both your high school and any colleges or universities you have attended.

While there is no deadline for applying to the University, early application is recommended because UW System enrollment management efforts may require us to limit our enrollment.

  • General Admission Requirements to the University

Students from Nicolet College who will have earned 54 or more credits by the time they transfer to UWSP are eligible for admission with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher. If you will have earned fewer than 54 transfer credits by the time you transfer, you will need to meet the admission requirements in effect at the time your application to the University is complete.

Admission to the University does NOT guarantee admission to the major.

  • When Should You Transfer?

Nicolet College students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Exceptional Education at UWSP may remain at Nicolet College for two to three semesters, depending on course availability.

Admission to the Professional Education Program


Students with majors in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Exceptional Education must be admitted to this Program to register for upper-level Early Childhood, Education, Instructional Resources and Teaching Methods courses.

Formal application to the Professional Education Program must be made. Deadlines are September 22 and February 22. Applications will be accepted up to the deadline. Late applications will be processed during the subsequent application period. Only students who meet all criteria listed below are eligible to apply. If the deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline to apply will be the Friday prior to the deadline.

Applications and questionnaires are available in the School of Education (SOE) Undergraduate Advising Office, Room 469 College of Professional Studies or at the UWSP School of Education website, http://www.uwsp.edu/education. Unofficial copies of transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions must be attached to the application, along with the completed questionnaire and letter proving admission to UWSP if not currently enrolled at UWSP.

  • EXIT EXAM

All students applying for a teaching license will be required to pass the appropriate state mandated Praxis II exam(s) at least one semester prior to student teaching and submit an acceptable web-based portfolio on the Ten Wisconsin Teaching Standards during the student teaching semester.   More information on these requirements can be found in the "student handbook" section of the School of Education website.

  • MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
    All requirements must be met, and passing scores submitted to the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office no later than the deadline.      Requirements may change at any time.
  • Completion of 40 credits. Pass/Fail credits and courses below the 100 level are not included in the 40-credit requirement. Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, retroactive credits and credits by exam are included in the 40-credit requirement (if approved by UWSP).
  • A cumulative grade point ratio of 2.75, based upon credits earned at this and all institutions attended.
  • Completion of the equivalent of UWSP’s English 101 and English 102 with a grade point ratio of 2.50. Students receiving a grade of "C" or above in UWSP’s English 150 and students receiving a grade of "C" or above in English 102 who have tested out of English 101 meet this requirement. Students receiving a grade of "B" or better in two writing emphasis courses and passing the reading and writing portions of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) OR students who receive a grade of "B-" or better in UWSP’s English 250 also meet this requirement. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete the Professional Writing Competency Program, administered through the School of Education Undergraduate Advising Office, 715-346-2040.
  • Passing score of at least 50% on the Watson-Barker Listening Test. Test dates are scheduled during the first 2 weeks of each semester. Test dates for the academic year are available in the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office and on the SOE website the last week of August. Take this test as soon as you have completed 26 credits.
  • Passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The PPST booklet has registration materials and information on the administration of this test. PPST passing scores are: Reading 175, Writing 174, Mathematics 173. Computer-based test passing scores for computer-based tests taken prior to January 2002 are: Reading 322, Writing 320, Mathematics 318. The School of Education must receive passing scores by the application deadline for students to qualify. (The ETS web site is www.teachingandlearning.org ). UWSP no longer accepts scores within 3 points of the state requirement. Take this test as soon as you have completed the equivalent of UWSP’s freshman English (101 and 102 or 150) and Math 100, no later than 6 months prior to applying to the Professional Education Program.
  • Completion of the Speech and Hearing Screening from the Communicative Disorders Department. Test dates for the academic year are available in the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office and on the SOE website the last week of August. Take this test as soon as you have completed 26 credits.
  • Passing scores of 15 or higher on the Pre-Professional Interview, administered through the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office, 715-346-2040. The Interview is available by appointment only, at a cost of $30.00. The Interview is offered during the academic weeks of the fall and spring semesters as well as in June. You may repeat this interview once if you do not receive a passing score. If applying for the Professional Education Program for a September deadline, it is suggested that you do this interview February 23 through June prior to applying. If applying for the Professional Education Program for a February deadline, it is suggested that you do this interview September 23 through the first week of December prior to applying.
    NOTE: Required only of students seeking admittance into the Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Education and Physical Education majors.
  • Students who are not registered for courses at UWSP at the time of application must submit a letter from the UWSP Admissions Office proving admission to UWSP.
  • Technology requirement: Education 205 must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better. Contact the Undergraduate Advising Office for other limited options. We do offer a 3 hour, $10 "Technology Workshop" for those students who have not yet met this requirement.
  • SEE DEPARTMENT OF MAJOR/MINOR FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION ON ENROLLMENT CAPS. ENROLLMENT CAPS ARE IN EFFECT FOR ALL TEACHING MAJORS AND A NUMBER OF TEACHING MINORS. NOT ALL STUDENTS MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE ADMITTED. ALL SECONDARY EDUCATION/K-12 DEPARTMENTS HAVE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. SEE THE SOE WEBSITE FOR "ENROLLMENT CAP POLICIES".

Enrollment caps are in effect for the Exceptional Education major. Twenty-five students per year are admitted to the Professional Education Program in this major, half in September and half in February. Students are ranked using the following criteria: 1/3-Overall GPA, 1/3-Pre-Professional Interview, 1/6-Listening Test, 1/6-PPST.

Certification: Students may select one or two teaching specializations: Emotional Disturbance (ED); Learning Disabilities (LD); Mild-Moderate Cognitive Disabilities (CD). Certifications are for ages 6-21 in ED, LD, or CD if one area is chosen. Two specializations in ED, LD, or CD may be selected at either the elementary (ages 6-13) or secondary (ages 10-21) levels.

UW-Stevens Point General Degree Requirements

  • * Denotes courses not directly equivalent to UWSP requirement, but acceptable in lieu of requirement for this major.
  • "P" in front of a course number indicates that student must be accepted into the Professional Education Program in order to enroll in the course.

The following courses meet both UWSP General Degree Requirements (GDRs) and Department of Public Instruction requirements.

1.   Freshman English -- 3-6 credits required


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

English 101
And 102

COMSK 801-102, 195 or 219
And COMSK 801-223

or English 150

None

2.   Writing Emphasis -- 6 credits required


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

"P" - Education 310

None

Elective Out of Major

Any course designated as meeting the
writing emphasis GDR OR transfer
60 credits or more and 3 credits will be waived.

3.   Communication -- 2  credits required


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Communication 101

COMSK 801-198 or SPEECH 810-201

4.   Mathematics -- see below


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Math 90 (if needed)

Math 804-110, 114 or 115 (if needed)

Math 100 - 3 credits (if needed)

Math 804-116, 118, 170, 195, 197 or 220 (if needed)

Math 228 - 3 credits

Math 804-227

Math 338 - 3 credits (pre-req: Math 228 if taken at UWSP)

Math 804-237

Note: Math 228 (Math 804-227 at Nicolet College) will not meet the math GDR at UWSP unless the student majors in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or Exceptional Education.

Note: Math 338 (Math 804-237 at Nicolet College) will meet the math GDR at UWSP for Fall 2002 and later.

5.   Natural Science -- 12-15 credits required
Choose one from each area. Maximum of one course numbered 100 at UWSP (designated as 100(#)). At least two courses must be 4-5 credit labs.


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Physical Science: (choose one from this area)

Chemistry 100, 101

NATSCI 806-134*, 240*, 241, 242*, 245*, 249*,

Physics 100, 101

NATSCI 806-154*, 170*, 192*, 271,* 276*, 286*

Astronomy 100, 205, 206, 311

NONE

 

 

Earth Science: (choose one from this area)

Geography 100, 101

NATSCI 806-207*, 208*

Geology 100

NATSCI 806-230*, 231*

 

 

 

 

Life Science: (choose one from this area)

Biology 100, 101

NATSCI 806-114, 140*, 177*, 195*, 197*, 201, 209*, 210*, 213*, 218*, 222*

6.   Minority Studies and Non-Western Culture
At least one course you take must be designated "Minority Studies", and at least one course you take must be designated "Non-Western Culture". Students should try to take Humanities Area 1 or 3 courses that also fulfill these requirements.


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Minority Studies (MNS)

See advisor or Transfer Information System (TIS).

Non-Western Culture (NWC)

See advisor or Transfer Information System (TIS).

7.   History -- 6 credits required (courses in parentheses are course numbers prior to Fall 2008)


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Select one (3 credits): History 176 (211), 285 (385*), 292 MNS (382*), 393 (388*) (Hist 379* is no longer offered)
(*does not meet the History GDR requirement for other majors)
MUST BE HISTORY 176 (211) FOR B.A. DEGREE.

History 803-215, 230 (MNS), 236 (MNS), 240 (MNS)


History 177 (212)

History 803-219

8. Humanities and Social Science -- (Combined total of 18 credits)

Humanities - 6-9 credits required
Humanities is divided into 4 areas as follows: Area 1 (history and appreciation of art, communication, dance, theatre and music); Area 2 (literature); Area 3 (philosophy, political theory and religious studies); Area 4 (civilization, area studies and interdisciplinary courses).


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Select one (Area 2): English 211, 212, 213, 214

Any literature course that transfers as HUM2*

One Area 1 course (may be an Area 3 or 4 course if student has already completed a course in art, dance, drama, music, or theatre.)

Any course that transfers as a HUM1

Elective in humanities (or social science)

Any course that transfers as a humanities

9. Social Science - 9-12 credits required


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

Psychology 110 (Pre-req. to HD 261)

SOCSCI 809-251

Psych 260 or HD 261 or HD 265

SOCSCI 809-160, 188 or 255

Political Science 201 OR Political Science 101

HISTORY 803-227

Elective in social science (or humanities)

Any course that transfers as a social science

10. Environmental Literacy -- 3 credits required

UW-Stevens Point Requirement

Nicolet College Equivalent

"P" - Natural Resources 370

NATSCI 806-215* or 229* (student must also take Natural Resources 310 - one credit at UWSP during the month of May)

11. Wellness -- 3 credits required
Complete at least 1 credit of Aerobic Activity and 1 credit of Health Enhancement and a third credit in either area.

UW-Stevens Point Requirement

Nicolet College Equivalent

Aerobic Activity (1-2 credits)

See advisor or TIS.

Health Enhancement (1-2 credits)

See advisor or TIS*.

Professional Education Requirements


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent
  • Communicative Disorders 367 - 3 credits - Spring

None
  • "P" - Education 200 - 1 credit

None
  • Education 205 - 1 credit lecture/discussion

None
  • "P" - Education 300 - 1 credit

None
  • "P" - Education 302 - 3 credits

None
  • "P" - Education 309 - 3 credits

None
  • "P" - Education 310W - 3 credits - Spring

None
  • "P" - Education 314 - 2 credits - Spring

None
  • "P" - Education 351 - 3 credits - BLOCK I

307-187
  • "P" - Education 356 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block II

None
  • "P" - Education 362 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block III

None
  • "P" - Education 368 - 3 credits -Special Ed Block II

None
  • "P" - Education 378 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block III

None
  • "P" - Education 381 - 3 credits - BLOCK I

None
  • "P" - Education 383 - 3 credits

None
  • "P" - Education 397 (110 hours) -1-3 credits - Fall

None
  • "P" - Education 398 - Student Teaching - 12 credits

None
  • "P" - Education 400 - Seminar on Teaching - 1 credit ( taken during student teaching)

None
  • "P" - Instructional Resources 331 - 3 credits - BLOCK I

None
  • Math Education 228 - 1 credit (Math Ed 229 for transfer students who have completed Math 228 at another institution - Fall)

None
  • Math Education 338 - 1 credit (Math Ed 339 for transfer students who have completed Math 338 at another institution - Fall)

None

Areas of Specialization
Options (select one):

  1. Elect one teaching specialization to complete the major; grades K-12 in ED, LD, or CD. Student teaching must be at both the elementary and secondary levels.
  2. Elect two teaching specializations (CD, ED, LD) to complete the major for either elementary (K-9) OR secondary (6-12). Student teaching must be in both areas of specialization, at the same grade level.

Emotional Disturbance (ED)


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

"P" - Education 364 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block II

None

"P" - Education 369 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block III

None

Learning Disabilities (LD)


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

"P" - Education 364 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block II

None

"P" - Education 369 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block III

None

Mild-Moderate Cognitive Disabilities (CD)


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent

"P" - Education 364 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block II

None

"P" - Education 369 - 3 credits - Special Ed Block III

None

Competencies


UW-Stevens Point Requirement


Nicolet College Equivalent
  • Education 370, Subtitle: Transforming Conflict - Required for all students who have taken Educ 381 at another institution OR have taken Educ 381 at UWSP prior to Fall 1995. Call 715-346-3801 to be put on the mailing list for this course.

None
  • Document 290 clock hours of pre-student teaching experience working with children and youth (200 hours in the regular classroom and 90 hours with special needs. Of the 290 hours, 50 hours must be involved with designated social, cultural, and language groups.) Requirements in courses listed above will meet this mandate.
  • A 2.75 GPA in the major is required for student teaching.

Note: Sequence of courses: Block I must be completed first. Special Ed Block II must be completed prior to Special Ed Block III. You must be admitted to the Professional Education Program for 3 semesters prior to student teaching to complete this major. Unless otherwise noted, these blocks will be offered EVERY semester and must be completed in sequence.

For more information, see the School of Education Web page or contact the School of Education Undergraduate Advising Office at (715) 346-2040.

Updated: 08/06