College of Education

Special Educator License Admissions

Special Educator License

Admissions

Prerequisite Coursework

Required Classes:

  • Math 211: Foundations of Elementary Math I (4 credits): The first in the elementary math sequence, this course covers numeration, operations, number theory, and problem-solving.
  • Math 212 or 213: Foundations of Elementary Math I and II (4 credits each): The second two classes in the sequence, Math 211 covers rational numbers, probability, and statistics and Math 213 covers algebra, geometry, and measurement.
  • SPED 418/518: Survey of Exceptional Learners (3 credits): This is a foundational course for understanding the various exceptionalities and how special education is provided in schools. 

The math classes focus on how to teach math. The courses take a constructivist approach to fundamental ideas of mathematics for prospective K-8 teachers. Students must take Math 211 first. They can then choose to complete either 212 or 213, or both. The special education course provides an overview of working with exceptional individuals, including special education and multicultural differences. Students will also learn about the nature of diversities (including the talented and gifted) and educational ramifications for the teacher. 

Timeline for completion:

Prerequisite coursework must be completed no more than 7 years before an application to the program and you must have received a C- or better in the coursework. 

We recommend that students complete the courses prior to starting the program in summer term. The courses do not need to be completed to submit an application but many applicants find that these courses are helpful to understanding the field.

Where and how to take prerequisites:

These classes are offered both at PSU and at local community colleges. Please review our approved equivalent list for offerings at other local community colleges and universities. 

If you would like to take these classes at PSU and are not already a student, you can register as either a post-baccalaureate or non-degree-seeking student. 

The math classes are offered sequentially throughout the year beginning in the fall. Please review the class schedule for current offerings. 

If you feel you have completed an equivalent course that is not on the ‘prerequisite course equivalents’ list,  please submit a Course Substitution form with supporting documentation.

Admissions instructions

  1. Check the application deadline for your program.
  2. Review PSU Graduate School Minimum Admissions Requirements.
  3. Make sure you have everything ready from the Application Checklist.
  4. Create an account or sign into the Portland State University Admissions Application system.
  5. Select "Start New Application" and then "Graduate Application." Do not select "Non-degree” because you will not be able to upload the necessary documents with the non-degree application, and your application will not be considered.
  6. For the college, select "College of Education"
  7. For the program of study, select "Special Education: K-12, MS and License"

To validate your admission you must take a course during the term in which you have requested to be admitted. Should you not take a course in that term, your application will be cancelled and you will need to reapply to the next cohort.

Questions about the application process?

If you have questions about the application process, contact askcoe@pdx.edu.
Learn about available scholarships and financial aid.

Application checklist

  • Program-specific application, which will include the following:
    • Personal statement (writing prompt provided within the application)
    • Résumé that includes advocacy, volunteer and personal experience with individuals with disabilities or working with people with disabilities
    • Two electronic recommendation forms (forms are provided within the application)
    • English Language Proficiency: Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who do not hold a degree from Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, or Zimbabwe must submit valid proof of proficiency. Please visit the Graduate School to learn more about your options for proving proficiency.
    • Unofficial transcripts are accepted by the College of Education for the program application
      • You only need to submit transcripts from institutions that you earned a degree from and where any graduate coursework was taken. Additional unofficial transcripts may be sent in if they significantly improve your application GPA.
      • Acceptable unofficial transcripts are:
        • Web-based transcripts downloaded from an institution: institution and student name must be visible on transcripts
        • Photocopies of official transcripts: these must include the front and back of all pages, including the transcript key
      • Previous applicants or former PSU students: If you’ve previously submitted official transcripts to PSU, you are still required to upload unofficial transcripts to complete your application.
    • After you are admitted, you must submit official transcripts to:
      • The Graduate School
        Portland State University
        PO Box 751
        Portland, OR 97207 - 0751
        Electronic official transcripts should be sent to graddocs@pdx.edu
         
  • Apply for scholarships. Applications for scholarships become available 24 - 48 hours after you have submitted your application to the program. Please review our scholarship webpage for more information about deadlines 
  • Apply for FAFSA

Retention of Student Documents

All application documents submitted to PSU become the property of the University and may not be copied or returned to a student. Transcripts from other institutions cannot be copied. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email askcoe@pdx.edu.

It is a University requirement that students register and pay for at least one credit in the term they are admitted. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of your admission. If you need to change the term for which you intend to begin classes after you have submitted your application, please contact your department at askcoe@pdx.edu to discuss your options.

Additional Licensure Requirements

Testing

  • Special Education Content Knowledge test The National Evaluation Series (NES) test for Special Education is taken during the final term of the program, and must be taken prior to recommendation for licensure. Content will be taught during the program.

Civil Rights & Ethics Course

Prior to your first field experience, you must complete TSPC’s Civil Rights & Ethics course. Follow the Civil Rights & Ethics instructions to complete TSPC’s requirement. For more information please visit our Field Placement Webpage.