Director of Special Education and Pupil Services

Graduate Certificate

Explore the director of special education and pupil services certificate at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's director of special education and pupil services (DSEPS) certificate is designed for K-12 teachers (including special education, general education and speech and language therapists), school administrators or pupil services professionals who already hold a master’s degree and have completed three years of paid school-based professional experience.

Throughout this year-long 15-credit program, you will be challenged to think from a systemic point of view by licensed, experienced directors of special education and pupil services. After completing the certificate, you will be ready to apply for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructions (DPI) certification (license code 80).

Why complete my director of special education and pupil services certificate at UW-Eau Claire?

A flexible, short-term program. With online courses that you can take over the course of one year — with only one in-person practicum course — this program puts you on the fast track to a leadership role without interrupting your current career.

Expert instructors. All instructors for this program currently work, or once worked, as directors of special education and pupil services in K-12 schools. Drawing from their real-world experience and refined skills, you'll learn the essential, practical details about this role through every lesson you attend.

Preparation for licensing. With successful completion of the certificate, you'll be eligible to apply for Wisconsin Department of Public Instructions (DPI) certification (license code 80) and ready for the next step in your career.

Quick Facts

Director of special education and pupil services program details

  • Program length: one year
  • Offered: online
  • Credits: 15
  • Program cost: $485 per credit
  • This certificate requires a master's degree.
  • Students completing this program will be ready to apply for the Wisconsin DPI License #80

Director of special education and pupil services certificate curriculum

Coursework in special education law, ethics, finance and leadership — plus a 150-hour field practicum — will prepare you for success in the dynamic role of director of special education and pupil services. 

What classes do director of special education and pupil services students take?

Your classes may cover topics like:

Learn more about the director of special education and pupil services (DSEPS) program in the UWEC course catalog.

Application information

If you are interested in applying to this program, please visit the director of special education and pupil services (DSEPS) webpage to learn more about the application requirements and process.

Additional information

Online Program Applicants: State of Residency

Wisconsin is a SARA state (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a SARA-approved institution. "The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state." (http://nc-sara.org/) Although CA and MA are not SARA-approved states at this time, UW-Eau Claire may currently accept students from these states as well.

Department information

Fall colors near Centennial Hall on lower campus.

Special Education and Inclusive Practices

Centennial Hall 3715
1698 Park Avenue
 Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Special Education and Inclusive Practices department website