WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION where we embrace a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service.  Within this mission, faculty members address issues that face special and general education as rapidly changing world demographics, commerce, and technology continue to challenge schooling in America.  From its inception, the Department has emphasized the interdependence of research and teacher education.  Federal and state funding supports graduate research in infancy and early childhood special education, the education of all learners with disabilities, administration, gifted education and the transition from secondary special education to the workplace and community.