Higher Education Consortium
For Special Education

Committed to Effective Professional Preparation at All Levels

We have been the primary advocates for the interests of institutions of higher education with personnel preparation, leadership preparation, and research programs in special education since 1982.

Our member institutions are major universities with national reputations for preparing teachers, related service providers, administrators, teacher educators, and researchers. Their faculty members are known for their excellence in teaching, research, and service in special education and related services.

We hope you will find the information on this site interesting and helpful and we invite you to join our advocacy efforts.

HECSE as an organization supports its members in engaging in dialogue with national leaders in both houses of the Congress of the United States, in federal agencies that oversee research and training programs related to education and human services, and in professional organizations and advocacy groups that focus on topics and issues in special education and disability services.

2025 Winter Summit

January 29-January 31, 2025

Embassy Suites DC Convention Center

Why Join?

There are countless benefits to joining HECSE, the nation’s premier organization representing leadership preparation. HECSE Members have access to up-to-date legislative and policy development information, professional development and funding opportunities, assistance with faculty and scholarship searches; and much more. Learn more about the specific membership benefits here.

Application Process

To be eligible for HECSE membership, colleges and universities must operate special education personnel preparation programs, offer graduate-level special education teacher preparation programs, prepare special education leadership personnel at the doctoral level; and have at least five full-time faculty members with doctorates in special education or similar field.  Learn more about the application process here.