Special Education M.A.

To obtain a Master of Arts degree in Special Education, candidates must complete a 46 hour cross-categorical program. Candidates who complete the program are eligible to receive the Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBSI) certification.

See complete admission requirements in College of Education introduction.

Prerequisites

  1. Initial interview with Department Chair/Program Director.
  2. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  3. Successful completion of the Illinois Basic Skills test.
  4. Enter program with a 2.75 GPA and maintain a 3.0 GPA during cohort.

Degree Requirements

Block I (11)

30 class meetings, 2 weekends

54-516Learning Theories and Individual Development

3

54-510Foundations of Teaching and Learning

3

54-513Development and Characteristics of Learners

3

54-565Technology for Learning

2

Block II (11)

30 class meetings, 2 weekends and 50-hour field experience

54-585Instructional Planning and Performance Based Assessment

3

54-561Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Reading and Integrated/Language Arts P-3

3

54-571Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Reading and Integrated/Language Arts 4-12

3

54-559Approaches and Applications for the Multicultural Classroom

1

54-569Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for All Learners

1

54-530Field Experience I

0

Summer (6)

54-514Assessment for Learning

3

53-535Methods and Techniques of Educational Research

3

-
or

52-575Practical Research for Learning Communities

3

Block III (10)

30 class meetings, 1 weekend and 50-hour field experience

54-552Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Mathematics P-12

3

54-554Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Social Studies P-12

3

54-546Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Sciences and Wellness P-12

3

54-566Special Education Law

1

54-540Field Experience II

0

Block IV (8)

54-584Student Teaching in Special Education P-12

5

-
or

54-582Internship in Special Education P-12

5

51-546Historical Foundations of American Education

3

54-584 and 54-582: See course description for prerequisites.