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

54-516	Learning Theories and Individual Development	3
54-510	Foundations of Teaching and Learning	3
54-513	Development and Characteristics of Learners	3
54-565	Technology for Learning	2

Block II (11)

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

54-585	Instructional Planning and Performance Based Assessment	3
54-561	Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Reading and Integrated/Language Arts P-3	3
54-571	Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Reading and Integrated/Language Arts 4-12	3
54-559	Approaches and Applications for the Multicultural Classroom	1
54-569	Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for All Learners	1
54-530	Field Experience I	0

Summer (6)

54-514	Assessment for Learning	3
53-535	Methods and Techniques of Educational Research	3
-	or
52-575	Practical Research for Learning Communities	3

Block III (10)

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

54-552	Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Mathematics P-12	3
54-554	Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Social Studies P-12	3
54-546	Instructional Strategies and Learning Communities for Teaching Sciences and Wellness P-12	3
54-566	Special Education Law	1
54-540	Field Experience II	0

Block IV (8)

54-584	Student Teaching in Special Education P-12	5
-	or
54-582	Internship in Special Education P-12	5
51-546	Historical Foundations of American Education	3

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