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
- Initial interview with Department Chair/Program Director.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Successful completion of the Illinois Basic Skills test.
- 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.