M.Ed. in Special Education

The M.Ed in Special Education is designed for practicing teachers in general or special education who are seeking a Master’s degree and endorsement as a Learning Behavior Specialist 1, Learning Behavior Specialist 2, or Early Childhood Special Education approval.

The purpose of this program is to address the significant shortage of competent and well qualified special educators who will become leaders in their schools to improve inclusion for students with disabilities, improve collaboration with families and colleagues, and improve student learning. This program also has a strong focus on practical research and participants will study a research question or problem from their schools or districts over the course of their program.

This program is personalized as it includes elective coursework that allows participants to study areas of interest or move ahead with an additional endorsement.  As this program is not just about licensure, Individuals from outside of Illinois are also welcome to apply.

In this program you will

• explore special education and disability studies through social, cultural, economic, and equitable contexts in order to engage in advocacy with and for people with disabilities

• acquire the tools and frameworks to analyze and critique practices, policies, and systems that create barriers for people with disabilities and their families as well the strategies to improve access and equity through advocacy and collaboration with parents and schools.

• develop professional competence in your specialization area.

• Acquire leadership skills in order to create a collaborative and inclusive learning culture that supports student learning