Illinois is located in the Midwest Region of the United States and has historically been viewed as the trendsetter in politics, manufacturing and education. It is known as the Land of Lincoln in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. In addition, three other Presidents called Illinois home prior to being elected.
Illinois leads the nation in manufacturing opportunities, and Chicago, its largest city, is a central hub for transportation across the country. Top-tier educational opportunities abound with five Illinois universities being rated among the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Aurora University, IL
College of Education
The College of Education at Aurora University is committed to preparing educators from the first day of classes to the last day of classes. Students at all levels participate in classroom experiences (including freshman stage) and interact with children throughout their program.
Teacher education programs are offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Bachelor’s degrees are available for Elementary, Secondary and Special Education. Master of Arts degree programs include: Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Education Technology and Special Education. All programs are accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Master of Arts in Special Education for Certified Teachers (M.A.) (P-12)
The Master of Arts degree in Special Education is designed for students who currently hold a teaching certification and require an additional Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS-1) certification. Candidates will be trained to work with children and youth (grades P-12) with learning disabilities, autism, mental retardation, social and emotional disabilities, traumatic brain injury, physical disabilities and other impairments.
A total of 48 semester hours of coursework for this graduate program will focus on preparing students with the following learning results:
-Identifying characteristics of disabilities.
-Promoting social, emotional and behavioral development.
-Inclusion and transition techniques.
-Intervention for problem behaviors.
-Oral language development.
-Written language methods.
-Collaboration with professionals and families.
Internship field experiences are required for all students to expand their knowledge in working with disabled children and youth. A student teaching rotation is not required. However, state examinations must be passed prior to LBS-1 certification is issued.
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (B.A.) (P-12)
The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education is directed to undergraduate students interested in becoming teachers with a concentration in assisting disabled children and adolescents (grades P-12). With a shortage of special education teachers in the country, Aurora University is dedicated to preparing candidates who have a passion for diversity in the classroom and an understanding of differences in learning. Special education teachers learn methods for educating special needs children who have been diagnosed with autism, mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and social and emotional disabilities.
Anticipated learning outcomes for the B.A. program in Special Education include: A knowledge of special education laws, appreciation and understanding of special needs children and youth, assessment and implementation of best practice strategies, encourage language development using educational technology and be an advocate for special education in the community.
Accreditations
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges
and Schools
Contact Information
347 S. Gladstone Avenue
Aurora, Illinois 60506-4892
(800) 742-5281
(630) 892-6431
http://www.aurora.edu/academics/colleges-schools/education/index.html#axzz2hoo5ObHd
Bradley University, IL
College of Education and Health Sciences
Bradley University’s College of Education and Health Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs for human service professions. Each fully accredited program provides academic support and training for educators, counselors, nursing, health sciences and administrative assistance. Ranked among the top Illinois universities of its type by U.S. News & World Report, Bradley University proudly provides quality programs for future educators.
The Department of Teacher Education oversees degree and certification programs for educators. Specializations leading to a bachelor’s degree or license certification are: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Art, Music, Secondary Education and Special Education. Illinois has created a new designation for cross-category, broad-based special education. At Bradley University, this new master’s program is now identified as Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBSI).
Bachelor of Arts: Special Education – Elementary Education (B.A.)
[Previously known as Learning Disabilities/Social-Emotional Disorders (LD-SED)]
The Bachelor of Arts degree program with a concentration in Special Education – combines the Learning Behavior Specialist and Elementary Education and qualifies students to teach children and youth (ages 3-21) with disabilities. Special needs training addresses learning and emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and physical disabilities. Vision and hearing disorders are not included in this training.
This accredited program allows for licensure with endorsements in Learning Behavior Specialist I and Elementary education. Teaching qualifications upon completion of the series include: Technology in the special education classroom, math, language arts, social studies and science for the learning disabled, theory and history of special education, social and emotional development, art and music for diverse learners, planning and instruction for special needs classroom environments.
A minimum of 100 hours of practicum experience is required in a special education atmosphere. Candidates must prepare lesson plans, give student assessments and complete weekly analysis portfolios that specifically address the issues of individuals with special needs.
Bachelor of Arts: Special Education (B.A.)
[Previously known as Learning Disabilities/Educable Mentally Handicapped (LD/EMH)]
The Bachelor of Arts degree with a Special Education major will qualify the student for a Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBSI) licensure. This program focuses on teaching children and youth between the ages of three and 21 with educable mental retardation, behavior disorders, physical limitations, speech disorders and limited social skills.
Coursework is structured to instruct students on the following proficiencies: Language development (verbal and non-verbal), physical development and health (relationship between fitness and learning capabilities), assistive technology for mentally disabled children and youth and creating safe learning environments for inclusive settings.
An important component of the B.A. program is the completion of field and clinical experiences. Two field sessions of 25 hours each are required – the first is an observational group setting and the second is an in-depth study of an individual child. Student teaching must be in Peoria-area classroom environments.
Master of Arts: Curriculum and Instruction with concentration in Special Education (M.A.) (K-12)
The Master of Arts degree program in Curriculum and Instruction includes a concentration in Special Education for children and adolescents (ages K-12). Candidates for this accredited program must already have a teaching certificate and require a special education endorsement. Learning, behavioral and emotional disabilities are areas of focus.
This graduate degree series provides future educators with the skills to produce instructional strategies for students with exceptionalities, understand special education law, form lesson plans and implement in inclusive settings, and complete an advanced practicum in a special education environment.
A minimum of 33 credit hours in coursework and practicum experience in curriculum and instruction special education are required for Master of Arts degree conferral.
Accreditations
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association
Contact Information
1501 W. Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL 61625
(309) 676-7611
https://www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/ecl/
Chicago State University, IL
College of Education
Chicago State University’s College of Education was established in 1867 and has a long history of preparing education professionals for careers in teaching, counseling, administration and other learning environments.
Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, the College of Education offers a wide variety of master’s degree programs in the following fields of study:
-Early Childhood Education.
-Elementary Education.
-General Administration.
-Bilingual Education.
-Higher Education Administration.
-Middle School Education.
-Secondary Education.
-Special Education.
-Technology and Education.
Master of Science in Education: Special Education Learning Behavioral
Specialist I (Certified Teachers) (MSED) (K-12)
The Master of Science in Education program with concentration in Special Education Learning Behavioral Specialist I is designed for students with a valid Illinois teaching certificate. Typical candidates are seeking an endorsement in special education. The program is tailored to prepare graduate students to teach children and youth (ages K-12) with exceptionalities. Inclusion environments are established for children with learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, autism and high-achieving gifted.
The program focuses on the following core criteria:
-Psychological theories.
-Variable characteristic identification of intellectual, emotional, behavioral, social,
physical and educational.
-Speech and language development skills.
-Curriculum modification and implementation.
-Collaborative methods with family and other professionals.
A cross-categorical practicum is required within an elementary or high school setting where special education services are provided. A special education (LBSI) endorsement recommendation is available upon completion of the program.
Master of Science in Education: Special Education Learning Behavioral
Specialist I (Initial Certification) (MSED) (K-12)
The Master of Science in Education for initial certification as a Special Education Learning Behavioral Specialist I requires candidates to complete courses in general education and professional education prior to application. A review class must also be taken in special education theory and practice prior to student teacher rotation. This degree program prepares graduate students for a career in teaching special needs children and adolescents (grades K-12). Exceptional learners with cognitive, emotional and learning disabilities and/or physical/health special needs are the focus of this degree.
Anticipated learning outcomes include: Recognizing characteristics and educational needs of disabled children and youth, classification systems, diagnostic and remedial procedures, curriculum modification and inclusion strategies, adaptive and transition skills.
A field experience under the supervision of a special education teacher is required in addition to coursework. The State Teacher Certification LBS1 Examination will be available for final licensure upon completion of the program.
Accreditations
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Illinois State Board of Education
Contact Information
9501 South King Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598 |
(773) 995-3988
http://www.csu.edu/collegeofeducation/
Dominican University, IL
School of Education
The School of Education at Dominican University has been preparing students for leadership roles in education for the past 100 years. By providing the latest techniques and state-of-the-art program delivery methods, the fundamental values of knowledge, leadership and service have remained true.
Master’s degree and graduate certificate programs are available in many education disciplines including:
-Master of Science in Early Childhood Education.
-Master of Arts in Teaching.
-Master of Science in Special Education.
-Master of Arts in Educational Administration with Principal Endorsement.
-Master of Arts in Education – Curriculum and Instruction.
By incorporating a multi-media methodology to instruction and offering the flexibility of online courses, the Dominican University is positioned to produce future teachers for years to come.
Master of Science in Special Education (MS-SPED) (P-12)
The master’s degree program in Special Education prepares students for a challenging career as a teacher of children and youth (grades P-12) with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, autism, mental retardation, traumatic brain injury, and other exceptionalities.
The Master of Science discipline is available for certified teachers seeking special education certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (Type 10) and also for students interested in obtaining initial certification as a special education teacher. Areas of focus for all programs included in the core curriculum and practicum experience are: Child growth and development assessment, psycho-educational diagnosis and remediation, academic methods for all levels of children and youth with disabilities, curriculum creation and implementation in an inclusion setting. Additional specialization can be added for Bilingual or English as a Second Language Endorsement, Reading, Gifted Endorsement, Elementary or Secondary General Education or Administrative Leadership.
Accreditations
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Illinois State Board of Education
Contact Information
7900 West Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 524-6921
[email protected]
http://educate.dom.edu/
Eastern Illinois University, IL
College of Education and Professional Studies
Eastern Illinois University’s College of Education and Professional Studies proudly inspires students to acquire the knowledge and skills to meet their educational goals. By combining state-of-the-art classroom theory and technologies with true-to-life situations, EIU graduates are better prepared as strong communicators, problem solvers and ambassadors for change.
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science programs for educators are available in a wide array of specializations including: Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Secondary Education, Special Education and Educational Administration. All programs are fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Master of Science in Education: Special Education Early Childhood (MSE)
(Birth-8)
The Master of Science in Education with concentration in Special Education Early Childhood addresses the evaluation process for at-risk young children (ages birth to eight) with special needs. Screening for disability identification and severity levels (excluding vision and hearing) is included in both the coursework and preschool field experiences. Methods are taught for early intervention strategies for young children with the potential for exceptional learning needs. Verbal and non-verbal assessment skills are learned plus effective reporting techniques and collaboration systems.
The graduate program requires a maximum of 36 credit hours of coursework and field experiences. All candidates must possess a special education license prior to completion of the master’s degree. Learning goals of the curriculum include efficient oral and written communication skills. critical thinking and problem solving abilities, strong research aptitude, in-depth knowledge of typical and atypical development of young children, and establish family plans when children are identified as exceptional.
Graduates may seek Illinois teacher certification in special education and Learning Behavior Specialist I certification.
Bachelor of Arts: Special Education (B.A.) (K-12)
Special education teachers are in high demand, and the Bachelor of Arts program for grades K-12 at Eastern Illinois University carries an excellent reputation in the field. The undergraduate degree helps students gain valuable experience in the areas of traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities and behavior disorders. Field experiences expose students to a wide range of exceptionalities – from mild to profound.
Volunteerism is built into the degree program with 16 volunteer and 30 service hours in a special needs setting required. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as bingo, dances and organized activities with disabled children.
A minimum of 400 hours of field experiences are required prior to student teaching assignments. Licensure recommendation with an endorsement in special education is available upon completion of the degree. Eastern Illinois University’s job placement record for special education majors is 100%.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Council for Exception Children (CEC)
Illinois State Board of Education
Contact Information
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-2524
[email protected]
http://www.eiu.edu/ceps/
Governors State University, IL
College of Education
Governors State University’s College of Education prepares its students to be initiators for change in education, lifelong learners and advocates for diverse populations. GSU is regionally recognized for its commitment to excellence and ongoing development of passionate educators and leaders.
The professional education unit at the College of Education is dedicated to preparing teaching experts by balancing innovative programs with best practice strategies. Master of Arts degree programs offered are:
-Educational Administration.
-Master of Arts in Teaching – Urban Teacher Education.
-Early Childhood Education.
-Multicategorical Special Education.
-Counseling.
-Education.
-Psychology.
-Reading.
Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education (M.A.) (K-12)
The master’s degree program specializing in Multicategorical Special Education prepares students to teach children and youth (grades K-12) with a full range of disabilities including learning disabilities, social/emotional disorders, mental retardation, mental impairments, cognitive impairments, traumatic brain injury and autism.
An individualized approach for exceptional learners is emphasized with recommended placement in a non-restrictive environment where possible. Special education teaching students are trained to provide psychological diagnosis, develop case studies, assess and implement lesson plans, examine special education law, prepare student evaluations and progress reports, and learn collaboration and consultation techniques.
Students of this graduate program must possess a teaching license and are prepared for the Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited certificate upon completion of the degree.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exception Children (CEC)
Illinois State Board of Education
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Contact Information
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484-0975
(708) 534-5000
[email protected]
http://www.govst.edu/coe/
Illinois State University, IL
College of Education
The College of Education at Illinois State University is one of five colleges dedicated to educator preparation. Close to one quarter of the 22,000 students attending ISU are pursuing a degree in education. It is home to the largest teacher preparation program in the State of Illinois and ranked 91st for “Best Graduate Schools 2014” in U.S. News & World Report.
The College of Education sponsors many master’s degree and graduate certificate programs including:
-Teaching and Learning.
-College Student Personnel Administration.
-P-12 Educational Administration.
-Special Education.
-Director of Special Education.
-Learning Behavior Specialist II: Behavior Intervention Specialist
Post-Master’s Certificate: Director of Special Education (P-12)
The Director of Special Education Post-Master’s Certificate minimum admission criteria includes a master’s degree and certification in special education, school psychology, school social work, speech language pathology or school guidance and counseling. Coursework prepares the graduate student as a Director of Special Education for children and adolescents (grades P-12).
Administrative-level competencies for special needs environments include:
-Administering educational programs.
-Program evaluation.
-Legal and policy issues.
-Roles and responsibilities of the director.
-Identification, assessment and intervention for children with disabilities.
-In-depth, best practice teaching methods for diverse learners.
-Human and fiscal resources management.
-Computer and technology applications for special education.
-Effective collaboration and consultation methodology between professionals, students with disabilities and families.
This post-master’s graduate certificate requires a minimum of 24 credit hours.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Illinois State Board of Education
Contact Information
DeGarmo 506
Campus Box 5300
Normal, IL 61790-5300
(309) 438-5415
[email protected]
http://education.illinoisstate.edu/
For Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs, L-Z, click here.
