The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education is designed for educators with an Illinois license endorsed in early childhood education or LBS I (K-22). This program is for educators who desire to teach early childhood-age students with disabilities in pre-kindergarten up to age eight. This program is designed to provide qualified candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher.
This program will enable candidates to:
- Build and strengthen a theoretical understanding of the foundations of early childhood special education.
- Examine issues relevant to the early intervention, least restrictive environment, educational settings, language development, and special education law and policy.
- Develop and utilize appropriate assessments and teaching strategies for young children with disabilities.
- Collaborate with all stakeholders, including parents, community, family members and other institutions to support young children with disabilities.
- Conduct research to answer questions related to early childhood special education practices and successfully meet the needs of all learners.
Approval Requirements
- Illinois license endorsed in early childhood education or LBS I (PK-22 or K-22)
- Hold a professional educator license
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE-6320 | Child Development and Ethics in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDI-6010 | Differentiation and Learning Theory | 3 |
| RES-6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED-6500 | Family and Community Relationships in Early Childhood Special Education 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6510 | Language Development in Early Childhood Special Education 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6520 | Special Education Assessment for Early Childhood Educators 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6530 | Special Education Methods for Early Childhood Educators 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6540 | Early Intervention Methods and Transitional Planning | 3 |
| SPED-6650 | Characteristics of the Young Exceptional Learner | 3 |
| SPED-6892 | Early Childhood Special Education Practicum | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
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These courses fulfill the Illinois state course requirements for an Early Childhood Special Education Approval.
Capstone Experience
A master’s capstone is required for all graduate program completers. This culminating event highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout his or her studies. The capstone for the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education is fulfilled by successful completion of SPED-6892 Early Childhood Special Education Practicum.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.