The Master of Arts in Special Education is designed for the licensed educator who desires to become an accomplished special education teacher as well as earn an LBS1 endorsement (IL K-22). This program is designed to provide teachers interested in special education with the knowledge and skills to work in a continuum of special education services (e.g., self-contained through inclusive) in Illinois to serve learners with disabilities from kindergarten to age 22. Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate competency and proficiency as a special education teacher regarding Individualized General Curriculum and Individualized Independence Curriculum (CEC, 2015; CEC 2020). Emphasis on methods, assistive technology, and assessment for the following learners with disabilities' access needs includes: learning disabilities, social/emotional disabilities (internationally known as, and otherwise known as, emotional/behavioral disorders), intellectual disabilities (internationally known and formerly known as, mental retardation), physical disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, other health impairment and traumatic brain injury. This program leads to an LBS1 endorsement provided that the appropriate state testing standard has been met.
This program will enable candidates to:
- Build and strengthen a theoretical understanding of the foundations of special education.
- Increase knowledge and skills in research-based assessment methods, curriculum, and instructional design and practice.
- Examine issues of inclusion and least restrictive environment, special education educational systems, and special education policy and law.
- Apply strategies and skills developed in coursework through practicum experiences.
- Conduct research to answer questions related to special education practices and successfully meeting the needs of all learners.
Candidates for this program will have experience providing special education service (as a special education teacher/educator, a speech-language pathologist, a school social worker or school psychologist) and hold a valid initial or existing Professional Teaching License (PEL). Upon successful completion of this master’s degree, candidates with an Illinois PEL may be awarded this additional credential on their existing PEL through direct university entitlement. See this program’s “Graduation Requirements” section for related information. Candidates from other states should contact their State Board of Education to determine the applicability of this endorsement to their state’s requirements.
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 most graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study for in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students seeking to change programs may do so 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 and meet published program admission requirements at the time of requesting a program change. Program changes will be processed and recorded for the subsequent semester.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RES-6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED-6230 | Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice | 3 |
| SPED-6350 | Characteristics and Learning Needs of Students with Academic and Physical Challenges 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6355 | Instructional Strategies for Students with Academic and Physical Challenges 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6360 | Characteristics and Learning Needs of Students with Specific Learning and Emotional Disabilities 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6365 | Instructional Strategies for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6370 | Curriculum Based and Educational Measurements of Exceptional Learners 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6425 | Psychology & Methods of Teaching the Exceptional Learner 1 | 3 |
| SPED-6890 | Special Education Practicum 1: Content Area Learning and School Collaboration | 3 |
| SPED-6895 | Special Education Practicum 2: Content Area Learning and Community Collaboration | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Six courses fulfill the state of Illinois course requirements for LBS1 Special Education endorsement.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application for this master's degree program.
- 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 (grades of C or higher required for MAT programs),
- 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.
- Have on file approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s), "Course Substitution" form(s), or evaluation(s), if applicable.
- 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, portfolio, thesis or dissertation.
- 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.
Successful candidates for program completion will have at least two years of teaching acquired prior to completion of the graduate program.
This program does not lead to initial Illinois licensure (PEL) but will, through direct university entitlement, lead to an additional credential on your existing PEL. The awarding of this credential will require the completion of this academic program and an existing and active PEL, and may require a passing score on the corresponding Illinois State Licensure Test(s), associated work experience, a previous master's degree, and completion of a state training academy. For specific requirements regarding this credential please refer to ISBE’s webpage or contact the Licensure Officer at licensure@cuchicago.edu.