Learning & Behavior Specialist II
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Listening and Spoken Language Professional
Master's Program in Special Education
Master's Program
Visit the Office of Admissions for the online Graduate Admission application.
For assistantship information, visit the Graduate School Web site.
Plan of Study
Download an audit form for the Master's degree program in Special Education (Word).
APA 2009 Workshop
Access the APA 2009: Writing in Style video and presentation handouts on iTunesU.
Master's Program Advisor
Nikki Michalak
521 DeGarmo Hall
Phone: (309) 438-5154
Email Nikki
The master's degree program prepares special educators to assume advanced roles through a curriculum which includes a core of advanced coursework, as well as specialized electives and individual plans of study that allow opportunities for advanced certification. Students already holding special education certification can elect to pursue a Learning Behavior Specialist II certification in curriculum, behavior intervention, and transition. The capstone experience for this degree includes a research option or an option to seek the National Board Professional Teaching Certification in the area of Exceptional Needs, allowing students to procure a Master Teacher Certificate in Illinois. Current general educators seeking to concentrate professional development in special education in order to effectively teach students with diverse learning needs are also well served by this degree.
The master's program curriculum contains the opportunity for candidates to design concentration areas through advisement. Most importantly, the curriculum reflects current research findings and best practices in the field of special education and will meet the needs identified by our constituency in the schools. This program is designed to provide a thorough and efficient means for graduate students to pursue advanced study in the field of special education.
Admission to the Master's & Certificate Programs
Admission to the graduate Master's & Certficate program is competitive. Get admission information.
Courses required for degree
Learn the course requirements that must be fulfilled to obtain a master's degree.
Financial assistance
- Graduate assistantships: Students may apply to the Department of Special Education for competitive graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers and compensate graduate assistants for up to 20 hours of work per week.
- Financial support alternatives: Learn about loans, grants, employment, scholarships, tuition waivers, and financial aid.
- Special Education scholarships
Faculty
The Department of Special Education has a graduate faculty of 20 who specialize in inclusive education, curriculum and instructional strategies, assistive technology, behavior change, transition, advanced assessment and instruction, and other research areas. Faculty areas of expertise by disability include Learning and Behavior Disorders, Severe and Multiple Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Visual Impairment.
Professional and student organizations
Students are encouraged to become involved in student and professional organizations.