Learning & Behavior Specialist II
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Auditory/Oral Specialist
Download the department's master's program admission packet (pdf) and get more information about the program, a supplemental admission credential form, admission procedures, recommendation forms, and an advisement guide for elective hours.
Visit the Office of Admissions for the online Graduate Admission application.
For assistantship information, visit the Graduate School Web site.
Download a plan of study for the Master's degree program in Special Education (pdf).
Cindy Lawson, assistant chairperson
533C DeGarmo Hall
Phone: (309) 438-7873
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, technology, 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 them 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 graduate certificate program is competitive. Get admission information.
Learn the course requirements that must be fulfilled to obtain a master's degree.
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.
Students are encouraged to become involved in student and professional organizations.