Master of Arts (M.a.)
Special Education
with LBS 1 Endorsement
Program Highlights & Benefits
Classes meet on campus or in an online format
2 year completion time, including holiday breaks
One course completed every 8 weeks
Tuition discounted 20%
Program Overview
The Master of Arts Degree in Special Education is designed for licensed educators who desire to become an accomplished special education teacher as well as receive an LBS 1 endorsement. This program is designed to provide teachers interested in providing special education services or bringing special education skills to their current teaching area of expertise. Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate competency and proficiency as a special education teacher for grades K-12 in the following areas: learning disabilities, social/emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, or traumatic brain injury.
Program Objectives
- Build and strengthen a theoretical understanding of the foundations of special education.
- Increase knowledge and skills in evidenced-based assessment methods, curriculum, 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.
Areas of Study
| Course | Title | Units |
| SPED 6425* | Psychology and Methods of Teaching the Exceptional Learner* | 3 |
| SPED 6350* | Characteristics and Learning Needs of Students with Academic and Physical Challenges* | 3 |
| SPED 6355* | Instructional Strategies for Students with Academic and Physical Challenges* | 3 |
| SPED 6360* | Characteristics and Learning Needs of Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders* | 3 |
| SPED 6365* | Instructional Strategies for Student with Learning and Behavior Disorders* | 3 |
| SPED 6370* | Curriculum Based and Educational Measurement of Exceptional Learners* | 3 |
| SPED 6230 | Assistive Technology Principles and Practices | 3 |
| (Capstone) SPED 6890 | Practicum 1: Content Area Learning and School Collaboration | 3 |
| (Capstone) SPED 6895 | Practicum 2: Content Area Learning and Community Collaboration | 3 |
| RES 6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 Units |
*Six courses fulfill the state of Illinois course requirements for LBS1 Special Education endorsement.
Endorsement Process
Students must pass the Illinois Content Area Test for Special Education (Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Test 155) This endorsement allows the endorsement holder to teach Special Education across grades K-12 (ISBE, 2020). Students shall take and pass the LBS 1 test prior to beginning Practicum 1.
NOTE: This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.
Six courses fulfill the State of Illinois requirement for the LBS 1 Special Education endorsement*
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