Master of Arts (M.a.)
Special Education Leadership
Program Highlights & Benefits
Classes meet online or on campus
2 year completion time, including holiday breaks
One course completed every 8 weeks
Transfer credits considered
Program Overview
The Master of Arts Degree in Special Education Leadership is designed for applicants with an interest in the administrative work involved in leading special education programs. This degree is designed to provide qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand leadership in the field of special education.
Program Objectives
- Apply an understanding of the financial and legal implications of special education programs in making critical decisions impacting students.
- Create a professional development plan that promotes growth in personnel.
- Understand the role of each stakeholder and their contribution to the special education program.
- Be knowledgeable about and support the use of effective teaching strategies for students with special needs.
- Conduct research to answer questions related to special education practices and successfully and systemically meet the needs of exceptional learners.
Areas of Study
| Course | Title | Hours |
| EDL/SPED 6250 | Special Education Law & Policy | 3 |
| EDL/SPED 6225 | Special Education Finance | 3 |
| SPED 6375 | Supervision of Programs for Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 6355 | Instructional Strategies for students with Academic & Physical Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 6320 | Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice | 3 |
| SPED 6365 | Instructional Strategies for Students | 3 |
| EDL 6310 | Schools, Families, and Community Partnerships | 3 |
| SPED 6896 | Practicum and Seminar in Special Education Leadership 1 | 3 |
| SPED 6897 | Practicum and Seminar in Special Education Leadership 2 | 3 |
| RES 6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
*CUC does not have an ISBE-approved Director of Special Education endorsement program. CUC offers the courses that may lead to the endorsement for those who qualify to be able to add the DOSE endorsement onto an existing General Administrative Certificate or Illinois Principal endorsement. These five courses are recommended for students pursuing the Director of Special Education (DOSE) in Illinois. CUC does not directly entitle for the Director of Special Education. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have fulfilled all state requirements through ISBE.
Master's Capstone Experience
NOTE: This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.
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