Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 University Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Master of Science in Special Education


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Successful completion of the following requirements leads to a Master of Science in Special Education with entitlement to a Professional Educator License with Learning Behavior Specialist I (P-21) endorsement:

Admission Requirements


  1. Completed School of Education application, including the application fee.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A candidate with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be allowed to take up to four courses on a conditional basis and must earn a grade of B or better in each course in order to continue registration. Upon completion of four courses with grades of B or better in each the candidate will be reviewed for full acceptance into the School of Education.
  3. Two letters of recommendation. Letters from family members or current School of Education students are not acceptable.
  4. Evidence of effective written communication skills and suitability for the teaching profession as demonstrated by the submission of candidate’s personal statement.
  5. Passing scores on all sections of the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) OR acceptance of ACT/SAT scores in lieu of TAP by the Illinois State Board of Education. The School of Education may allow a candidate for whom the test score on the TAP Test is pending to register for an initial class if the candidate’s file is otherwise complete and acceptable.
  6. One official transcript from every college or university attended. Transcripts must be received by the School of Education in a sealed envelope from the college or university.

Additional Requirements


General Education Competencies for Non-Certified Candidates

Persons seeking the State of Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I (Type 10) Special Education licensure as their initial teaching license must meet required general education competencies as outlined by the School of Education in addition to completing the core curriculum successfully.

Illinois Licensure Testing System Requirements

Persons seeking a State of Illinois Professional Educator License with Learning Behavior Specialist I (P-21) Endorsement must pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System’s required content area tests for Learning Behavior Specialist I.

  1. The candidate must take and pass the LBSI (#155) test prior to placement for clinical practice (student teaching) or clinical internship as specified by the School of Education.
  2. The candidate must pass the Special Education General Curriculum Test (#163) prior to applying for clinical practice or clinical internship as specified by the School of Education.
  3. As of September 1, 2015 any candidate seeking initial licensure must pass the edTPA.

Additional Information


Endorsement requirements for candidates who already holw a current valid teaching license are adjusted as follows:

Candidates who hold an elementrary teaching endorsed license or those who have taken a reading methodology course are not required to complete EDU 533 - Reading and Writing Instruction and Improvement .

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