Dec 02, 2024  
2019-2020 University Bulletin 
    
2019-2020 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Master of Science in Special Education


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. 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.

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 hold a current valid teaching license are adjusted as follows:

Candidates who hold an elementary 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 .