SPECIAL EDUCATION (MED)
Guide diverse learners with compassion
The Special Education master’s program will prepare you to help exceptional students in kindergarten through 12th grade. You’ll also learn to manage teams, mentor colleagues, coach paraprofessionals and work closely with parents. Your knowledge will fill a nationwide need. According to the National Education Association, 98 percent of U.S. school districts report a need for qualified special educators.
You’ll select one of three concentrations within this program:
Pre-Service Special Education
The Pre-Service Special Education concentration is for students who seek to obtain their initial Illinois licensure. Upon completion, candidates will be eligible for an LBS1 endorsement (Pre-K through age 21) as well as additional Illinois State Board of Education requirements.
Special and Elementary Education
The Special and Elementary Education concentration is for those seeking their initial Illinois licensure with additional endorsements in special and elementary education. Upon completion, candidates will be eligible for Illinois licensure with an LBSI endorsement and Elementary Education Endorsement (1–6).
Special Education for Teachers
The Special Education for Teachers concentration is for candidates who already hold a current and valid Illinois Professional Educator License. Courses within this concentration are designed for practicing educators and are not open to students seeking their initial Illinois teaching license.
You have the option to pursue an initial Illinois Teaching License (PEL) with a Special Education (LBS1 preK-21) endorsement or with combined Special Education (LBS1 preK-21) and Elementary Education (grades 1-6) endorsements. If you are already licensed a teacher, you can add a Special Education (LBS1 preK-21) endorsement to your PEL.
Classes are offered on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus, and this program can be completed in two to three years.
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Aligned with the AUSL and Chicago schools
The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) provides opportunities for students in low-performing Chicago Public Schools. The College of Education has partnered with AUSL’s accelerated residency program that will immerse you in city classrooms and provide access to the AUSL’s wide network of resources.
Application Deadlines
The Special Education program admits new students every fall quarter. The application deadline is August 15.
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, essay, résumé, personal statement, writing sample, letters of recommendation and official transcripts.
Required Courses
Depending on your concentration, you’ll take 13 to 17 classes, and complete field experiences and student teaching.
95%
of Special Education graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
$56k
The median salary for Special Education master’s graduates was $56,000.
Instructors with high standards
You’ll collaborate with skilled faculty who have firsthand experience in the field of Special Education. Associate Professor Eva Patrikakou is an accomplished researcher in parent involvement and its effects on children’s academic, social and emotional development. She describes her students as “highly motivated and multifaceted.”
“DePaul's mission, vision, purpose and values have shaped me to be an excellent teacher who advocates for those who need it most. I benefited from learning about special education strategies and law. I am passionate about my dedication to teach in a community that is underprivileged.”
Helma (General and Special Education ’08)
Director of Student Services, Academy for Global Citizenship
Alumni Network
Our alumni community is over 195,500 strong, and over 122,500 of those Blue Demons still live in the Chicago area. The College of Education keeps its alums in the loop with professional development workshops and other useful resources.
Scholarships
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.
Special Education Program Admission Requirements
Admission Eligibility
DePaul offers several program options in Special Education: a Special Education master's degree with initial license, Teaching License (PEL) and Special Education Endorsement, and Special Education Endorsement.
To be eligible to enroll in any of these programs, students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and state teaching licensure (for current teachers).
Application Requirements
A complete application to one of our Special Education programs will include the following materials:
- Graduate admission application
- $40 application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or work supervisors
- Personal statement that discusses your future goals and your thoughts about your career as a special educator. As part of your statement, please consider the following: the possible tasks/roles of a special education teacher are multiple and include inclusion specialist, team teacher with general educators, specialized instruction for exceptional students, advocate for exceptional students, multiculturalist, and provider of staff development. From your perspective, rank order the tasks/roles and discuss your rationale for the top roles (at least 750 words).
- Initial license program requires a writing sample(e.g., a term paper, seminar paper, or senior thesis or portion thereof)
- Endorsement only requires a copy of current state teaching license
Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the U.S. or who are considered international students must submit additional materials. Visit our International Students page for more information.
Applicants can upload supplemental application materials, send requests for letters of recommendation, and pay the application fee through our online application system.
Application Deadlines
The Special Education licensure and master's degree program admits new students in the fall and winter quarters; the Special Education endorsement program and the initial license Special Education master's admit new students in the fall quarter only. Although these programs will accept applications up to a week before the term starts, we recommend that prospective students complete an application by its regular deadline.
|
Term |
Regular Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Fall |
August 15 |
|
Winter |
December 1 |
*Only the Special Education master's degree for current teachers and licensure programs accept applications in the winter quarter.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so as soon as a complete application is submitted, it is sent to the program's admission committee for review. An applicant typically receives an admission decision in 3-4 weeks.
Information Sessions
Learn more about the Special Education graduate program and meet with program faculty at an upcoming information session.
Degree Requirements
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Degree Requirements
Concentrations are available in Pre-service Special Education (PSE), Special and Elementary Education (SEE), and Special Education for Teachers (SET).
Specific degree requirements are determined according to the Concentration chosen by the student. Please review the concentration requirements pages for more information.
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Concentrations:
