Academic Programs

Do you believe in the power of education to change the world? Do you think the answer to some of the most challenging problems facing our society will be discovered not in the lab, but in a classroom? Do you have a passion for asking questions, for teaching and for learning? We do. Explore your opportunities here in the College of Education, Department of Special Education.

Academic Programs in Special Education

Whether you're headed to college for the first time or you're returning to earn an advanced degree, we have a program that will meet your needs. You can start exploring the possibilities by following the links below:

Short-Term Emergency Certification in Special Education

Bachelor's Program

• Learning and Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) - Initial Illinois Teacher Certification Program

Master's Program

• Learning and Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) - Graduate Initial Illinois Teacher Certification Program (Ed.M.-no thesis required or M.S.-thesis required)
• Learning and Behavior Specialist II (LBS II) Areas of Emphasis - (may result in Graduate Teacher Certification)
• Infancy and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
• General Special Education (does not lead to teacher certification)
• Research Practitioner in Special Education (does not lead to teacher certification)
• Grant Funding Opportunities
  • TIES - prepares teachers to work more effectively with students who display challenging behavior and strengthens the ties between general and special education. Learn more...
  • PREP - students interested in early childhood special education with an emphasis on working with children, ages birth to six, with disabilities and their families. Learn more...
  • ACCESS - is a masters level personnel preparation program designed to develop highly skilled, innovative special education teachers with expertise in severe, multiple disabilities.  Options within the program are: On-Campus LBSI Program, On Campus Cohort - LBSII in Multiple Disabilities, and Chicago Cohort - LBSII in Multiple Disabilities.  Learn more through the links above.

Certificate of Advanced Study

• Director of Special Education Focus (leads to certification as a Director of Special Education)

Doctoral Program

• Special Education
  • Grant Funding Opportunities
    • PLAD - prepares dynamic, visionary leaders in the field of special education with expertise in empowering teachers to help students with disabilities. Learn more...
    • FOCAL - prepares doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in the areas of assessment and the etiology of communication disorders in children with disabilities. Learn more...
    • SCORE - prepares doctoral students in the field of special education with expertise in developing secondary curriculum for students with severe disabilities. Learn more...