Why choose Special Education at Illinois?
Students choose Special Education at the University of Illinois because they want to make a difference—and they want the skills, experience, and support to do it well. Our program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on learning opportunities, close faculty mentorship, and strong connections to schools and community organizations.
Here, students learn to:
Design inclusive, evidence-based instruction
Advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families
Collaborate across disciplines and communities
Translate research into effective practice
The result is a program that prepares graduates to lead with knowledge, empathy, and confidence in diverse educational and professional settings.
On average, our doctoral students complete the program in four to five years of full-time study.
Who are our students?
Our Special Education students come from a wide range of backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to inclusion and service. They are:
Future teachers, advocates, and researchers
Students with interests in psychology, education, social justice, and human development
Individuals motivated by personal experiences with disability, education, or community work
Change-makers who value collaboration, reflection, and lifelong learning
Students at Illinois benefit from a supportive learning environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages critical thinking, curiosity, and compassion.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Special Education students at the University of Illinois engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences throughout their program. Through field placements, research opportunities, internships, and service-learning, students apply what they learn in real classrooms and community settings. These experiences help students build professional skills, clarify career goals, and graduate ready to make an impact from day one.
Where do our graduates go?
Graduates of the Special Education program at the University of Illinois pursue a wide range of fulfilling careers. Alumni work as:
Special education teachers in public and private schools
Early childhood educators and intervention specialists
Behavior specialists and instructional coaches
Advocates and coordinators in nonprofit and community organizations
Graduate students in education, psychology, law, public policy, and related fields
Many of our graduates go on to advanced study or leadership roles, continuing their commitment to improving educational outcomes and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
What is the community like?
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus is located in the middle of the two cities of Urbana and Champaign, about 130 miles south of Chicago and 170 miles northeast of St. Louis. The combined population of Champaign and Urbana is just over 100,000. The community is in the midst of a rich farming area and has a suburban-like environment. Public transportation is excellent, housing is plentiful, and the cost of living very reasonable. The university has a student population of over 52,000, with over 17,000 of these being graduate and professional students. The university has one of the finest performing arts centers in the nation, with extensive programming in music, dance, and drama. There are extensive facilities for physical activities, fitness, and recreation, and exciting college athletic events in several sports (Big Ten football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, baseball, golf, etc.). For those who enjoy more urban environments, the opportunities and activities of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis are all within easy reach.