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Prepare to Make a Difference

As a student in Dominican’s graduate program in special education, you’ll expand your knowledge and skills for teaching unique learners while gaining credentials for an in-demand career path. Whether you’re a licensed teacher seeking a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement in special education, are pursuing master’s-level credentials, or are just starting your education career, this program can work for you.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree and pass state required tests and assessments
• A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement 

Quick Degree Details

• Offered on multiple tracks, for licensed teachers and career-changers seeking to enter the teaching profession
• Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education
• Study with respected mentors and experts in special education
• Complete the program in as little as 30 hours; depending on your preparation. Approximate times-to-degree are outlined below.
• Flexible format designed for working professionals, with classes held one evening per week
• Small class sizes with personalized support
• Gain the latest skills in an area of education where teachers are in highest demand
• Join an alumni network of Dominican graduates who have been hired in a variety of schools across the state of Illinois.

Advance your career in a rewarding field.

Note: Admission to graduate and certificate programs in education is open only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

What You’ll Learn

With an MS in Special Education from Dominican, you’ll have the skill and confidence to make a difference in the lives of students and their families. You will explore the complex needs of children with learning, intellectual, emotional and behavioral disabilities, traumatic brain injury, autism, and physical and other health impairments. You’ll study leading-edge research on best practices in the field.

The course of study emphasizes the acquisition of professional expertise, the expansion of personal insight, and a deep appreciation of human diversity. Course offerings range from fostering development of pro-social behavior to curriculum methods for students with disabilities and integrating technology into the classroom.

Sample Courses

• Cognition, Learning and Assessment
• Psychology and Characteristics of Students with Disabilities
• Academic Methods for Students with Disabilities
• Managing Challenging Behavior
• Planning and Assessment in Special Education
• Curriculum Methods for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
• Methods in Reading and Mathematics Instruction
• Clinical Practice in Special Education

For more details, explore the full .

The Dominican Difference

Dominican University has prepared generations of educators to be leaders, innovators and true agents of change. We are committed to fostering the values of scholarship, leadership and service among the rising generation of teachers. Our courses of study emphasize the acquisition of professional expertise, the expansion of personal insight, and an appreciation of human diversity. 

At Dominican, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and fulfill a mission of service as a teacher. We’re here to answer your questions and walk you through the process of gaining your Master of Science in Special Education. Our expert faculty will prepare you to navigate the changing world of education. We continue to innovate and develop new approaches to teaching and learning to better serve our country’s children and youth. See what sets us apart.

This Program is Ideal for:

• Licensed teachers who wish to gain a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement in special education
• College graduates who do not hold a valid educator license and wish to enter the field of education as a licensed special education teacher
• Teachers who are already licensed at the undergraduate level in special education and who want to advance their career and knowledge with a master’s degree

Time-to-Degree

All courses are offered in a flexible format designed for working professionals, with classes held one evening per week. The time-to-degree varies, depending on a candidate’s prior preparation. Approximate times-to-degree are outlined below.

• Candidates seeking both the master’s degree and initial licensure
  • 39 semester hours of graduate coursework
  • Completed in four semesters, plus two summers, including clinical practice
• Candidates seeking the master’s degree who have a current licensure
  • No more than 34 hours of graduate coursework
  • Completed in four semesters, plus two summers
• Candidates seeking the master’s degree who have a current licensure, including an LBS 1 endorsement
  • 30 semester hours of graduate coursework
  • Completed in approximately 4 semesters:

What to Expect as you Earn Your Master’s in Special Education 

This program is designed to immerse you in the latest research-based approaches for supporting students with a wide range of special needs. You’ll learn how to help them achieve their goals and fully develop their abilities. Beyond the course material, you’ll forge new connections with your professors and with a diverse cohort of fellow students who will become lifelong colleagues. Students in the MS in Special Education share a deep commitment to working with children with special needs and their families. You’ll be guided by master teachers and faculty advisors who understand how to support your success in graduate school.

Frequently Asked Questions