Special Education Graduate Degree

Based on the ISBE Special Education Certification Structure and Content Area Standards, our curriculum will prepare you to work in a variety of education settings and in different roles in a/an:

• Inclusive classroom as a co-teacher
• General Education classroom as a collaborative consultant
• Resource room or self-contained classroom as diagnostic teacher
• Alternative setting, such as a special public or private school

The number of students requiring special education services has grown steadily in recent years due to improvements that have allowed learning disabilities to be diagnosed at earlier ages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook, career opportunities for special education teachers are expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018 as many districts report problems finding adequate numbers of licensed special education teachers.

Special education teachers at the elementary and pre-school level have the best outlook, with projected growth of 20 percent. Middle school special education teachers are not far behind, at 18 percent. Expected growth for secondary school special education teachers is projected at 13 percent. Many openings will likely derive from turnover and retirements, as well as growth of the school-age population.

NLU has a long-standing reputation for its education and teacher training programs, and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Since 1886, NLU has trained thousands of educators and continues to graduate the majority of winners honored by Illinois’ two Golden Apple Foundations with one of the most prestigious teaching and leadership honors in the state. NLU’s special education graduate program has an updated curriculum that aims to prepare teachers for the changing and increasingly complex professional roles of special education professionals in today’s schools. The combination of coursework and intensive clinical experience enables students to practice what they are learning in the field.

NLU also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education, designed for students who have already earned their bachelor’s degree in another discipline and would like to build a career in special education.

Students must pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or ISBE approved alternative* and NLU offers various options to help you get ready. This includes three-week courses that feature a personalized learning plan and are designed to develop competencies necessary to pass the TAP. Register today!

Learn more about NLU’s TAP preparation options

*or have passed the TAP or Illinois Test of Basic Skills for a previous certificate or Professional Educator License

All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements as well as additional requirements specific to this program. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at nl.edu/applyonline.