The M.A. in Special Education is an intensive, field-based program comprising 52 credit hours. It is typically a two-year program, offered with a mix of in-person and online classes on the Chicago campus. A critical component is a full-semester, in-person student teaching placement during the final semester, providing extensive practical experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. Admissions are open for both fall and spring start dates. The program leads directly to an Illinois Professional Educator License with a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement. This LBS 1 endorsement qualifies graduates to teach students with a broad range of disabilities, including specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, autism spectrum disorder, and others (excluding sensory impairments and communication disorders). Roosevelt boasts a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the capstone assessment for Illinois teaching licensure, highlighting its effectiveness in preparing graduates for the field.
Curriculum: The curriculum is rigorous and designed to provide a deep understanding of special education law, assessment, instructional strategies, and behavioral interventions. Core courses often include "Exceptional Children and Youth," "Assessment in Special Education," "Characteristics and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities" (with various focuses on cognition, behavior, learning, and physical health), and "Technology for Special Education." The program emphasizes data-based decision-making for identification, instruction, and supports for students with disabilities. Crucially, the curriculum includes extensive field experiences through "Individualized Coaching and Field Experiences" courses (I, II, III), which precede the culminating 6-credit "Student Teaching Seminar: Special Education." This ensures hands-on application of theoretical knowledge in diverse special education settings.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Special Education program at Roosevelt University integrates an applied research focus, preparing educators to be informed consumers and implementers of evidence-based practices. While it is not a traditional academic research degree culminating in a thesis, students engage in critical inquiry related to special education methodologies. Courses like "Assessment in Special Education" focus on data-based decision-making, teaching students how to use valid and reliable assessment techniques to evaluate student learning and progress. The program emphasizes understanding and applying research findings to design effective interventions and instruction. Additionally, a course like "Inquiry in the Classroom" further develops students' ability to conduct classroom-based research and reflect on teaching practices to improve student outcomes.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University demonstrates strong industry engagement for its M.A. in Special Education program through its extensive network of school partnerships. The university collaborates with various school districts, including Chicago Public Schools and numerous suburban districts, to facilitate diverse and impactful field experiences and student teaching placements. This direct collaboration ensures that teacher candidates gain invaluable real-world exposure to varied special education settings and student populations. Faculty members often have practical experience as special education teachers or administrators, bringing current trends and best practices into the classroom. Graduates are highly sought after and work in a range of K-12 public and private schools, as well as community agencies serving children with special needs, reflecting the program's deep ties to the special education employment sector.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its M.A. in Special Education program by emphasizing social justice, inclusivity, and addressing the needs of diverse learners, including those from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds. While not explicitly focused on international special education systems, the program's emphasis on linguistic, ethnic/racial, and economic diversity among students with disabilities ensures graduates are prepared to work effectively with children from all backgrounds. The option to add a Bilingual/ESL endorsement further enhances this global understanding, preparing teachers to support English Language Learners with disabilities. This holistic approach equips graduates to create equitable and inclusive learning environments for a wide array of students in increasingly diverse school communities.
