M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.A. in Special Education
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
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.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 30208
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.A. in Special Education from Roosevelt University provides a comprehensive and field-based preparation for educators dedicated to serving students with disabilities. With its direct path to Illinois LBS 1 licensure, the program equips graduates with specialized knowledge in assessment, instructional strategies, and behavioral interventions, preparing them to work effectively with diverse learners from kindergarten through age 21.
Special Education Teacher (K-12): This is the most direct and common career path. Graduates are qualified to teach students with a wide range of disabilities (excluding sensory and communication impairments) in public, private, or charter schools, either in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms, or co-teaching in inclusive general education settings.
Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS 1): This specific Illinois endorsement means graduates are prepared to address the learning and socio-emotional needs of students with various disabilities, such as specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, and autism spectrum disorder.
Inclusion Specialist/Coordinator: These professionals work within schools or districts to facilitate and support the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms, collaborating with general education teachers to adapt curriculum and strategies.
Behavior Intervention Specialist/Consultant: Graduates can specialize in addressing challenging behaviors, developing positive behavior intervention plans (PBIPs), and providing support to students, teachers, and families to improve student conduct and engagement in learning environments.
Educational Diagnostician/Assessor: With a strong background in special education assessment, graduates can work to conduct formal and informal evaluations of students to identify specific learning needs, disabilities, and inform the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
IEP Case Manager: Special education teachers often serve as IEP case managers, responsible for coordinating the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of IEPs, ensuring that students receive appropriate services and accommodations.
Transition Coordinator: These specialists help students with disabilities prepare for life after high school, assisting with post-secondary education planning, vocational training, employment opportunities, and independent living skills.
Curriculum Adaptation Specialist: Graduates can work within school districts or for educational publishers to adapt and differentiate general education curriculum to make it accessible and effective for students with diverse learning needs and disabilities.
Early Intervention Specialist (with additional early childhood approval): For those who also pursue the Early Childhood Special Education approval, careers involve working with infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays, providing services in homes or community settings.
Special Education Advocate: Graduates can work independently or for non-profit organizations, advocating for the rights of students with disabilities and their families within the educational system, ensuring they receive appropriate services and accommodations as mandated by law.
