M.A. in Special Education
FORMAT
In-Person
PROGRAM LENGTH
2* to 2.5 years
*With Professional Educator License (PEL)
CREDIT HOURS
33-45
Important DATES
Next Start Date: Fall I - August 26, 2024 (Priority Deadline: July 31)
Online Info SessionsCOST
Tuition Per Credit Hour: $575
Credit Hours to Complete: 33-45
Approximate Cost: $18,975 to $25,875
SXU's Special Education program is unique in that it's a master's level program approved by NCATE, as well as by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Our multicategorical approach prepares you to pursue positions as a K to age 22 special education teacher, special education coordinator or private practitioner, with students who have disabilities that range from mild to severe and profound.
The program includes the basic foundations of the discipline and courses in:
- Diagnostic assessment.
- Language.
- Curriculum adaptations and modifications.
- Behavior management.
- Learning strategies.
- and more.
Completion of the degree leads to Illinois LBS-I teaching licensure.
Field experiences will prepare you for your future career through direct observation and learning. Designated sites are provided by SXU's Education Division, though if you work at a school, you may use your school for a portion of your field experiences.
Students will obtain:
- Knowledge of disabilities, law, and effective collaboration.
- Ways to differentiate instruction and help students meet learning standards.
- Diagnostic capacity to ascertain best practices based on individual differences among students.
- Instructional strategies for literacy, numeracy, social sciences, science, the arts.
- Skills for adapting learning activities, instruction and assessment to meet the needs of individual students.
Special Education Challenges and Diversity
One of our faculty members states that special education is their passion because it's challenging, rewarding and diverse. They also note that "highly qualified educators, proficient in subject matter and pedagogy, may nonetheless be unable to reach a learner with reduced intellectual potential, emotional barriers, disorders of reading or math or sensory deficits."
"Special education is a problem-solving mission which is the educational equivalent of 'CSI' investigation to identify the barriers to learning. Special educators not only 'solve' the puzzle but also design lessons, implement strategies and evaluate the results."
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Graduate Admission
- 773-298-3053
- Email: graduateadmissionFREESXU
Request Information
Want to know more about graduate programs at Saint Xavier University? Please fill out the form below!
Graduate Admission
- 773-298-3053
- Email: graduateadmissionFREESXU
My experience at SXU has provided a strong foundation for my career as a general education teacher. I couldn’t be happier with the time I’ve spent at the University and the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs, which have contributed to my success as a teacher.
The SXU Difference
Learn from Meg Carroll, Ed.D., professor of education, who teaches courses in special education and instructional methods. Dr. Carroll is a frequent presenter at conferences and staff development days throughout the state of Illinois, with over 1,150 combined presentations. She has also published five books and over 45 articles on the topics of special education.
Dr. Carroll serves as secretary and newsletter editor and is on the Professional Advisory Board of the Learning Disabilities Association of America.
Special Education Curriculum
The Special Education graduate program takes 2 to 2.5 years to complete to complete, with 33 to 45 credit hours in total, depending on your experience, earning a Master of Arts in Education. Please check out the program requirements in the SXU Academic Catalog for more information.
700 Hours of Experience in the Field
Field experiences accompany each course, leading eventually to practicum or student teaching. The weekly class format allows working adults to work on their degree programs while attending to their other responsibilities at home or in the workplace. The program is flexible and responds readily to any revised state or federal regulations.
Please view the admission requirements, as well as the program requirements and course descriptions in the SXU Academic Catalog for additional information.
Apply Now!
Take the next step on your path to become a special education teacher. Please review the program's application requirements and apply online today!
With the federal government declaring special education to be an area of a teacher shortage, you may be eligible for TEACH grants. Minority teacher candidates may pursue Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) scholarships. If you have military experience, you may participate in the Troops to Teacher program.
Those who wish to serve their communities may pursue support through the Grow Your Own Teachers (GYO) program. Be sure to also complete your FAFSA and explore any tuition benefits that your district or school offers.
Director of Education
Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek
Director of Education
Phone: 773-298-3221
Email: cavallonejurekFREESXU
Meet the Faculty
Meg Carroll
Professor
Phone: 773-298-3212
Email: carroll@sxu.edu
Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek
Director of Education
Phone: 773-298-3221
Email: cavallonejurek@sxu.edu
Tony DeCesare
Assistant Professor
Phone: 773-298-3222
Email: decesare@sxu.edu
Laura Laskowski-Ferrell
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3435
Email: laskowskiferrell@sxu.edu
Kathleen McInerney
Professor
Phone: 773-298-3591
Email: mcinerney@sxu.edu
Julie Reinhart
Professor
Phone: 773-341-5030
Email: jreinhart@sxu.edu
Rania Sadeq
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3224
Email: sadeq@sxu.edu
Melissa Stefanko
Lecturer
Phone: 773-298-3225
Email: stefanko@sxu.edu