About the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education
A career in special education is as rewarding as it is in-demand. Our special education program will prepare you for various roles working with diverse children, adolescents, and young adults with exceptional needs.
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education program at National Louis University is a 42-credit program of study leading to a master’s degree and initial Illinois licensure in Special Education endorsed for Learning Behavioral Specialist I (K to age 22). Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, students typically complete this flexible program in one to two years.
With a focus on social justice and equity, along with family and community collaboration, our curriculum will prepare you to teach and assess diverse learners in any classroom environment—including in-person, remote, or a mix of both. Your extended field experiences will provide you with opportunities to integrate practice with theory in a variety of urban and suburban special education classrooms.
As you move through the program, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide the supports and interventions students with disabilities need to access their education. By the time you graduate, you will be prepared to design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive learning experiences that support and challenge every student to meet rigorous learning goals.
For more information on state licensure and certification information please visit NLU’s Public Disclosures page.
Learn more about how NCE prepares teachers who make a difference in the lives of the students they serve.
Questions?
Contact Marci Mazza, Director of Enrollment: MMazza@nl.edu
This program offers two different tracks to the M.A.T. in Special Education. Both are designed for students with baccalaureate degrees seeking the a Professional Educator License endorsed for LBS I (K - 22). See curriculum details in the links below.
Special Education, M.A.T. (Traditional) is appropriate for most candidates.
Special Education, M.A.T. (Teacher Resident) is for candidates accepted into NLU’s teacher residency licensure partner program.
Special Education, M.A.T. (Alternative Licensure) is a two-year program that involves an intensive summer jumpstart consisting of coursework and field experiences, followed by paid placement in a Chicago-area school under the mentorship of an experienced teacher while the candidate completes the M.A.T.
View all graduate professional educator licensure programs criteria here.
