Curriculum
M.Ed. in Special Education
Degree Requirements
Total Hours: 33
Student Teaching/Practicum: Required
Comprehensive: Impact on Student Learning Project and Professional Practice Profile
Thesis: None
Length of Program
Candidates with a teaching certificate and at least one year of teaching experience as the teacher of record take one year to complete the program on a full-time basis and two years to complete the program on a part-time basis. Candidates with less than one year of teaching experience or without a teaching certificate can work with an advisor to determine which deficiencies are needed prior to beginning coursework in the program and to develop a timeline for program completion. For candidates entering the program directly from Loyola's undergraduate teacher preparation program, a summer practicum experience may be available as well. Following initial advising upon acceptance to the program, please contact your program advisor to schedule a meeting to determine your final curriculum plan. Candidates have five years from acceptance to complete the program. (See SOE Policy: Time Limit for Degree Completion)
Program and State Requirements
All candidates must pass the Illinois Test of Basic Skills to advance past their first semester of enrollment. Candidates in all programs leading to Illinois certification are also required to pass an Illinois State Criminal Background Check. Policies and procedures for receiving Illinois certification must be met.
Curriculum Plan: Completion of the M.Ed. degree program in Special Education requires 33 semester hours, consisting of 9 classes plus a full semester of student teaching/practicum, and completion of the impact on student learning project and professional practice profile at the end of coursework. The classes are sequenced for full-time day students and part-time evening students. Candidates also are required to be available for up to 6 observation days at school sites per class, per semester (during non-student teaching/practicum semesters). Candidates apply for student teaching/practicum one year prior to experience.
Continuous Enrollments
Master's candidates in Special Education are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each candidate must enroll in at least one course. (See SOE Policy: Time Limit for Degree Completion)
A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education’s Associate Dean of Student Academic Services.
Prerequisites
Applicants ideally will hold a valid teaching certificate. Candidates without a general education certificate will take an additional series of six courses in the M.Ed. general education program. Student teaching for these candidates will be extended, if needed, to a full year based on their performance.
Required Courses
- CIEP 451 Learning Theory and Teaching
- CIEP 511 Developmental Theory and Disabilities
- CIEP 425 Classroom Assessment
- CIEP 501 Exceptional Learner Part II
- CIEP 477 Academic Assessment and Interventions
- CIEP 478 Behavior Assessment and Interventions
- CIEP 510 Accessing and Adapting the General Education Curriculum
- CIEP 479 Consultation, Collaboration, and Community Involvement
- CIEP 512 Seminar: Special Education, the Profession
- CIEP 563 Special Education Student Teaching / Practicum
Comprehensive Assessment
An Impact on Student Learning Project and Professional Practice Profile are required. The assessment is completed during Student Teaching. Candidates must submit a proposal for approval. The faculty assessor will notify the student of results.
Degree Conferral
While the commencement ceremony is every May, degrees can be conferred May, August, and December. Students must apply for graduation/degree conferral. Students should apply for graduation in the semester they anticipate completing all degree requirements. Failure to meet application deadlines may result in a delay of the conferral of the degree to the following semester. Applications for Degree Conferral are due:
- August 1 for December conferral
- December 1 for May conferral
- February 1 for August conferral
Please note the degree conferral application is valid for only one semester. If the degree is not conferred for the semester requested, a new application is required for a subsequent semester.