Special Education
Program Mission: The mission of the graduate program in Special Education is to prepare graduates for advanced professional practice with individuals with exceptional learning needs. Individuals may pursue additional Special Education endorsements which may include earning an LBS II for "Curriculum Adaptation Specialist" or "Behavior Intervention Specialist," or preparing to be a "Director" of Special Education.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs"). In addition, the student must provide the following documents:
- Official transcripts to the department and university documenting all prior course work and evidence of having earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution approved by Eastern Illinois University with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of graded academic coursework as defined by the Graduate School. If these standards are not met, the student may be granted provisional acceptance with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The student must then complete nine semester hours of graduate level courses in the department program with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be granted full admission/candidacy and continue in the program.
• Resume or vita
• Statement of Professional Goals
• Names and Contact Information for Two References
• Proof of Initial License in Special Education (LBSI or equivalent)
These documents will be considered as the advisor and student formulate a study plan that will include the student's professional goals, extent of experience with individuals with exceptionalities, and the students' professional writing competencies.
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements
Degree requirements include those outlined for the master of science in education degree by the Graduate School (see "Requirements for the Master of Science in Education Degree"). The program offers a thesis and non-thesis option.
Specialization Options
Candidates select a discipline option from master's in education: Special Education (thesis or non-thesis option); Special Education Behavior Intervention Specialist; Special Education Curriculum Adaptation Specialist.
Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education in Special Education Non-Thesis Option
Total. Credits: 33
Students in the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of study for the degree. A minimum of 17 semester hours of all graduate work must be in courses numbered 5000 or higher.
- Basic Education Courses. (Selected from the list below) Credits: 6
- Elective Courses (minimum). Credits: 12
Core Courses in Special Education: 15
, OR
Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education in Special Education Thesis Option
Total. Credits: 33
Students in the thesis option must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of study in addition to thesis hours for the degree. A minimum of 21 semester hours of all graduate work must be in courses numbered 5000 or higher.
- Basic Education Courses. Credits: 6
- Elective Courses (minimum). Credits: 9
- Thesis. Credits: 3
Core Courses in Special Education: 15
, OR
Basic education courses may be selected from the list that follows:
Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education in Special Education, Behavior Intervention Specialist Option
Total Credits: 33
Students in the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of study for the degree. A minimum of 20 semester hours of all graduate work must be in courses numbered 5000 or higher.
- Basic Education Courses (selected from list below). Credits: 6
- Special Education Core Courses. Credits: 15
, OR
Behavior Intervention Specialist Required Courses. Credits: 9
Additional Basic Education Courses may be selected from the list that follows:
- Elective Course Credits: Credits 3
Curriculum for the Master of Science in Education in Special Education, Curriculum Adaptation Specialist Option
Total Credits: 33
Students in the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of study for the degree. A minimum of 20 semester hours of all graduate work must be in courses number 5000 or higher.
Basic Education Courses. (Selected from the list below.) Credits: 6
Special Education Core Courses. Credits: 15
, OR
Curriculum Adaptation Specialist Required Courses. Credits: 9
- Elective Course Credits: Credits 3
Basic Education Courses may be selected from the list that follows:
The Following Regulations Apply to All Degree Options
- A minimum of 21 semester hours must be in courses in the field of special education. Students may select courses or electives from other departments with advisor approval.
- A maximum of 10 semester hours of courses numbered 4750 to 4999 may be applied to the degree.
- A maximum of six semester hours of appropriate transfer courses (graded courses earning a grade of B or better) from an accredited institution may be applied to a degree.
Graduate Assistantships
Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or Chair, Department of Special Education, Buzzard Hall 1212, EIU.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Graduate Catalog.