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Special Education with Initial Licensure

Prepare to become a licensed special education teacher through a 36-credit online MAT for bachelor’s-degree holders. Combine focused graduate coursework with a full-year residency that lets you apply what you learn in an authentic school setting.

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Special Education with Initial Licensure

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Degree Level
Master of Arts in Teaching
Delivery
Fully Online
Time to Degree
3 Semesters
Credit Hours
36 Total, 36 in Major
Careers
Preschool, Kindergarten, School
Special Education with Initial Licensure students at EIU

Why Study Special Education with Initial Licensure at EIU?

  • Earn a master’s degree while preparing for initial special education licensure
  • Complete graduate coursework online
  • Gain a full year of supervised experience in special education
  • Study assessment, instruction, behavior and transition as an integrated program
  • Learn from faculty with extensive professional experience in special education
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"I had an outstanding experience at Eastern during my undergraduate studies. Maintaining proximity to home was essential, as it allowed me to balance my degree with my full time job as Director of Student Services at Oakland CUSD #5. It feels at home to join a group of educators who are "all in" for their students."
Rachel Wright
Master of Science in Education | Class of 2027
Rachel Wright, Master of Science in Education at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Complete two semesters of residency in special education
  • Assess student needs and develop appropriate educational programming
  • Plan instruction in literacy and numeracy
  • Apply positive classroom and behavior-management practices
  • Collaborate with families and other education professionals
Hands-On Experience, Special Education with Initial Licensure students at EIU

What You'll Learn

EIU's MAT in Special Education provides a route to initial teacher licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor;s or graduate degree. Coursework addresses exceptional learning needs, legal and professional issues, assessment, curriculum development, literacy and numeracy instruction, behavior management, family partnerships and transition programming.

View in Catalog
$65,023
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Special Education Teachers, Preschool
  • Special Education Teachers,…
  • Special Education Teachers,…
  • Special Education Teachers, Middle…
  • Special Education Teachers, Secondary…
  • Adapted Physical Education Specialists
  • Teaching Assistants, Special Education
  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,524 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
17% of lifetime limit

$16,524 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Cori More
Associate Professor, Assistant Chair (SPE)
cmmore@eiu.edu
1205 Buzzard Hall
217-581-7918
Cori More Message Cori

Message Cori

or email cmmore@eiu.edu directly
Melissa Jones
Professor, Graduate Coordinator (SPE)
mljones2@eiu.edu
1227 Buzzard Hall
217-581-5315
Melissa Jones Message Melissa

Message Melissa

or email mljones2@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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