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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
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"I attended EIU for my previous Master's Degree and absolutely loved the program and experience! I am wanting to continue that experience with my second Master's Degree. I also teach in the same community as EIU and have always had a positive, working relationship with people at EIU!"
Justin Bledsaw
Class of 2026, MSED: Educational Leadership Teacher Leader/Principal Dual Endorsement major
Justin Bledsaw, MSED: Educational Leadership Teacher Leader/Principal Dual Endorsement 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

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

Message Dr. More

or email cmmore@eiu.edu directly
Dr. Melissa L. Jones-Bromenshenkel
Professor, Graduate Coordinator (SPE)
mljones2@eiu.edu
1227 Buzzard Hall
217-581-7918
Dr. Melissa L. Jones-Bromenshenkel Message Dr. Jones-Bromenshenkel

Message Dr. Jones-Bromenshenkel

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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