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Eastern Illinois University

Special Education

Make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. EIU's Special Education program prepares you for Illinois licensure, with options for early childhood or K-12 and dual certification paths in elementary or secondary education.

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Special Education

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science in Education
Delivery
In Person
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Preschool, Kindergarten, School
Special Education students at EIU

Why Study Special Education at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Special Education | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Special Education at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Special Education students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Special Education prepares you to teach and support students with disabilities, and it is a rewarding fit if you are patient, adaptable and committed to helping every learner succeed. You choose between the Early Childhood option (birth to 3) and the Standard Special Education option (K-12), and you can add dual certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (K-9) or Secondary Education (6-12).

View in Catalog
$47,566
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • 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

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Cori M. More
Associate Professor, Assistant Chair (SPE)
cmmore@eiu.edu
1212 Buzzard Hall
217-581-7918
Cori M. More Message Cori

Message Cori

or email cmmore@eiu.edu directly
Jill Rennels-Hutti
Interim Dean, College of Education, Health & Human Services
jrrennelshutti@eiu.edu
1423
217-581-6348
Jill Rennels-Hutti Message Jill

Message Jill

or email jrrennelshutti@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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