Online Master’s in Special Education, MA
With a master’s in special education, you can address the learning and socio-emotional needs of students with learning and intellectual disabilities, severe emotional and behavior disorders, and other disabilities.
Roosevelt's flexible Master's in Special Education program offers 100% online coursework with an in-person field experience in your final semester. The program leads to an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) and an Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) teaching certification.
The program is designed to be completed in two years. Admissions are open for fall and spring start dates.
Why Roosevelt for Your Online Master’s in Special Education?
Social Justice Focused Master's in SPED
At Roosevelt, you’ll build inclusive, engaging relationships with faculty, school practitioners and learners. Immerse yourself in diverse school and community cultures.
Develop a rich and broad understanding of how to instruct diverse learners with special needs. The master’s program nurtures social justice leadership and coaches candidates toward career success.
Designed for Working Professionals
The Online Master's in Special Education program delivers 100% online coursework until your final semester, where you'll complete a 15-week student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor.
You can also choose to add endorsements to your teaching license to increase your employability and earning potential:
- Elementary Education
- Bilingual/ESL
- Early Childhood Special Education approval
- Middle School
- Reading Teacher
100% Pass Rate on edTPA Exam
The master’s program has a 100% pass rate on the edTPA, the capstone assessment required for teacher licensure in Illinois.
You’ll be qualified to work children with all areas of special education needs, except sensory impairments and communication disorders.
Already hold a current Professional Education License in Illinois? Learn more about the LBS1 endorsement certificate.
What can I do with a Master's in Special Education?
This program can prepare you for advanced roles supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs in K-12 schools. It can also open doors to positions such as special education coordinator, instructional coach, intervention specialist, advocate, or educational consultant.
What can I teach with an LBS1 endorsement?
An LBS1 (Learning Behavior Specialist 1) endorsement qualifies you to teach and support students with disabilities across a wide range of educational settings, typically from ages 3-21. In Illinois, it can prepare you to work in special education classrooms, inclusive general education settings, resource programs, and intervention support roles.
What is a Professional Educator License (PEL)?
A Professional Educator License (PEL) is the primary teaching license in Illinois, required for most public school teaching positions. It authorizes educators to teach in approved grade levels and subject areas and can be paired with endorsements, such as the LBS1 in the SPED program, to qualify for specialized roles.
Assistive technologies are developing at a rapid pace. I bring these technologies into my classrooms, and show my students how to use them to improve communication and learning for all students, regardless of abilities.
Cindy Anderson
Associate Professor Emeritus, Special Education, Roosevelt University
Meet Your Admission Counselor
