The MEd in Special Education is a graduate program designed to prepare you to serve as a licensed special education teacher in Illinois. Whether you see yourself supporting students in inclusive classrooms, resource settings, or specialized programs, you will develop the instructional expertise, assessment skills, and professional values needed to help students with disabilities thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally. 

As a long-standing partner of Chicago-area and Illinois school districts, Loyola University Chicago offers a practice-based curriculum grounded in real classroom experience. Through a learn-and-earn apprenticeship model, you will remain embedded in your school community while completing coursework and clinical experiences under the mentorship of experienced special educators. With Loyola’s nationally respected School of Education, you will build the confidence and competence to lead inclusive, equity-centered learning environments that make a lasting difference for students and families. 

This program pathway includes both the Special Education Endorsement Certificate (Learning Behavior Specialist I – LBS1) and the option to complete a full Master of Education degree. 

Related Programs

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CIEP 425	Theory and Practice in Assessment	3
CIEP 451	Psychology of Learning	3
CIEP 477	Prevention, Assessment & Intervention: Academic	3
CIEP 478	Behavioral Intervention: Assessment & Support	3
CIEP 479	School-Based Consultation	3
CIEP 510	Accessing & Adopting General Education Curriculum	3
CIEP 511	Development Theory & Disabilities	3
CIEP 512	Special Education: The Profession	3
CIEP 563	Graduate Special Education-Student Teaching	6
Total Hours		30

Suggested Sequence of Courses

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Hours
CIEP 477	Prevention, Assessment & Intervention: Academic	3
CIEP 478	Behavioral Intervention: Assessment & Support	3
CIEP 501	Exceptional Learner II	3
	Hours	9
Spring
CIEP 479	School-Based Consultation	3
CIEP 510	Accessing & Adopting General Education Curriculum	3
	Hours	6
Summer I
CIEP 425	Theory and Practice in Assessment	3
	Hours	3
Summer II
CIEP 511	Development Theory & Disabilities	3
	Hours	3
Year 2
Fall
CIEP 512	Special Education: The Profession	3
CIEP 563	Graduate Special Education-Student Teaching	6
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	30

Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations

Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply evidence-based academic and behavioral strategies to design, implement, and monitor interventions for learners with disabilities across K–12 settings, ensuring alignment with Illinois Learning Standards and individualized education program (IEP) goals.
• Analyze multiple sources of assessment data—including curriculum-based measures, functional behavior assessments, and standardized assessments—to develop data-driven instructional plans and progress monitoring systems.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional environments, including general and special education settings, and create adapted materials, supports, and assistive technology plans that promote access, engagement, and positive behavior.
• Evaluate collaborative, culturally responsive practices for working with families, educators, and related service providers to support effective IEP development, implementation, and compliance with Illinois and federal special education law.