Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Arts in Teaching for Special Education is to provide an accessible, efficient route to teacher licensure for candidates who possess a qualifying undergraduate or graduate degree. The online program format is  conducive to place-bound and non-traditional candidates who would not be able to complete a traditional, on-campus program. The full-year residency enables candidates to select unpaid, paid, or third party funded placements in their
local communities.

Accreditation
Accreditation is consistent with existing initial teacher licensure programs i.e., either through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or an individual program’s Specialized Professional Association (SPA). Additionally, the program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for initial licensure.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”).

Additional requirements include: (a) an undergraduate or graduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA; (b) a formal letter of application summarizing the candidate’s background, motivation for entering the teaching profession, and experience in working in public schools (if any); (c) passage of a criminal history background check through the College of Education’s designated vendor; (d) submission of program acceptance letter acknowledging all program requirements.

Degree Audit
The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Works systems at the time of degree candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of Degree Audit process specified in “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog.

Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit; candidates should consult with the program coordinator.