Advisement & Certification

There are also several certification options for existing teachers to add special education to their certificates.  Please HERE click for a description of those options.

Special Education

Bachelors Degree Program

The Special Education program offers a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) approved preparation program at the undergraduate level for the Illinois Learning-Behavior Specialist I certification. The program provides coursework and practicum experiences which focus on mild, moderate, and severe disabilities at all levels through adulthood. The Special Education program, in conjunction with the Early Childhood program in Curriculum and Instruction, also provides courses required for Early Childhood Special Education approval.

Academic Advising
For advisement information, please contact:

Elaine Farrar - Advisor
Office of Certification and Advisement
618.650.3940

Advisement Guide for Special Education

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These are the steps to become considered for the Special Education Program:

1) Have transcripts evaluated by an advisor in O.C.E.C.A.
2) Pass SPE 200, Introduction to People with Disabilities in Society & School (or equivalent) with a "B” or better.
3) Pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test. (http://www.icts.nesinc.com)
4) Complete the five “skills” courses (ENG 101; ENG 102; SPC 103 or 104 or 105; PHIL or MATH 106; and STAT 107 or CMIS 108 or CS 108) with a "C" or higher.
5) Obtain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 (from all institutions) and "good standing" status at SIUE.
6) Complete 42 semester hours.
7) Declare Special Education through Undergraduate Academic Advisement.

ADMISSION INTO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION COHORT PROGRAM:  (Please be aware that meeting the minimum requirements to declare a major in Special Education does not guarantee acceptance into the Special Education Cohort Program).