Program Overview

Special Education Program Admission Requirements

The Special Education program at DePaul University offers several options, including a master's degree with initial license, Teaching License (PEL) and Special Education Endorsement, and Special Education Endorsement.

Admission Eligibility

To be eligible to enroll in any of these programs, students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and state teaching licensure (for current teachers).

Application Requirements

A complete application to one of the Special Education programs will include the following materials:

• Graduate admission application
• $40 domestic application fee, $75 international application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Rťsumť
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or work supervisors
• Personal statement that discusses future goals and thoughts about a career as a special educator, including:
  • The possible tasks/roles of a special education teacher, such as inclusion specialist, team teacher with general educators, specialized instruction for exceptional students, advocate for exceptional students, multiculturalist, and provider of staff development
  • Ranking the tasks/roles and discussing the rationale for the top roles (at least 750 words)
• Initial license program requires a writing sample (e.g., a term paper, seminar paper, or senior thesis or portion thereof)
• Endorsement only requires a copy of current state teaching license

Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the U.S. or who are considered international students must submit additional materials.

Application Deadlines

The Special Education licensure and master's degree program admits new students in the fall and winter quarters; the Special Education endorsement program and the initial license Special Education master's admit new students in the fall quarter only. Although these programs will accept applications up to a week before the term starts, prospective students are recommended to complete an application by its regular deadline.

• Term: Fall, Regular Deadline: August 15
• Term: Winter, Regular Deadline: December 1
  • Only the Special Education master's degree for current teachers and licensure programs accept applications in the winter quarter.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and an applicant typically receives an admission decision in 3-4 weeks.