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How to Apply

Choose your Group (1, 2, 3, 4) Before You Apply Heading link

First, choose which group is right for your professional interests and background, and then apply according to that group’s instructions (found below):

  1. Group 1: Students completely new to the career of teaching, pursuing the MEd degree, LBS 1 and professional educator license. We highly recommend you apply to begin in the Fall Semester if you are in Group 1 pursuing a teaching license in order to align best with student-teaching requirements.
  2. Group 2: Currently licensed teachers in the State of Illinois who are new to special education, pursuing the MEd degree and LBS 1. Apply to begin in the Fall or Spring Semester. However, if you are applying for the Project LEAD scholarship, you must apply for the Spring Semester.
  3. Group 3 is NOT ACCEPTING STUDENTS AT THIS TIME. We are not currently taking applications for the LBS2 Endorsement as part of the master’s or the non-degree LBS2 programs. If you would like to be notified of when the LBS2 courses are being offered again at UIC, please fill out this form.
  4. Group 4: Students not interested in licensure or endorsement, only pursuing the MEd degree and no license or endorsement. Apply to begin in any semester.

M.Ed. Special Education Application Deadlines Heading link

*Please note that Groups 1 & 2 (seeking LBS 1 endorsement) cannot apply for the summer term.
Semester you want to enroll Who should apply Application deadline
Fall (August start) Group 1 (teaching license+LBS1) applicants should apply during this cycle May 15
Spring (January start) Project LEAD Scholarship applicants must apply during this cycle October 1
Summer (May start) Only Group 4 (no license or endorsement) applicants can apply during this cycle March 15

Application Process by Group (1-4) Heading link

Depending on your professional goals and background upon entering the program, there are 4 group options for the Special Ed MEd. Click on the tabs to see application instructions for each group.

For students new to teaching and seeking the MEd degree, professional educator license (PEL), and LBS I endorsement

  1. New applicants to UIC must complete the UIC Graduate Admissions application.
  2. Current UIC graduate students who want to change or add programs or degrees should complete the Request for Change of Graduate Program instead of the UIC Graduate Admissions application. Please read the instructions if you are not sure which one to fill out, or contact gradcoll@uic.edu with questions.
  3. The following documents should be uploaded online after receiving email instructions and completing the UIC Graduate Admissions application:
    1. Undergraduate transcripts for your last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree and all graduate transcripts
    2. TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants only
    3. Three letters of recommendation. These letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. Letters may be from current or former professors or supervisors. At least one letter should be from someone who can address your experience working with children. Please ask your recommenders to use letterhead if it is available and if they are uploading an electronic version of the letter of recommendation.
    4. Personal Statement: In approximately 2 to 3 double-spaced pages, please address the following. We suggest you look at the College of Education mission and vision statements to gain background about our programs.
      • Tell us why you want to teach and specifically teach students with disabilities.  What about it is of interest?
      • What experiences have you had working with kids and/or adults, especially those with disabilities? What have you learned? What questions or dilemmas did you have?
      • What about teaching in urban areas is compelling and of interest?

For licensed teachers who are new to Special Education, pursuing the MEd and LBS 1 endorsement

  1. New applicants to UIC must complete the UIC Graduate Admissions application.
  2. Current UIC graduate students who want to change or add programs or degrees should complete the Request for Change of Graduate Program instead of the UIC Graduate School application. Please read the instructions if you are not sure which one to fill out, or contact gradcoll@uic.edu with questions.
  3. The following documents should be uploaded online upon receiving email instructions after completing the UIC Graduate Admissions application:
    1. Undergraduate transcripts for your last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree and all graduate transcripts
    2. TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants only
    3. Three letters of recommendation. These letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. Letters may be from current or former professors or supervisors. At least one letter should be from someone who can address your experience working with children. Please ask your recommenders to use letterhead if it is available and if they are uploading an electronic version of the letter of recommendation.
    4. Personal Statement: In approximately 2 to 3 double-spaced pages, please address the following. We suggest you look at the College of Education mission and vision statements to gain background about our programs.
      • Tell us why you want to teach and specifically teach students with disabilities.  What about it is of interest?
      • What experiences have you had working with kids and/or adults, especially those with disabilities? What have you learned? What questions or dilemmas did you have?
      • What about teaching in urban areas is compelling and of interest?

Licensed teachers with LBS I, pursuing the MEd and LBS II endorsement

*We are not currently accepting applications for Group 3 at this time. If you would like to be notified of when the LBS2 courses are being offered again at UIC, please fill out this form.*

  1. New applicants to UIC must complete the UIC Graduate Admissions application
  2. Current UIC graduate students who want to change or add programs or degrees should complete the Request for Change of Graduate Program instead of the UIC Graduate Admissions application. Please read the instructions if you are not sure which one to fill out, or contact gradcoll@uic.edu with questions.
  3. The following documents should be uploaded online upon receiving email instructions after completing the UIC Graduate Admissions application:
    1. Undergraduate transcripts for your last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree and all graduate transcripts
    2. TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants only
    3. Three letters of recommendation. These letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. Letters may be from current or former professors or supervisors. At least one letter should be from someone who can address your experience working with children. Please ask your recommenders to use letterhead if it is available and if they are uploading an electronic version of the letter of recommendation.
    4. Personal Statement: In approximately 2 to 3 double-spaced pages, please address the following. We suggest you look at the College of Education mission and vision statements to gain background about our programs.
      • Tell us why you want to teach and specifically teach students with disabilities.  What about it is of interest?
      • What experiences have you had working with kids and/or adults, especially those with disabilities? What have you learned? What questions or dilemmas did you have?
      • What about teaching in urban areas is compelling and of interest?
  4. Resume and proof of 1 year of teaching in special education experience. A minimum of two years of experience will be required upon completion of the program.
  5. A copy of the LBS I license and endorsement

Students pursuing the MEd only, no license or endorsement

  1. Applicants to UIC must first complete the UIC Graduate Admissions application.
  2. Current UIC graduate students who want to change or add programs or degrees should complete the Request for Change of Graduate Program instead of the UIC Graduate Admissions application. Please read the instructions if you are not sure which one to fill out, or contact gradcoll@uic.edu with questions.
  3. The following documents should be uploaded online upon receiving email instructions after completing the UIC Graduate Admissions application:
    1. Undergraduate transcripts for your last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree and all graduate transcripts
    2. TOEFL or IELTS test scores for international applicants only
    3. Three letters of recommendation. These letters should address the applicant’s academic qualifications, research ability/experience and ability to carry on advanced degree studies. Letters may be from current or former professors or supervisors. At least one letter should be from someone who can address your experience working with children. Please ask your recommenders to use letterhead if it is available and if they are uploading an electronic version of the letter of recommendation.
    4. Personal Statement: In approximately 2 to 3 double-spaced pages, please address the following. We suggest you look at the College of Education mission and vision statements to gain background about our programs.
      • Tell us why you want to teach and specifically teach students with disabilities.  What about it is of interest?
      • What experiences have you had working with kids and/or adults, especially those with disabilities? What have you learned? What questions or dilemmas did you have?
      • What about teaching in urban areas is compelling and of interest?

Need help with your application? Please contact: Heading link