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5th Year Option in Special Education

5th Year Option in Special Education which leads to a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS I) Certificate

Undergraduates in the BA in Urban Education program with a concentration in Elementary Education (EE) can apply to the Department of Special Education under the 5th year option.

The 5th year option enables students to take additional special education coursework, which can be applied toward Special Education certification in Illinois, while completing the BA required coursework. During the final senior semester, students apply to the Master's program in Special Education. If accepted, the student continues coursework that, when combined with courses taken during BA work, will lead to completion of the Type 10 Learning Behavior Specialist I in Illinois. When following the approved plan, students can then earn both the Elementary Education and Special Education certifications in five years of study. At the end of the five year program students can opt to complete three additional courses and earn the Master's degree.

Students who apply and are accepted under the 5th year option will work toward an additional area of specialization in special education. Students will also work with the Council on Teacher Education as part of the certificate approval process.

To apply for the 5th year option, or if you have questions, please contact Program Coordinator Michelle Parker-Katz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Office of Student Services at 312-996-4532.

Requirements

Students complete the following courses, which may include summer sessions, in the following sequence while earning the elementary education certification.

SPED 462 Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities
SPED 465 Cognitive Development and Disabilities
SPED 582 Forging Collaboration with the Family and Community
SPED 472 Promoting Academic and Prosocial Behavior I
SPED 467 Social/Emotional Development and Disability

Upon completion of the BA in Urban Education (EE concentration) with an area of specialization in Special Education, students will need to complete an additional 8 courses in Special Education (5th year of study at UIC at the master's level). They can then take the state exams for the LBS I certificate, which leads to eligibility to teach special education, ages 3 to 21, in 7 disability populations and in varied instructional delivery models (eg., inclusion, resource).

Students have the option to complete additional semester hours towards a master’s degree.

Outcomes

This option prepares students, in just a little more than 5 years, to be dually certified in elementary education (K to 9, Type 03) and special education (LBS I, Type 10) and teach students with disabilities as a certified special educator. With 3 additional courses, students can earn a master’s degree (MEd in Special Education). Upon graduation from the BA in Urban Education (EE concentration) program, students may be able to teach in a special education position, if enrolled in this option.