B.A. in Special Education: Become a Licensed Special Educator in Illinois
Prepare for a meaningful career making a difference in students' lives. NLU's B.A. in Special Education leads you toward Illinois teacher licensure and a high-need, federally mandated field with lasting impact.
- Illinois Licensure Pathway (LBS1)
- Field Experience and Student Teaching
- A Federally Mandated, High-Need Field
- Illinois-Focused Program
Request More Information
Program at a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Support students across a range of disabilities
- Develop and monitor Individualized Education Programs
- Deliver differentiated, evidence-based instruction
- Manage behavior with positive support strategies
- Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary teams
- Prepare for the Illinois LBS1 endorsement
Full Course List
Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.
Admissions Requirements
- A high school diploma or GED
- Online application at nl.edu with no application fee
- Official transcripts (all prior institutions for transfers)
- A background check and immunizations (required for school placement)
- Passing the Illinois special education content exam for licensure
The depth of scholarly inquiry, coupled with the reflective guidance of my faculty, pushed me to interrogate systemic barriers more critically and solidified my commitment to leading transformative change in special education.
Coursework, practicum, and clinical practice designed to prepare you for Illinois special education licensure.
Special education is federally mandated under IDEA, creating stable, consistent demand for licensed teachers.
Field experience plus a student teaching capstone means you graduate ready, not just credentialed.
Where Will Your Degree Take You?
Graduates are prepared to serve as special education teachers in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms, and inclusive settings, with advancement pathways to lead teacher, coordinator, and administrative roles, and a foundation for graduate study in fields like school psychology.
Special education teachers earn a median salary of $64,270, and about 37,800 openings are projected each year nationwide (BLS, May 2024). Because the field is federally mandated under IDEA, demand stays stable, with chronic shortages in areas like autism and severe disabilities.
How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps
-
Request Information
Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions.
-
Connect With an Advisor
Your advisor walks you through the licensure timeline, field placement, and background-check requirements.
-
Apply and Start Classes
Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee and your transcripts. Next start: September 21, 2026.
Take the First Step
No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path to becoming a special educator.
Take the First Step- Illinois Licensure Pathway (LBS1)
- Field Experience and Student Teaching
- A Federally Mandated, High-Need Field
- Illinois-Focused Program
*Salary and openings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers (SOC 25-2050), May 2024. About 37,800 openings a year are projected, driven largely by replacement demand.
**Program structure reflects standard Illinois special education teacher preparation; confirm specific curriculum, format, and accreditation with an NLU advisor.