M.Ed. in Special Education: Earn Your LBS1 or LBS2 Endorsement Online

Built for licensed Illinois educators ready to specialize. Five concentration options, from LBS1 to assistive technology to transition services, in one 100% online program designed to fit around your school schedule.

  • LBS1, LBS2, and ECSE Endorsements
  • Five Concentration Options
  • 100% Online
  • CAEP-Accredited NCE

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Why Choose NLU for Special Education?

Five Concentrations
LBS1, LBS2, ECSE, technology, transition

One program structure, your choice of specialization.

Keep Teaching
100% online, no residency requirement

Build expertise that applies in your classroom tomorrow.

Stackable
LBS1 is the gateway to all three LBS2 tracks

Specialize further when you are ready.

$64,270
Median, special education teachers (BLS, May 2024)

About 37,800 openings a year nationwide.

32 Credits, 2 Years
A focused master's for working educators

CAEP-accredited and Illinois-aligned.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
32 SH
About 2 years, 100% online
How many paths?
5 Concentrations
LBS1, LBS2, ECSE, technology, transition
What credential?
LBS Endorsements
Illinois LBS1, LBS2, and ECSE
What salary?
$64,270
Median, special education teachers (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Earn the Illinois LBS1, LBS2, or ECSE endorsement
  • Teach and support students with a range of disabilities
  • Adapt curriculum for the least restrictive environment
  • Apply assistive technology or transition expertise
  • Advocate for equity and inclusion
  • Lead inclusive learning environments

Full Course List

Foundations
Core methods for diverse learners (LBS1).
Assessment
Identifying and measuring student needs.
Collaboration
Working across teams and systems.
Social-Emotional
Supporting the whole learner.
Curriculum
Adapting instruction for inclusion.
Equity
Advocating for equity and access.
Specialization
Technology, transition, curriculum, or early childhood.
Inquiry
Inquiry-based practice and leading change.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • A valid Illinois PEL (LBS1 requires any teaching field; LBS2 requires an LBS1 PEL)
  • NCE graduate admission requirements
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • An advisor helps you map your concentration and endorsement path
  • A General Special Education track is available for non-endorsement goals
Request Info
Five Endorsement Tracks

LBS1, LBS2 Curriculum Adaptation, LBS2 Technology, LBS2 Transition, and ECSE, in one program.

Specialize Without Leaving the Classroom

100% online and inquiry-based, designed to fit around a full-time teaching schedule.

Stack LBS1 to LBS2

Earn your LBS1, then build toward an advanced LBS2 specialization over time.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

37,800
Annual special education teacher openings (BLS)
Learning Behavior Specialist
Assistive Technology Specialist
Transition Coordinator
Early Childhood Special Educator
Special Education Coordinator
Special Education Director

Graduates earn the endorsements that qualify them for specialist roles, learning behavior specialist, assistive technology specialist, transition coordinator, and early childhood special educator, with advancement pathways to special education coordinator and director.

Special education teachers earn a median of $64,270, and about 37,800 openings are projected each year nationwide (BLS, May 2024), driven by replacement demand. The M.Ed. positions you for higher-earning specialist and coordinator roles above the teacher median.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU enrollment advisor will reach out within one business day.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor confirms your PEL and helps you map your concentration and endorsement pathway.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee, transcripts, and your PEL. Next start: September 21, 2026.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your special education endorsement path.

Take the First Step
  • LBS1, LBS2, and ECSE Endorsements
  • Five Concentration Options
  • 100% Online
  • CAEP-Accredited NCE

*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 by replacement demand.

**Concentrations, endorsements, and curriculum: SmartCatalog, National Louis University M.Ed. in Special Education (nl.smartcatalogiq.com); NCE is CAEP-accredited.