As a Special Education major at Concordia-Chicago, you will be highly trained to address a wide range of learning needs, including autism and hearing or vision impairment.

You will learn to adapt and develop curriculum to match the needs of each student and use a variety of teaching strategies, making sure each student, regardless of disability, is reaching his or her full learning potential.

Study Format

  • On Campus

Special Education Program and Degree Overview

Originally founded as the Addison Teachers Seminary in 1864, the University has a 150-year track record of producing some of the most qualified teachers in the country.

More than a dozen CUC graduates have been recognized by the highly prestigious Golden Apple Foundation for outstanding teaching, which speaks volumes about the level of training you will receive.

Our College of Education prepares candidates to teach early childhood and Kindergarten through grade 12. In addition to public school teaching, we also prepare candidates to teach in Lutheran schools and congregations in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

In addition to your general education courses, you will receive training in specific special education courses, which focus on the characteristics, assessment and instructional strategies needed to teach students with disabilities.

You can earn your Learning Behavior Specialist II endorsement by taking additional coursework at the master’s or doctorate level, allowing you to work in different areas of special education, such as bilingual special education and consulting fellow teachers on accommodating students with special learning needs.

Concordia-Chicago teacher candidates must complete a rigorous 16-week student teaching internship in real classrooms. This means you are managing and teaching a class of your own and building your resume before you even graduate.

For details about specific courses, please visit our online catalog.