PhD Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago

Programme overview

The College of Education offers coursework that leads to the Master of Education in Special Education organized around four domains of study: foundations, development and disability, research, and assessment. The degree can also lead to the Learning Behavior Specialist I licensure/endorsement, the Learning Behavior Specialist II endorsements, or the MEd degree only; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Special Education. The Bilingual and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement, and the Early Childhood Special Education approval, can also be awarded; contact the College of Education for specific course requirements.

Faculty: College of Education | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chicago, IL, United States

What you will study

Minimum 96 semester hours required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Prior degree: No restrictions. GPA: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study and for all postbaccalaureate coursework. Tests: None. Letters of recommendation: Three letters from faculty members or others familiar with the applicant’s previous academic training and research potential. Personal statement: This required statement must address the applicant’s professional goals, scholarly accomplishments, and research interests. Interview: Applicants are required to participate in an interview with faculty.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate and professional programmes admit for Fall, Spring and Summer terms depending on the programme; applications for Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and Summer 2028 are expected to open on August 1, 2026.

Graduate and professional application deadlines are set per programme, with separate deadlines for domestic and international applicants for most non-online programmes; optional earlier priority, recommended or fellowship dates apply to both.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uic.edu/admissions/

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