Certificate
Part-Time Only
Fall
Online
About the Director of Special Education Certificate at Loyola
Become a leader in special education who can establish effective and equitable systems that support children with special needs through the Director of Special Education Certificate at Loyola University Chicago.
Through this online special education certificate, you can immediately apply the skills, perspectives, and knowledge you gain to establish systems of equity.
You will take four online courses, which are designed to align with national and Illinois state standards. After completing this special education certification, you can apply to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to have the Director of Special Education endorsement added to your Professional Educator License.
Program Structure
The Director of Special Education Certificate can be pursued part-time. All courses, including field supervision, are offered online.
Why Choose Loyola for the Director of Special Education Certificate?
- Led by experienced advocates for children with special needs
- Path to ISBE Director of Special Education endorsement
- Impactful field experiences
- Make valuable connections in your cohort
- Flexible, online special education certificate
You will learn from the best transformative leaders in local schools and districts who have a breadth of experience as administrators and advocates for children with special needs.
The online special education certificate puts you on the path to be eligible for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Director of Special Education endorsement.
You will benefit from field experience developed collaboratively with a Director of Special Education and the Loyola University Chicago School of Education faculty.
Throughout this special education graduate program, you will network with a cohort of students who will share your passion for advocating for children with special needs.
You will have the flexibility to earn your ISBE Director of Special Education endorsement while working full time through this one-year, online special education certificate.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Director of Special Education Certificate program.
FacultySpecial Education: Career Connections
The Director of Special Education Certificate program was developed to train leaders in special education to establish systems that support children with special needs. It is ideal for educators who work with children with special needs in the following roles.
Specific job options include:
- School administrator
- School psychologists
- Special education teachers
- School social workers
- Director of Special Services
Next Step: Having a Principal Endorsement isn't the only pathway to District Leadership. Having an IL Director of Special Education Endorsement makes you eligible to pursue a Superintendent Endorsement. Find out more about Loyola's EdD in Superintendent Preparation. Loyola's Superintendent Preparation alumni are leading and transforming districts across the country.
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Director of Special Education Certificate program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Director of Special Education Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogDirector of Special Education Certificate Results and Skills
The Director of Special Education Certificate will give you the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to be an effective leader in special education and a strong advocate for children with special needs. This includes building an understanding of law, finance, and supervision of other professionals and cross-categorical services within schools.
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Director of Special Education Certificate totals $11880.00, or 12 credit hours at a cost of $990.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Visit and Connect With Us
Take advantage of a variety of different visit opportunities to find your place in our Loyola community. Loyola offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
Schedule an Appointment
Early in your search?
Connect with an Enrollment Advisor to help find your fit.
Already submitted an application?
Connect with an admissions team member to help you through the process.
School of Education Events
Upcoming events are displayed below. View all scheduled events for the School of Education.
Casual meet-up opportunity with members of the School of Education com...
Casual meet-up opportunity with members of the School of Education com...
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Director of Special Education Certificate are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Fall: April 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Director of Special Education Certificate include:
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Licensure
Personal Statement
Resume/CV
Work Experience
Personal Statement Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice. This should include any research and professional experiences as well as how you have demonstrated transformational leadership throughout your P-12 experience.
International Student Requirements
Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.
Additional Details
For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page.
Apply Now