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. Earn your certification from the nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 graduate education schools in Chicago.
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.
Educational Leadership Department
The Department of Educational Leadership equips administrators and supervisors to become transformative leaders in education. Our mission is to tackle pressing social justice and equity challenges within school systems. We take pride in our alumni, many of whom hold prominent positions within the Illinois Board of Education and across school districts throughout the state. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.
Department WebsiteMeet 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.
2024-2025 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 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 $12840.00, or 12 credit hours at a cost of $1,070.00 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
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost and 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. You may also visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
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.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education 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.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Director of Special Education Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: Rolling admission
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Director of Special Education Certificate include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Licensure
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Work Experience
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Applicants must hold a Master's degree or EdS.
Statement of Purpose 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.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Director of Special Education Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY