student and a teacher working on a craft project togetherADVANCE YOUR CAREER

Learn more about Loyola’s Special Education programs

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Become an effective advocate for students with disabilities

Loyola University Chicago’s graduate programs in Special Education prepare educators and professionals to support students with diverse learning needs and abilities. Whether you are seeking teacher licensure, advancing your expertise in applied behavior analysis, or preparing for leadership in special education, Loyola offers flexible, practice-focused programs designed to help you make a meaningful impact in schools and communities.

4

discount for
Applied Behavioral
Analysis students

97 percent

employment rate
at graduation*

Top 3

best graduate
education programs
in Chicago**

*Across all SOE graduate programs

**U.S. News and World Report, 2025

leftQuoteright Quote

Loyola University's Special Education program prepared me not only with the most up-to-date research in the field but also taught me the skills needed to implement that research in real life, to continue to evaluate my practices over time, and developed me into a reflective educator, ready to meet the needs of the ever-changing population of students.

– Dr. Lisa Caputo-Love, alumna

Graduate Programs

MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis
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Loyola’s online MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares you to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodivergent populations through evidence-based strategies that promote meaningful behavior change. You will build the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact across educational, clinical, and community settings.

MEd in Special Education
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Loyola’s MEd in Special Education prepares you to become a licensed special education teacher with the instructional expertise, assessment skills, and professional foundation to support students with disabilities. You will learn to help students thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally in inclusive and specialized learning environments. This program is offered through partnerships with participating school districts and is designed for candidates currently employed in those districts. Admission is limited to individuals working as special education teaching assistants in a partner district and supported by their employer through a formal agreement with Loyola University Chicago.

Special Education Endorsement Certificate
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Loyola’s LBS1 Endorsement Certificate prepares paraprofessionals working in Illinois school districts to pursue special education licensure. You will build knowledge and practical skills in assessment, curriculum adaptation, academic and behavioral intervention, and special education law while gaining hands-on clinical experience for work with students with disabilities. This program is offered through partnerships with participating school districts and is designed for candidates currently employed in those districts. Admission is limited to individuals working as special education teaching assistants in a partner district and supported by their employer through a formal agreement with Loyola University Chicago.