Special Education Minor

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Special Education Minor

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Special Education Minor

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A Gateway to a Rewarding Career in Special Education

With the completion of our Special Education minor, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of special education principles and practices, but you’ll also be on the path to pursuing a fulfilling career in this rewarding field. Upon completing the minor, you’ll qualify for an approval in special education, Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1), issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Special education is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, offering a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of students with disabilities. Special education teachers play a pivotal role in providing individualized instruction, creating inclusive learning environments, and fostering the academic, social, and emotional growth of their students.

The BenU Difference

Join Our Thriving Special Education Community

At Benedictine University, we’re committed to preparing exceptional special educators who are passionate about making a difference. Our comprehensive curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive learning environment will empower you to develop the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to excel in this rewarding field.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in special education. Enroll in our Special Education minor and gain the necessary qualifications to make a positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities. Join us in creating a brighter future for all learners.

Nurturing Exceptional Learners: Special Education Minor Paves the Way

Students enrolled in elementary or secondary education programs can elect to earn a minor in special education by completing the following courses (21 semester hours). All courses to receive a special education minor must be passed with a “C” or better. Grades of C minus (C-) are considered to be below a “C”. “C-“ grades for equivalent courses received from another institution will need to be retaken at Benedictine and passed with a grade of “C” or better. Students need a 3.0 in the minor to receive an LBS1 approval.

The majority of the licensure requirements are mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. Any changes in licensure requirements must be met at the time they go into effect. This could change program requirements.

Course List

Code – Title – Hours

EDUC 3257 Characteristics of Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities – 3

EDUC 2260 Educating Students with Exceptionalities – 3

EDUC 3265 Characteristics of Learners with High Incidence Disabilities – 3

EDUC 3311 Assessment and Diagnosis for Special Education (LBSI) – 3

EDUC 3358 Methods of Teaching Learners with High Incidence Disabilities – 3

EDUC 3357 Methods of Teaching Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities – 3

EDUC 4308 Creating An Inclusive Learning Environment – 3

Total Hours 21

Completion of the Special Education minor qualifies the student for an approval in special education, Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1). The approval will be ISBE issued to applicants who have qualified for an initial Professional Educator’s License (PEL).

Diverse Career Opportunities for Special Education Graduates

A special education minor provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in special education principles and practices, preparing you for a variety of rewarding career opportunities in the field of education. With this minor, you’ll gain the expertise to support students with disabilities and contribute to their academic, social, and emotional growth. Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with a special education minor:

Special Education Teacher
Instructional Specialist
Curriculum Specialist
Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Educational Psychologist
Special Education Coordinator
Assistive Techonology Specialist
Transition Specialist

These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available with a special education minor. With your specialized knowledge, skills, and compassion, you can make a profound impact on the lives of students with disabilities and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable educational system.