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Special Education - Program Admission

Program admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Some undergraduate special education programs have admissions processes separate from the general college admissions process. In such a case, you typically apply to the special education program after your freshman or sophomore year.

Program admissions vary. However, for all programs, you need good grades. You also usually need to complete some combination of the following requirements:

• Praxis I (or an equivalent exam that tests your general academic skills)
• Personal interview
• Personal statement

You may need to complete the following courses to qualify for the program:

• Characteristics of Learning Disabilities
• Educating Exceptional Learners
• Educational Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Survey of Exceptional Children

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• General Computer Applications
• Child Development and Parenting
• Teacher Aide
• Tutoring Practicum
• Community Service
• Teacher Assisting
• Education Methodology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.
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