Major Requirements
Modality: Face-to-Face
The 121 credit-hour minimum is achievable by using specific courses that meet both general education requirements and the Special Education major curriculum requirements. We recommend students work with their academic advisor.
Special education majors take all of the coursework needed to fulfill the requirements for the Middle Grades Literacy Endorsement. The coursework is already embedded into the program. The requirements for the Middle Grades Endorsement, set forth by the state, add value to the special education teacher candidate's preparation by providing a content area endorsement in addition to the Special Education License-LBS1.
This is a subsequent endorsement, requiring a passing score on the Content test in Middle Grades (5-8) Language Arts and an additional ISBER processing fee.
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) are general education courses Concordia-Chicago agrees to accept in lieu of comparable, lower-division general education requirements. For more information regarding IAI transfer credit, please see the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s iTransfer website at www.itransfer.org.
This major requires a grade of C or higher for all courses (including general education).
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COL-1995 | Vocation and College Success (Freshman only, transfer students are exempt) | 1 |
Theology – Public Teacher Education (6 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Courses, choose one | 3 | |
| The Bible (B) | ||
| Introduction to the Old Testament (B) | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament (B) | ||
| Theological Course | 3 | |
| Introduction to Christianity (S) | ||
General Education Requirements
Communications (9 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ENG-1100 | English Composition | 3 |
| ENG-2000 | Writing About Literature | 3 |
| The above courses must pass with a C or higher per IAI requirements. | ||
| COM-1100 | Speech Communication | 3 |
Humanities (9 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities: Required Course | 3 | |
| History of the American People to 1877 | ||
or HIS-1250 | History of the American People since 1877 | |
| Fine Arts: Select one from the following | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Two-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Three-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Western Art: Pre-History through Renaissance | ||
| Western Art: Post Renaissance through Contemporary | ||
| Non-Western Art 1 | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| World Perspectives Through Documentary | ||
| Exploration of Music | ||
| Survey of Western Music | ||
| Music of World Cultures 1 | ||
| History of Jazz | ||
| Introduction to Theater | ||
| Select one Humanities or Fine Arts from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Two-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Three-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Non-Western Art | ||
| Western Art: Pre-History through Renaissance | ||
| Western Art: Post Renaissance through Contemporary | ||
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| World Perspectives Through Documentary | ||
| Literature for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (This course is an ISBE requirement) | ||
| Non-Western Literature | ||
| U.S. Latina/o Literature(s) | ||
| Greek & Roman Mythology | ||
| African American Literature | ||
| Classical World Literature | ||
| Modern World Literature | ||
| German for Reading I | ||
| German for Reading II | ||
| Greek I | ||
| Greek II | ||
| Hebrew I | ||
| Hebrew II | ||
| History of Modern Europe Since 1815 | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| U.S. Women's History | ||
| African American History | ||
| Hispanic and Latino American History | ||
| Ancient Greek and Roman Civilizations | ||
| Latin I | ||
| Latin II | ||
| Exploration of Music | ||
| Survey of Western Music | ||
| Music of World Cultures | ||
| History of Jazz | ||
| Primer in Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion | ||
| Introduction to Logic | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Theater | ||
Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDUC-2020 | Human and Cognitive Development (This is an ISBE requirement ) | 3 |
| PSY-2125 | Child and Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| Select one additional course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 1 | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Geography of North America | ||
| World Geography: Culture Patterns 1 | ||
| The Developing World 1 | ||
| Introduction to Global Cultural Studies | ||
| Engaging Diversity: U.S. Perspectives | ||
| American Government and Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| The Mind and the Brain | ||
| Developmental Psychology: Life Span | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Race, Ethnicity, and Racism in the U.S. | ||
Physical and Life Science (7- 8 Hours)
All College of Education students must complete coursework in the following areas: biology, chemistry or earth science. At least one of the transfer courses in science must include a lab.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Requirements Select One | 4 | |
| Consumer Chemistry (With Lab) | ||
| Chemistry in the World Today | ||
| Health Science Applications in Chemistry | ||
| Fundamentals of Chemistry (With Lab) | ||
| Elements of Earth Science (With Lab) | ||
| Concepts in Life and Physical Science (With Lab) | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Energy and Our Environment (With Lab) | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability (With Lab) | ||
| Physics of Things We Use (With Lab) | ||
| Life Science Requirements Select One | 3-4 | |
| Biology in the World Today (With Lab) | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| General Biology I (With Lab) | ||
| General Biology II (With Lab) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I (With Lab) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology II (With Lab) | ||
| Fundamentals of Microbiology (With Lab) | ||
Mathematics (3 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-1611 | Math for Teachers: Geometry, Statistics, Function | 3 |
Students must also take the Theology – Church Worker Studies Minor for (21 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Methods Course | 3 | |
| Lutheran Teacher: Vocation and Methods | ||
| Theology Courses (2.75 GPA is Required) | ||
| Required courses | 12 | |
| Introduction to the Old Testament (B) | ||
| Martin Luther's Small and Large Catechisms (S) | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament (B) | ||
| Survey of Church History (H) | ||
| Select two courses from list below: | 6 | |
| The Augsburg Confession and its Apology (S) | ||
| The Ancient Creeds, the Smalcald Articles, and the Treaties (S) | ||
| The Formula of Concord (S) | ||
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses in Education | ||
| EDUC-1050 | Introduction to American Education 1 | 3 |
| EDUC-1070 | Media and Technology in the Classroom | 3 |
| Human and Cognitive Development (This may satisfy a General Education requirement ) | ||
| EDUC-2050 | Teaching in Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC-2090 | Characteristics and Instruction of Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| Prerequisites to the Special Education Professional Coursework | ||
| EDUC-2500 | Foundations of Literacy | 3 |
| Literature for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (This may satisfy a General Education requirement ) | ||
| MAT-1411 | Mathematics for Teachers: Number and Measurement | 3 |
| Child and Adolescent Psychology (This may satisfy a General Education requirement ) | ||
| Professional Education Courses for Teacher Candidacy in Special Education 2 | ||
| Special Education Methods Block I 3 | ||
| EDEL-3500 | Content and Methods for Elementary Literacy | 3 |
| EDSP-4751 | Characteristics of Students with Special Needs: High Incidence | 3 |
| EDSP-4752 | Instructional Strategies and Curricular Adaptations for Students with Special Needs: High Incidence | 4 |
| EDSP-4754 | Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
| Special Education Methods Block II 3 | ||
| EDEL-4905 | Content and Methods for Elementary Math | 3 |
| (Prerequisite: MAT-1411, MAT-1805 and MAT-1812 and acceptance into the College of Education ) | ||
| EDSP-4761 | Characteristics of Students with Special Needs: Low Incidence | 3 |
| EDSP-4762 | Instructional Strategies and Curriculum Adaptations for Student with Special Needs: Low Incidence | 4 |
| EDSP-4763 | Adaptive and Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
| EDSC-4220 | Literacy Instruction in the Content Areas | 3 |
| Specail Education Methods Block III 3 | ||
| EDMG-4900 | Content and Methods for Middle Grades Literacy | 3 |
| EDSP-4771 | Educational Collaboration | 3 |
| EDSP-4772 | Including Individuals with Disabilities in School and Community | 3 |
| EDSP-4773 | Classroom Behavior Support and Management | 3 |
| EDSP-4774 | Topics and Procedures in Special Education | 3 |
| Student Teaching Internship Semester | ||
| EDSP-4960 | Student Teaching Internship - Special Education | 15 |
| EDUC-4985 | Student Teaching Seminar | 0 |
| Minor (Optional) | ||
| Lutheran Teacher Education students automatically fulfill the requirements for a Theology minor | ||
| Electives | ||
| As needed to meet the 121-hour degree requirement | ||
| Total Hours | 77 | |
- 1
LTE candidates should take EDUC-1060 Intro to American Education for Public & Lutheran Teachers.
- 2
Must be admitted to Teacher Candidacy to enroll in the professional methods coursework. The professional coursework sequence focuses on the professional formation of the teacher.
- 3
Blocks I, II and III are taken in sequence and contain coursework required to be taken as a group in the same semester.
- 5
Course meets general education requirements and major requirements. While fulfilling two requirements, course credit is only counted once. Course credit is included in the general education credit total.
The total hours for the program is 121 credits. This includes general education, electives and major requirements above.
Middle Grades Literacy Endorsement Option for Special Education Majors
Special Education majors take all of the coursework needed to fulfill the requirements for the Middle Grades Literacy Endorsement. The coursework is already embedded into the program. The requirements for the Middle Grades Endorsement, set forth by the state, add value to the special education teacher candidate’s preparation by providing a content area endorsement in addition to the Special Education License – LBS1.
This is a subsequent endorsement, requiring a passing score on the Content test in Middle Grades (5-8) Language Arts and an additional ISBE processing fee.
Student Teaching Internship
The Student Teaching Internship is in a special education assignment every day for the 16-week semester under the guidance of a classroom cooperating teacher. Candidates must also enroll in the edTPA Seminar and Colloquium during the internship. The intern will be supported and evaluated by the University supervisor. Candidates must meet the requirements for Transition Point Two: Admission to the Student Teaching Internship Semester to begin the internship. Subsequently, candidates must meet the requirements for Transition Point Three: Completion of the Student Teaching Internship Semester. Attendance at scheduled edTPA seminars and Colloquium is required.
College of Education Manual provides details and guidelines for meeting the criteria for successful completion of the Internship Semester and the process for obtaining the Illinois Professional Educator License.
Major Requirements
Modality: Face-to-Face
The 121 credit-hour minimum is achievable by using specific courses that meet both general education requirements and the Special Education major curriculum requirements. We recommend students work with their academic advisor.
Special education majors take all of the coursework needed to fulfill the requirements for the Middle Grades Literacy Endorsement. The coursework is already embedded into the program. The requirements for the Middle Grades Endorsement, set forth by the state, add value to the special education teacher candidate's preparation by providing a content area endorsement in addition to the Special Education License-LBS1.
This is a subsequent endorsement, requiring a passing score on the Content test in Middle Grades (5-8) Language Arts and an additional ISBER processing fee.
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) are general education courses Concordia-Chicago agrees to accept in lieu of comparable, lower-division general education requirements. For more information regarding IAI transfer credit, please see the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s iTransfer website at www.itransfer.org.
This major requires a grade of C or higher for all courses (including general education).
University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COL-1995 | Vocation and College Success (Freshman only, transfer students are exempt) | 1 |
Theology – Public Teacher Education (6 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Courses, choose one | 3 | |
| The Bible (B) | ||
| Introduction to the Old Testament (B) | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament (B) | ||
| Theological Course | 3 | |
| Introduction to Christianity (S) | ||
General Education Requirements
Communications (9 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ENG-1100 | English Composition | 3 |
| ENG-2000 | Writing About Literature | 3 |
| The above courses must pass with a C or higher per IAI requirements. | ||
| COM-1100 | Speech Communication | 3 |
Humanities (9 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities: Required Course | 3 | |
| History of the American People to 1877 | ||
or HIS-1250 | History of the American People since 1877 | |
| Fine Arts: Select one from the following | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Two-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Three-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Western Art: Pre-History through Renaissance | ||
| Western Art: Post Renaissance through Contemporary | ||
| Non-Western Art 1 | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| World Perspectives Through Documentary | ||
| Exploration of Music | ||
| Survey of Western Music | ||
| Music of World Cultures 1 | ||
| History of Jazz | ||
| Introduction to Theater | ||
| Select one Humanities or Fine Arts from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Two-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Three-Dimensional Basic Studio | ||
| Non-Western Art | ||
| Western Art: Pre-History through Renaissance | ||
| Western Art: Post Renaissance through Contemporary | ||
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| World Perspectives Through Documentary | ||
| Literature for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (This course is an ISBE requirement) | ||
| Non-Western Literature | ||
| U.S. Latina/o Literature(s) | ||
| Greek & Roman Mythology | ||
| African American Literature | ||
| Classical World Literature | ||
| Modern World Literature | ||
| German for Reading I | ||
| German for Reading II | ||
| Greek I | ||
| Greek II | ||
| Hebrew I | ||
| Hebrew II | ||
| History of Modern Europe Since 1815 | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| U.S. Women's History | ||
| African American History | ||
| Hispanic and Latino American History | ||
| Ancient Greek and Roman Civilizations | ||
| Latin I | ||
| Latin II | ||
| Exploration of Music | ||
| Survey of Western Music | ||
| Music of World Cultures | ||
| History of Jazz | ||
| Primer in Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion | ||
| Introduction to Logic | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Theater | ||
Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDUC-2020 | Human and Cognitive Development (This is an ISBE requirement ) | 3 |
| PSY-2125 | Child and Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| Select one additional course from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 1 | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Geography of North America | ||
| World Geography: Culture Patterns 1 | ||
| The Developing World 1 | ||
| Introduction to Global Cultural Studies | ||
| Engaging Diversity: U.S. Perspectives | ||
| American Government and Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| The Mind and the Brain | ||
| Developmental Psychology: Life Span | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Race, Ethnicity, and Racism in the U.S. | ||
Physical and Life Science (7- 8 Hours)
All College of Education students must complete coursework in the following areas: biology, chemistry or earth science. At least one of the transfer courses in science must include a lab.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Requirements Select One | 4 | |
| Consumer Chemistry (With Lab) | ||
| Chemistry in the World Today | ||
| Health Science Applications in Chemistry | ||
| Fundamentals of Chemistry (With Lab) | ||
| Elements of Earth Science (With Lab) | ||
| Concepts in Life and Physical Science (With Lab) | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Energy and Our Environment (With Lab) | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability (With Lab) | ||
| Physics of Things We Use (With Lab) | ||
| Life Science Requirements Select One | 3-4 | |
| Biology in the World Today (With Lab) | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| General Biology I (With Lab) | ||
| General Biology II (With Lab) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I (With Lab) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology II (With Lab) | ||
| Fundamentals of Microbiology (With Lab) | ||
Mathematics (3 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MAT-1611 | Math for Teachers: Geometry, Statistics, Function | 3 |
Students must also take the Theology – Church Worker Studies Minor for (21 Hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Methods Course | 3 | |
| Lutheran Teacher: Vocation and Methods | ||
| Theology Courses (2.75 GPA is Required) | ||
| Required courses | 12 | |
| Introduction to the Old Testament (B) | ||
| Martin Luther's Small and Large Catechisms (S) | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament (B) | ||
| Survey of Church History (H) | ||
| Select two courses from list below: | 6 | |
| The Augsburg Confession and its Apology (S) | ||
| The Ancient Creeds, the Smalcald Articles, and the Treaties (S) | ||
| The Formula of Concord (S) | ||
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses in Education | ||
| EDUC-1050 | Introduction to American Education 1 | 3 |
| EDUC-1070 | Media and Technology in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDUC-2020 | Human and Cognitive Development (Can satisfy a General Education Requirement) | 3 |
| EDUC-2050 | Teaching in Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC-2090 | Characteristics and Instruction of Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| Prerequisites to the Special Education Professional Coursework | ||
| EDUC-2500 | Foundations of Literacy | 3 |
| EDUC-2400 | Literature for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (Can satisfy a General Education requirement) | 3 |
| MAT-1411 | Mathematics for Teachers: Number and Measurement | 3 |
| PSY-2125 | Child and Adolescent Psychology (Can satisfy a General education Requirement) | 3 |
| Professional Education Courses for Teacher Candidacy in Special Education 2 | ||
| Special Education Methods Block I 3 | ||
| EDEL-3500 | Content and Methods for Elementary Literacy | 3 |
| EDSP-4751 | Characteristics of Students with Special Needs: High Incidence | 3 |
| EDSP-4752 | Instructional Strategies and Curricular Adaptations for Students with Special Needs: High Incidence | 4 |
| EDSP-4754 | Assessment of Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
| Special Education Methods Block II 3 | ||
| EDEL-4905 | Content and Methods for Elementary Math | 3 |
| (Prerequisite: MAT-1411, MAT-1805 and MAT-1812 and acceptance into the College of Education ) | ||
| EDSP-4761 | Characteristics of Students with Special Needs: Low Incidence | 3 |
| EDSP-4762 | Instructional Strategies and Curriculum Adaptations for Student with Special Needs: Low Incidence | 4 |
| EDSP-4763 | Adaptive and Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
| EDSC-4220 | Literacy Instruction in the Content Areas | 3 |
| Specail Education Methods Block III 3 | ||
| EDMG-4900 | Content and Methods for Middle Grades Literacy | 3 |
| EDSP-4771 | Educational Collaboration | 3 |
| EDSP-4772 | Including Individuals with Disabilities in School and Community | 3 |
| EDSP-4773 | Classroom Behavior Support and Management | 3 |
| EDSP-4774 | Topics and Procedures in Special Education | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| As needed to meet the 121-hour degree requirement | ||
- 1
LTE candidates should take EDUC-1060 Intro to American Education for Public & Lutheran Teachers.
- 2
Must be admitted to Teacher Candidacy to enroll in the professional methods coursework. The professional coursework sequence focuses on the professional formation of the teacher.
- 3
Blocks I, II and III are taken in sequence and contain coursework required to be taken as a group in the same semester.
- 5
Course meets general education requirements and major requirements. While fulfilling two requirements, course credit is only counted once. Course credit is included in the general education credit total.
The total hour for the program is 121 credits. This includes general education, electives and major requirements above.
The College of Education Manual provides details and guidelines for meeting the criteria for successful completion of the Internship Semester and the process for obtaining the Illinois Professional Educator License.
Graduation Requirements
Students in the College of Education must meet all University requirements found in the Academic Information section of this catalog. Specific requirements of the College of Education include the following:
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all college-level coursework completed at CUC.
- A minimum grade of C or higher is required for all courses taken in a CUC COE program. This includes all General education and transfer credit courses.
Students in the Education Studies program follow CUC's minimum standards of a 2.0 GPA and in General Education a D- or above is acceptable.
The College of Education Initial Licensure Program has a stipulation indicating that students in the COE may not take any course as Pass/Fail without permission of the Division Chair or College Dean. Students may not take a course as Pass/Fail, including courses with the following course codes - EDEC, EDEL, EDMG, EDSC, EDSP, EDKS and EDUC. The student teaching internship course and the edTPA course are excluded from this policy because they are automatically Pass/Fail. General education courses outside of the required licensure programs may be taken as Pass/Fail if they are in alignment with the University policy.
In addition to the overall minimum credits for the degree major, minor, endorsement, and special programs (Honors Program for example) requirements are also necessary if they have been declared. Deficiency in any area of the program will delay awarding of the degree and will require filing of a new intent to graduate. Students may elect to drop minors, additional endorsements, or other special programs if they present an obstacle to graduation.
General Undergraduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago undergraduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into undergraduate degree-seeking programs for online (ADP) and on-campus (Traditional) study in the fall and spring semesters. If you have any questions please work with your admissions advisors.