Special Education Program Admission Requirements

Admission Eligibility

DePaul offers several program options in Special Education: a Special Education master's degree with initial license, Teaching License (PEL) and Special Education Endorsement, and Special Education Endorsement.

To be eligible to enroll in any of these programs, students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and state teaching licensure (for current teachers).

Application Requirements

A complete application to one of our Special Education programs will include the following materials:

• Graduate admission application
• $40 domestic application fee, $75 international application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Résumé
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or work supervisors
• Personal statement that discusses your future goals and your thoughts about your career as a special educator. As part of your statement, please consider the following: the possible tasks/roles of a special education teacher are multiple and include inclusion specialist, team teacher with general educators, specialized instruction for exceptional students, advocate for exceptional students, multiculturalist, and provider of staff development. From your perspective, rank order the tasks/roles and discuss your rationale for the top roles (at least 750 words).
• Initial license program requires a writing sample(e.g., a term paper, seminar paper, or senior thesis or portion thereof)
• Endorsement only requires a copy of current state teaching license

Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the U.S. or who are considered international students must submit additional materials. Visit our International Students page for more information.

Applicants can upload supplemental application materials, send requests for letters of recommendation, and pay the application fee through our online application system.

Application Deadlines

The Special Education licensure and master's degree program admits new students in the fall and winter quarters; the Special Education endorsement program and the initial license Special Education master's admit new students in the fall quarter only. Although these programs will accept applications up to a week before the term starts, we recommend that prospective students complete an application by its regular deadline.

*Only the Special Education master's degree for current teachers and licensure programs accept applications in the winter quarter.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so as soon as a complete application is submitted, it is sent to the program's admission committee for review. An applicant typically receives an admission decision in 3-4 weeks.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the Special Education graduate program and meet with program faculty at an upcoming information session.

Ready to apply?