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    University of Illinois Chicago

    Master of Education in Special Education

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Chicago, USMEdHybrid1 year
    $55,496.00
    Tuition
    over 12mo
    36
    Credits
    $70.00
    App fee

    Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago is a 36-credit, 1-year, hybrid MEd program based in Chicago, US. Tuition is $55,496.

    About the program

    Prepares graduates to work with people with disabilities aged 5-21 in educational and community settings. Students can add initial Illinois licensure and credentials such as LBS I and II endorsements.

    Focus: coursework
    QS World University Rankings by Subject (Education and Training): 83
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2026
    May 15, 2026
    Spring 2027
    Oct 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT (exams taken on or after January 21, 2026): 4.5 total (R4 L4 S4.5 W4.5); prior: 80 total (R19 L17 S20 W21)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each subscore)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago is $55,496 across 36 required credits.
    Is Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago online or in-person?
    Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago is offered hybrid.
    How long does Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago take to complete?
    Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago is structured around 1 year and 36 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Per the program's published guidance: At least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study
    What work-permit options follow Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Education in Special Education at University of Illinois Chicago: 12 months OPT (US)