Director of Special Education Certificate

About the Director of Special Education Certificate at Loyola

Become a leader in special education who can establish effective and equitable systems that support children with special needs through the Director of Special Education Certificate at Loyola University Chicago.

Through this online special education certificate, you can immediately apply the skills, perspectives, and knowledge you gain to establish systems of equity.

You will take four online courses, which are designed to align with national and Illinois state standards. After completing this special education certification, you can apply to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to have the Director of Special Education endorsement added to your Professional Educator License.

Program Structure

The Director of Special Education Certificate can be pursued part-time. All courses, including field supervision, are offered online.

Why Choose Loyola for the Director of Special Education Certificate?

Led by experienced advocates for children with special needs

You will learn from the best transformative leaders in local schools and districts who have a breadth of experience as administrators and advocates for children with special needs.

The online special education certificate puts you on the path to be eligible for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Director of Special Education endorsement.

You will benefit from field experience developed collaboratively with a Director of Special Education and the Loyola University Chicago School of Education faculty.

Throughout this special education graduate program, you will network with a cohort of students who will share your passion for advocating for children with special needs.

You will have the flexibility to earn your ISBE Director of Special Education endorsement while working full time through this one-year, online special education certificate.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Director of Special Education Certificate program.

Faculty

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Director of Special Education Certificate program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Director of Special Education Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Director of Special Education Certificate totals $12300.00, or 12 credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.

More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

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Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Director of Special Education Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fall: April 1

Please note that applications are not reviewed until the deadline passes, and decisions are typically made no later than May 1.

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Director of Special Education Certificate include:

  • Official Transcripts

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Licensure

  • Resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Work Experience

Prerequisite Standing Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master's degree or EdS.

Statement of Purpose Details

Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice. This should include any research and professional experiences as well as how you have demonstrated transformational leadership throughout your P-12 experience.

Official Documents

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Director of Special Education Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

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