Special Education

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,140*

Improve the lives of children with disabilities

Provide a person-centered approach to teaching and learning. Fulfill your purpose in a rewarding career, and make a positive difference in the lives of children.

Build a foundation for a 4-year degree with an associate degree in special education. Lead tomorrow’s young minds with compassion, composure and creativity.

What can you do with a degree in Special Education?

Complete the special education course sequences to become eligible for transfer to a 4-year institution. A bachelor’s degree in special education prepares you for licensure in Illinois.

After further education, you can begin a career in any of the following:

  • preschool teacher
  • special education associate
  • teacher's aide

Things you'll love about this program

  • strong transfer agreements with 4-year schools
  • field experiences in local school districts
  • partnerships with local schools = job opportunities!
  • curriculum emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion
  • classes taught by expert professors with local K-12 experience

Highlights

  • 100% Online

    Can be completed 100% online.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.


Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    MTH 121

    MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I

    Class Description

    This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    EDU 121

    EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching

    Class Description

    This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 121
      Course Title

      MTH 121 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I

      Class Description

      This is the first college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include problem solving, sets, logic, functions, numeration systems, real number system, number theory, probability and statistics. To fulfill the general education core curriculum math requirement the second course in the sequence, Math 221 (Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II), must also be completed. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EDU 121
      Course Title

      EDU 121 Introduction to Teaching

      Class Description

      This course provides the prospective teacher with an introduction to teaching in United States school systems. Other topics included are history and philosophy of education, school organization and governance, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    MTH 221

    MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II

    Class Description

    This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
         		3
    BIO 141

    BIO 141 Concepts in Biology

    Class Description

    This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
         		4
    HST 221

    HST 221 United States History to 1876

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the end of Reconstruction. Among the topics to be explored are: pre-Columbian Americans, European exploration and colonization of the Americas, African slavery and the Atlantic trade, British Colonial America, the American move to Independence and the establishment of the United States, the Early Republic and the Age of Jackson, Westward Expansion and Sectionalism, and lastly the Civil War and Reconstruction.
         		3
    ECE 124

    ECE 124 Child Development for Educators

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 221
      Course Title

      MTH 221 Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II

      Class Description

      This is the second college-level math course in a two course sequence which is intended for students planning to major in elementary education. This course is not intended to offer teaching methods to future educators. Topics include probability, statistics, modeling, plane and solid geometry, measurement, similarity and congruence, geometric constructions, area, volume, classroom manipulatives, and/or computer software.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 141
      Course Title

      BIO 141 Concepts in Biology

      Class Description

      This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HST 221
      Course Title

      HST 221 United States History to 1876

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the end of Reconstruction. Among the topics to be explored are: pre-Columbian Americans, European exploration and colonization of the Americas, African slavery and the Atlantic trade, British Colonial America, the American move to Independence and the establishment of the United States, the Early Republic and the Age of Jackson, Westward Expansion and Sectionalism, and lastly the Civil War and Reconstruction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ECE 124
      Course Title

      ECE 124 Child Development for Educators

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of the theory and principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Content includes an in-depth study of the inter-relatedness of physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity, and society. Special emphasis will be on the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Gardner with implications for applied classroom practice. ECE 124 and EDU 124 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    MUS 124

    MUS 124 Music Appreciation

    Class Description

    This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
         		3
    ENG 249

    ENG 249 Children's Literature

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to significant works, authors and trends in literature written for children and young adults. Emphasis will be placed on identifying various literary genres, developing criteria for evaluation of texts as well as exploring multicultural works.
         		3
    EDU 222

    EDU 222 The Exceptional Child

    Class Description

    This course is an overview of children and adolescents with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. It includes assessment, screening, educational needs, family communication, community resources, and legal aspects.
         		3
    EDU 223

    EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MUS 124
      Course Title

      MUS 124 Music Appreciation

      Class Description

      This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 249
      Course Title

      ENG 249 Children's Literature

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to significant works, authors and trends in literature written for children and young adults. Emphasis will be placed on identifying various literary genres, developing criteria for evaluation of texts as well as exploring multicultural works.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EDU 222
      Course Title

      EDU 222 The Exceptional Child

      Class Description

      This course is an overview of children and adolescents with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. It includes assessment, screening, educational needs, family communication, community resources, and legal aspects.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EDU 223
      Course Title

      EDU 223 Technology in the Classroom

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the uses of basic technology for management and instruction in PreK-12 classrooms. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to appropriately and responsibly use technology tools, resources, processes, and systems; to access, retrieve and evaluate information from various media; and to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Note: Basic computer skills recommended.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3

    ESC 224

    		3
    EDU 224

    EDU 224 Diversity in Schools and Society

    Class Description

    This course will survey the personal, social, political, legal, cultural, and educational factors involved in diversity and human relations, and how these factors impact teaching, learning, and other human interactions. The course will cover the major diversity theories, as well as use an experiential model for making theoretical knowledge relevant in the individual teacher's life. Topics include racial, ethnic, social class, linguistic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity.
         		3
    EDU 225

    EDU 225 Educational Psychology

    Class Description

    This course addresses psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity.
         		3
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code
      Course Title

      ESC 224

      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EDU 224
      Course Title

      EDU 224 Diversity in Schools and Society

      Class Description

      This course will survey the personal, social, political, legal, cultural, and educational factors involved in diversity and human relations, and how these factors impact teaching, learning, and other human interactions. The course will cover the major diversity theories, as well as use an experiential model for making theoretical knowledge relevant in the individual teacher's life. Topics include racial, ethnic, social class, linguistic, religious, cultural, and sexual diversity.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EDU 225
      Course Title

      EDU 225 Educational Psychology

      Class Description

      This course addresses psychological principles underlying educational practice. Theories concerning cognitive and psychological development, human learning, and motivation are studied with emphasis on application for instruction, including assessment. Emphasis will also be placed on learner-centered instruction and diversity.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

60

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


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What students say about CLC


  • John Randolph

    John Randolph

    Graduate

    “The education courses at CLC were very engaging. I found the instructors had a passion for what they were teaching.”

    John studied education at CLC, then transferred to complete his bachelor's and master's degrees. He now is principal of Round Lake Middle School and teaches education classes at CLC part time. 

    Read John's story

    John Randolph

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