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

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.


Exception occured while executing the controller. Check error logs for details.

*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.



Female student taking notes in class

Education at CLC: Get the bigger picture

An associate degree is just one possible way to study Education. Get the bigger picture — degrees, credentials, and extra options.

View the Education Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

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

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

1/4