In the B.S. Ed. in Special Education degree, candidates focus their studies in one emphasis: Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I), Visual Impairments, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), or Special Populations. The LBS I cross-categorical emphasis prepares candidates to obtain an Illinois professional educator license (PEL) with entitlement as a Learning Behavior Specialist I (K-age 21). The emphasis in Visual Impairments prepares candidates to obtain a PEL with entitlement in the area of Teacher of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (K-age 21). The VRT emphasis prepares students to obtain national licensure from the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals. Candidates in the VRT emphasis prepare to teach independent living skills to individuals with visual impairments. The VRT program does not lead to a PEL in the State of Illinois. The Special Populations emphasis prepares students to work with individuals with a range of disabilities across the lifespan in settings such as group homes, private agencies, and community organizations. The Special Populations emphasis does not lead to a PEL in the State of Illinois.
The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.