Master's Degree Program Requirements

Being a part of the STEP=UP Master's Degree Program is a great way to jump-start your career as special education teacher. The program offers unique enrichment opportunities and financial incentives to help students thrive.

To ensure that our students get the most out of the program, we do require their participation in enrichment activities. There is also a service commitment upon completion of the program.

Master's Degree Program Benefits

  • Tuition paid for courses in the Special Education Masters Program*

  • Chicago Public School Mentor

  • Resource library with hands-on classroom materials

  • Field Advisories designed to showcase instructional practices and resources

  • Newsletters

  • Complete program in 2 years

  • Courses offered in the evenings**

  • $250 Book stipend (for students in STEP=UP 2)

  • Eligible upon graduation for the Illinois LBS1 Type 10 teaching certificate

  • Transition into special education support after graduation (seminar and resource module)

*Applicants with Type 3 or 9 certification will have all their tuition paid for; applicants without this certification will need to pay tuition for up 8 credits of the program.

**Some internships and field experiences require attendance on a few Saturdays or needing to make arrangements to work with students at other times.

Program Requirements

The student will:

  • Complete all UIC graduate school, Special Education LBS1 Master degree program, and state certification requirements.

  • Pay all university fees, testing and certification fees, books, and other college expenses.

  • Take the Illinois subject area test most closely associated with the undergraduate major prior to student teaching (required only for individuals who do not have a Type 3 or 9 certification). Tests are available in the following areas: English Language Arts; Mathematics; Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science,  Environmental Science, Physics); Social Studies (Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology). (For more details, please visit the Illinois Certification Testing System (ICTS) web site.)

  • Teach in the area of special education for 2 years for every year of funding (e.g., 24-48 credits = 4 years of teaching).

  • Enroll in three masters classes each spring and fall semester (in addition to the one credit hour STEP=UP course) and attend summer classes.

  • Participate in five meetings per semester (4-5 p.m.) as part of a one credit course each fall and spring semester in the program.

  • Enroll in a one credit course each semester which is directed by the STEP=UP project directors for a total of 4 credits by the completion of the program.

  • Remain in academic good standing throughout program.

  • Participate in ongoing communications through email and in classrooms when appropriate.

  • Participate in a mentoring relationship.

  • Communicate and meet with mentors for a minimum of 5 hours a semester.

  • Complete all internships and student teaching in 6th to 12th grade Chicago Public School classrooms

  • Actively engage in all program evaluation activities, including participating in an interview and completing a survey each semester.

  • Seek systematic input for self-placements in early field experiences.

  • Fulfill a service obligation. Please download our Federal Service Requirement File (MSWord, 42 KB)