Overview

The B.A. in Special Education at North Central College provides a robust foundation for students dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse learning needs and disabilities. This programme integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive practical experience to ensure graduates are ready to lead inclusive classrooms. Students explore the intersection of neurology, law, and pedagogy to create effective, learner-centred environments.

Why Special Education at North Central College?

Students benefit from a curriculum built on Critical Disability Theory, which emphasises cultural responsiveness and the removal of societal barriers. The university offers unique field experiences across three distinct educational levels: elementary, secondary, and transition centres for young adults. This structured approach allows teacher candidates to refine their skills in various settings before completing a final student teaching residency.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers essential topics in pedagogy, assessment, and specialised instruction. Modules may include:

Special Education, Disability Law and Policy
Collaboration With Families, Caregivers, Professionals and Community
Assistive Technology
Social Emotional Learning Interventions
Diagnosis and Assessment of Students with Disabilities
Mathematics
Equity and Access in Systems of Education
Psychology
Transition to Postsecondary Options

Careers with Special Education

Graduates are highly sought after due to a nationwide shortage of qualified special education professionals, with the university expecting a 100% placement rate for its candidates. Alumni find rewarding roles in both public and private schools across Illinois and the wider United States, often working with students from kindergarten through to age 22. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced degrees in speech-language pathology, school social work, or educational psychology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Assistive Technology
Collaboration with Families, Caregivers, Professionals & the Community
Diagnosis & Assessment
Disability Law & Policy
Equity & Access in Systems of Education

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

Special Education View 573 other Bachelors in Special Education in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Special Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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