Governor's State University
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Multicategorical Special Education, M.A.

Earn Your Master's Degree in Multicategorical Special Education, LBS1 Endorsement, or Director of Special Education Endorsement

The ongoing shortage of special education professionals leaves many students with disabilities without access to the quality education they deserve. 

By earning your Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education (MCSE), LBS1, or Director Endorsement, you'll gain the skills to foster academic and social-emotional growth while making a lasting difference in the lives of students with disabilities. 

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Virtual Information Sessions

Interested in learning more about the M.A. in Multicategorical Special Education or LBS1 Endorsement? 

Virtual information sessions are held on the first Thursday of each month, 5:30pm-6:30pm.
Check back soon for the registration link for the June 4, 2026 session. 

Check back soon for next month's registration link

Study Track Options

The MCSE program offers four different study tracks that will further your education.

    M.A. in Multicategorical Special Education- Initial Licensure

    Seeking the initial license? Upon completing this 36-credit-hour study track, you will receive your Professional Educator License (PEL), LBS1 Endorsement, and M.A. Degree

    M.A. in Multicategorical Special Education- Advanced Licensure

    Already have your teaching license? Strengthen your teaching resume with this 34-credit-hour study track by earning your M.A. Degree and LBS1 Endorsement 

    Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement

    Already a teacher but not looking for a master’s degree? Earn your LBS1 with only 9-12 additional credit hours. Apply as a non-degree-seeking student

    Director of Special Education Endorsement

    For those who wish to advance their career with the Director of Special Education (DOSE) Endorsement with only 12 credit hours - program is coming soon.  Apply as a non-degree-seeking student

    Career Paths

    Many doors will open for you once you earn your M.A. in Multicategorical Special Education, LBS1, or Director Endorsement. Here are just some of the potential careers you can pursue:

    • Special Education Teacher
    • Special Education Coordinator/Director
    • Educational Diagnostician
    • Behavior Specialist

    • Early Intervention Specialist

       

    What You'll Study

    Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.

    Courses are offered in a mix of online synchronous and online asynchronous formats.

    View Catalog

    Program Requirements

    • M.A. Program (initial licensure)
      • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university (any major)
      • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be admitted
    • M.A. Program (advanced licensure), LBS1, and Director Endorsement
      • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
      • Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
      • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be admitted

     

    Application Materials

    • Official transcript(s) from all previous college work
    • Statement of Interest (statement of why you are pursuing this degree/endorsement)
    • Current resume
    • Advanced Licensure Only - Screenshot of your Professional Educator License (PEL)

    Financial Aid and Scholarships

    At GovState, many scholarships are available and can make your education even more affordable!

    Learn More about Financial Aid

    Accredited Program

    We are proud that our program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

    Faculty and Staff Contacts

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