Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University’s faculty teach you right here at Harper’s campus
As a partner of Harper College’s University Center, Southern Illinois University offers
you the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Special Education on Harper’s
campus. This degree, offered through SIU's School of Education, spans elementary and
secondary levels and includes the full continuum of special education services. Upon
completion of the degree and Teacher Education Program (TEP) requirements, you will
be qualified to apply for the State of Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
with the Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) endorsement.
Program highlights
Taught by SIU faculty both on site at Harper’s campus and online.
Flexibility to complete your bachelor's degree on a part-time or full-time schedule.
Cohort model for courses, allowing you to establish a network that you'll carry throughout
your career.
Dedicated advising from SIU to provide support as you balance work, home and school
demands.
SIU’s B.S. in Special Education prepares you as a future educator to support students
with disabilities through specialized academic and behavioral interventions, thoughtful
collaboration, and evidence-based instruction. You will build practical expertise
in instructional planning, assessment, reading, functional curriculum, classroom and
behavior management, family-school partnerships, transition programming, and individualized
education programs. Field experiences, observation, research opportunities, and student
teaching enable you to connect coursework with real-world experience.
Possible careers
Special Education Teacher (elementary, middle and secondary school settings)
Transition or Vocational Special Education Teacher
Admissions requirements
2.75 GPA or higher (also required for professional student-teaching)
Completion of the following Harper College courses as part of your associate degree:
ENG 101
ENG 102
MTH 131
PSY 101
EDU 220
Admission to SIU does not guarantee admission to the TEP. Students must satisfy TEP
admission and clinical experience requirements.
Application process
Submit an application at siu.edu/apply, selecting "Harper University Center" when
prompted on the Partnerships and Agreements page of the application.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities where you have previously
enrolled. Students with prior college credit will receive a transfer credit evaluation
upon admission.
You do not need to have attended Harper College for admission to this program.
After your application is complete and you have been admitted, you will be contacted
by an SIU academic advisor to schedule an initial advising appointment.
Take your first step toward earning a bachelor’s degree through the University Center
by requesting information. A University Center representative will reach out to review your academic goals
and create a customized University Center plan.
