Program Details
- Next Start Date: January 11, 2027
- Est. Program Length: 2 Semesters
- Credit Hours: 12
- Course Length: 8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit: $505
Program Overview
What Does Aurora University’s Online Director of Special Education Endorsement Involve?
The Director of Special Education Endorsement prepares Illinois teachers and administrators for leadership roles in special education. This fully online endorsement covers all four courses required by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), giving you the knowledge and skills to lead effectively as a special education administrator.
Learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world insight and practical guidance to every course. Small class sizes create space for meaningful discussion and personalized attention throughout.
Courses are fully online, offering a convenient, flexible format that fits around your career. Upon completion, and once you meet all ISBE requirements, you become eligible to apply for endorsement as a special education director.
Curriculum Overview
Coursework spans program supervision, special education finance, school law, and current research in cross-categorical programming. Courses are taught by faculty with real-world special education experience.
Skills Gained in the Director of Special Education Endorsement
Earn your Director of Special Education Endorsement from Aurora University in just 12 credit hours. Prepare to lead in roles that will draw on your new skills and expertise in:
- Evaluating and improving student support services.
- Interpreting and complying with special education laws and policies.
- Staffing, hiring, and evaluating special education programs.
- Including parents and community members as active participants.
- Supporting and mentoring school and district leaders.
- Understanding special education finance regulations and policies.
Why Choose AU?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- No application fee
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Details
- Next Start Date:January 11, 2027
- Est. Program Length:2 Semesters
- Credit Hours:12
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$505
Core Courses
- SPED6600 Supervisor of Programs for Children with Disabilities – 3 hours
- SPED6670 Special Education Finance – 3 hours
- EDU6575 School Leadership and the Law for Special Populations – 3 hours
- SPED6690 Current Research in Cross-Categorical Special Education Programming and Assessment – 3 hours
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates. This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
To be admitted as a graduate student and take DSEE courses, candidates must:
- Complete the Graduate Application for Admission.
- Submit official transcripts* showing a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree indicating a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Submit a current resume documenting two or more years of full-time experience providing special education services as a special education teacher, speech language pathologist, school counselor, school nurse, school social worker, or school psychologist.
- Applicants who do not currently hold an administrative endorsement and a current IL PEL in LBS1 or Support Personnel (School Psychologist or School Social Worker) are encouraged to submit their transcripts to ISBE for review prior to enrolling in the Director of Special Education coursework to determine whether any deficiencies must be addressed before receiving the endorsement.
Applicants should be aware of all additional requirements for the Director of Special Education Endorsement through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), including:
- Successful completion of the Director of Special Education content exam (180)
- Hold a professional educator license endorsed in an administrative field and complete 30 semester hours of coursework in special education with at least one course in special education law, special education finance, supervision of programs for children with disabilities, and cross-categorical special education methods. The remainder of the 30 semester hours of coursework may be in any of the following areas: curricular adaptation and modifications and assistive technology, facilitation of the least restrictive environment for all students, characteristics of students with disabilities, collaboration with parents and school personnel, transition services for students with disabilities, and educational and psychological diagnosis and remedial techniques.
*Most institutions use Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse to send transcripts. If your college or university does not use either, please have your official transcripts sent to AU-Etranscripts@aurora.edu or the mailing address below.
Aurora University
Office of Admission
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506
Transferable course credit is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact an enrollment counselor for more details.
Online Director of Special Education Endorsement Career Outcomes
Our graduates have been hired in a variety of schools across the state of Illinois. These include public, private, parochial, and special education settings. Some fulfilling career opportunities you could be qualified for with an endorsement include: /p>
- Principal - $104,0701
- Human resources manager - $140,0302
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Director of Special Education Endorsement a degree program?
No, the Director of Special Education Endorsement is an endorsement, not a degree. The endorsement is built for educators who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to move from the classroom into administration without committing to a full second master's degree. You will not graduate with a new degree title, but you will add an official state credential to your existing licensure that qualifies you for special education leadership roles. A student engagement specialist can share more about how this credential pairs with your current license.
What are the admission requirements for the Director of Special Education Endorsement?
Admission to the Director of Special Education Endorsement program requires a bachelor's degree, official transcripts, and a resume documenting at least two years of teaching or other education-related career experience. This experience requirement exists because the endorsement is designed for educators who are already working in schools and ready to step into a leadership track, not for those just entering the field. A student engagement specialist can review your specific teaching background to confirm you meet the experience threshold before you apply.
What careers does the Director of Special Education Endorsement prepare me for?
The Director of Special Education Endorsement prepares current educators to work effectively with students with varying disabilities while stepping into leadership roles such as assistant principal, department chair, and special education administrator. This online program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and aligned with the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. School leadership positions like these tend to offer strong earning potential compared to classroom teaching roles. Every endorsement pathway concludes with a state licensure exam, confirming you are prepared to lead before you step into the role. Review the career outcome for current earning potential.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, August 2025. “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved July 30, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/.
Next Steps
Apply Today
Fill out the free application to get started with your online endorsement courses.
Apply Now
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