A convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earn the Bachelor of Arts in Bachelor of Arts in Special Education.
Who can enroll in the program?
- Students who have completed an Associate in Arts (AA) degree with the specific required courses. (See specific course list below)
- New students interested in completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from Lewis University in partnership with COD.
- Students who graduated from COD and went elsewhere can be considered for the program if they complete an Associate in Arts degree with the required courses. A transcript evaluation needs to be completed by both schools.
How does the program work?
- This program results in a bachelor's degree in Special Education. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for a state of Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in Special Education. (Learning Behavior Specialist I-Grades K - Age 22)
- The first semester of Lewis University classes are usually held on the COD Glen Ellyn campus.
- All required field experiences for Lewis courses are assigned by Lewis University.
- Lewis University College of Education programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
- With this 2+2 program, students pay College of DuPage tuition for College of DuPage courses, and, Lewis University courses are offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate
The Advantage
The Enhanced 2+2 program allows students to complete their AA degree from College of DuPage. Once completed, our students are then allowed to take additional courses beyond their degree from COD paying our much lower tuition rates transferring up to 72 hours to Lewis University. The 2 years of classes are taught by Lewis University faculty with the first semester of courses offered on College of DuPage's campus and the remaining semesters at Lewis University's campus at a significantly reduced rate, making the goal of continuing an education a reality for more students. This program exemplifies College of DuPage's mission to make education more affordable for its students while stressing academic quality, first-class faculty and extraordinary learning environments.
- Degree: Associate in Arts (AA)
- Total Credits at College of DuPage: 64
Courses for Years 1 and 2
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGLI 1101 English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGLI 1102 English Composition II | 3 |
| SPEECH 1100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| IAI Physical Science * | 4-5 |
| IAI Life Science * | 4-5 |
| MATH 1321 Math for Elementary Teachers I | 4 |
| MATH 1322 Math for Elementary Teachers II | 3 |
| PSYCH 2280 Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 |
| IAI HUMANITIES (One recommended to be in the fine arts) |
9 |
| ENGLI 1157 Children's Literature OR EDUCA 2211 Survey of Literature for Children |
3 |
| POLITICAL SCIENCE 1101 American Politics | 3 |
| HISTO 1130 History of US to 1865 | 3 |
| HISTO 1140 History of US since 1865 | 3 |
| PSYCHO 2220 Educational Psychology OR EDUCA 2220 Instructional Psychology |
3 |
| EDUCA 1101 School Procedures I | 3 |
| PHILOSOPHY 1110 Ethics | 3 |
| EDUCA 2201 Education for Exceptional Children | 3 |
| Transfer oriented elective course to finish AA Recommended: EDUCA 1100 Intro to Education |
3 |
*One science course must have a lab
** Students should consult with College of DuPage Program Advisor on selection of these courses to maximize opportunity to achieve an Associate in Arts degree.
Completion of AA degree
Total Semester Credit Hours Transferred from College of DuPage = 67 Credit Hours
Year 3 & 4 Lewis University coursework
- Degree: BA Special Education
- Total credits at Lewis University: 61 Credit Hours
- First semester of Lewis University classes are usually held on the COD Glen Ellyn campus
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| SPED20000 Field Experience 1: Special Education | 1 |
| SPED22300 Disability Studies in Education | 3 |
| SCED22500 Curriculum & Instruction in MS | 3 |
| SPED30000 Field Experience II: Special Education | 1 |
| SPED30300 Development and Characteristics of Learners | 3 |
| SCED30400 Integrating Educational and Assistive Technology into the Classroom | 3 |
| ENLE31000 Foundations of Teaching ELL | 3 |
| SPED33200 Methods in the Content Areas | 3 |
| SPED33400 Transitions and Students with High Support Needs | 3 |
| ECED33500 Introduction to Linguistics and Language Development | 3 |
| SPED34000 Methods and Content of Teaching Science, Health and Movement | 3 |
| SPED35200 Methods and Content of Teaching Math | 3 |
| RDLT35300 Early Reading and Writing Methodologies | 3 |
| SPED35900 Assessment for Learning | 3 |
| SPED36400 Partnerships for Inclusive Education | 1 |
| SPED39100 Instructional Planning and Performance Based Assessment | 3 |
| SPED40000 Field Experience III: Special Education | 1 |
| SPED47100 Content Area Reading Strategies for Adolescent Learners | 3 |
| SPED48300 Clinical Practice and Seminar: Special Education | 9 |
| THEO10000 OR THEO10600 Theology |
3 |
| 20000 Level Theology or SOCI29000 Diversity & Social Justice | 3 |
Total Credits for Graduation: 129 credit hours
Total semester hours required to complete the entire program: (67 + 61) =129
Term-By-Term Plan
- Degree: AA degree
- Total Credits at College of DuPage: 64
| 1st Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGLI 1101 English Composition I | 3 |
| SPEEC 1100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| EDUCA 1100 Intro to Education | 3 |
| MATH 1321 Math for Elementary School Teachers I | 4 |
| PSYCH 1100 Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| 2nd Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGLI 1102 English Composition II | 3 |
| POLS American Politics | 3 |
| MATH 1322 Math for Elementary School Teachers II | 3 |
| Life Science Gen. Ed. (IAI course) | 4-5 |
| EDUCA 2201 Education for Exceptional Child | 3 |
| 3rd Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| **Physical Science Gen. Ed. (IAI course) | 3 |
| ** Fine Arts Gen. Ed. (IAI course) | 3 |
| HISTO 1130 U.S. History Until 1865 | 3 |
| EDUCA 1101 School Procedures | 3 |
| PSYCH 2280 Psychology Statistics | 3 |
| **Humanities Gen. Ed (IAI course) | 3 |
| 4th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGLI 1157 Children's Literature | 3 |
| EDUCA 2220 Instructional Psychology | 3 |
| HISTO 1140 U.S. History 1865-Present | 3 |
| PHILO 1110 Ethics | 3 |
| **Humanities Gen. Ed(IAI course) | 3 |
| *Transfer oriented elective course to finish AA | 3 |
Completion of AA Degree: 64 credit hours
| 5th Semester Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Any non-duplicative COD course | 3 |
| Any non-duplicative COD course | 3 |
| Any non-duplicative COD course | 3 |
| Any non-duplicative COD course | 3 |
Students need to complete 8 -12 additional credit hours from any non-duplicative COD courses to transfer in the max of 72 COD credit hours.
This is a recommended course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Enhanced 2+2 Elementary Education program with College of DuPage and Lewis University. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. It is recommended that students meet with the College of DuPage Human Services Program Advisor every semester.
Students may elect to lighten their course loads by taking some of their COD courses over the summer term.
Students using financial aid must complete the associate of AA degree requirements prior to taking the additional Semester COD coursework
Students will obtain a personalized academic plan from Lewis University.
Important Notes
- *One science course must have a lab
- **Students should consult with College of DuPage Program Advisor on selection of these courses to maximize opportunity to achieve an Associate in Arts degree.
- This is a recommended course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Enhanced 2+2 program with College of DuPage and Lewis University. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. It is recommended that students meet with the College of DuPage Program Advisor every semester.
- A student must earn a minimum of 128 credit hours to qualify for graduation with a bachelor's degree. At least 57 credit hours of the 128 credit hours for graduation must be completed through Lewis University. Students should follow the degree requirements for the catalog year in which they enter Lewis University. In order to satisfy all General Education requirements students may complete more than 120 hours. Refer to the student planning worksheet for COD's AA degree requirements.
- College of DuPage students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75/4.0 scale before enrolling in any Lewis University Education courses.
- This is a recommended course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Enhanced 2+2 Elementary Education program with College of DuPage and Lewis University. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. It is recommended that students meet with the College of DuPage Human Services Program Advisor every semester. Students may elect to lighten their course loads by taking some of their COD courses over the summer term.
- Students using financial aid must complete the associate of AA degree requirements prior to taking the additional Semester COD coursework.
Contact Information
Counseling, Advising and Transfer Services
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3200
(630) 942-2259
Angie Caldwell
Transfer and Adult Admission Counselor
Lewis University
acaldwell2@lewisu.edu
(815) 836-5699
Lewis University Transfer Calendar of Events