Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare students to obtain Illinois teaching licenses in early childhood, elementary, middle school, secondary, and special education. Our Education and Youth Studies program is perfect for undergraduates who wish to support youth through non-profit and community work.
Teaching assistants, paraprofessionals and full-time substitutes in the Chicago Public Schools and south suburban Cook County can earn teacher licensure through our CPS AA to BA Teacher Residency Program and new South Cook Teacher Residency Program. Students seeking science and math endorsements should apply for our Noyce Scholarship Program to receive enhanced mentorship and financial support.
Our graduate degree programs in Dual Language Teacher Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Reading, and Second Language Special Education offer flexible, online and on-campus courses that are designed to advance professional competencies essential for principals, bilingual coordinators, reading specialists and teacher leaders.
Community engagement and strategic partnerships are a top priority of our education programs — as demonstrated by the numerous grant, service and professional development projects that engage children and adults in the educational and social justice mission of the university.