Education

Learn from the Leader in Education

For more than 125 years, the National College of Education at National Louis University has been the place to earn a degree for those who want to be educators making a difference in the classroom and at institutional and system-wide levels of leadership.

NLU graduates working as teachers, principals, superintendents and educational advocates have earned their well-deserved reputation for challenging themselves and their school districts to help improve the lives of students.

NLU's National College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Widely respected and recognized in the educational community, NLU offers several different types of education degrees to meet the needs of students at various stages in their careers.

Undergraduate - Teacher Preparation

If you want to pursue your bachelor's degree in education, NLU offers the following programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (B.A)

Created for students who would like to earn their degree in order to achieve Type 04 certification.

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (B.A.)

Created for students who would like to earn their degree in order to achieve Type 03 certification.

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (LBSI)

Equips graduates to teach children with special education needs, and includes all preparation for attainment of the Illinois Learning Behavioral Specialist (LBSI) certification necessary for licensure as a special education teacher.

Graduate - Teacher Preparation

If you have a non-teaching bachelor's degree and want to teach in an elementary or secondary school setting, our Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degrees—which lead to education certificates—may be right for you. M.A.T options are available in:

M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education - Type 04 Certification

Intended for career changers who want to work toward their Illinois Type 04 certification for teaching children from birth to age eight.

M.A.T. in Elementary Education - Type 03 Certification

Intended for career changers who want to work toward their Illinois Type 03 certification for teaching kindergarten through ninth grade.

M.A.T. in Secondary Education - Type 09, Type 10 Certifications

Designed for career changers who want to work toward their Illinois Type 09 certification for teaching middle or high school, or their Type 10 certification to teach foreign language (K-12).

M.A.T. in Special Education - Type 10 Certification

This curriculum is for professionals who have already earned their bachelor's degree in another discipline and are interested in a career in this specialized area of education. For those wanting to teach in a K-12 setting, this degree program leads to an Illinois Type 10 Learning Behavioral Specialist certification.

Graduate Education

If you are ready to advance your career in education, and are seeking your master's degree in education, take a closer look at:

M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision

Designed for certified and experienced teachers who want to take on leadership roles, including principal positions, in K-12 educational settings.

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction

Designed for educators who want to improve curriculum design, instructional effectiveness and learner achievement.

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration

Designed for current and aspiring leaders of center and home-based early childhood programs. This program is offered completely online and students will have the opportunity to work toward the Illinois Level III Directors Credential while fulfilling the requirements for their graduate degree.

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education - Type 04 Certification

Designed for educators who want to deepen their understanding of the practice of early childhood education, within an already existing teaching career.

M.Ed. in Reading

For teachers already holding initial certification who are interested in further developing their teaching skills or meeting the eligibility requirement to be a Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist.

M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Designed for educators who want to craft an optimal learning experience for each and every student, and to lead in their schools, districts and other educational environments.

Other education degrees offered at NLU include:
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)
Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.)
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

 

Complete the Request More Information form to learn about program options at NLU, and an Advisor will guide you to the learning path that might be best for you.

Request More Information

Complete this form, and an NLU Enrollment
Representative will consult with you on
degree options that fit your needs.

 

Degree Level of Interest

 

NLU Program of Interest

 

Upcoming Events

ATTEND AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE

See NLU up close at one of our open houses. Learn about academic programs, financing your education, visit faculty and department staff who will assist you in your learning success, sit in breakout sessions or apply and register on site.

June 7—Chicago Campus

View All Events & Registration >>
Undergraduate Daytime Program Scholarship
NLU Golden Apple Award Winners