The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies degree (BAES) program pairs an interdisciplinary foundation of general education courses with an educational studies core that explores learning theory, educational psychology, child development, educating special populations, inclusive learning, curriculum design, designing online learning environments and best practices in education.

The BAES degree program is designed for those who seek to work with children and young adults in formal and informal learning and educational settings that do not require state licensure/certification. It is a 120-hour program that prepares graduates to teach in private schools, after-school programs; to serve as paraprofessionals in K-12 schools; and to work in other fields such as child advocacy programs, policy marking, government, health care business and non-profit organizations. The program is delivered in a blended format with most courses offered online.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate mastery of content, technological advances and pedagogical expertise in the content and grade levels in which they teach
  • Establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students
  • Plan and deliver effective instruction, supported by appropriate technological applications and create an environment that facilitates learning for all students
  • Demonstrate high standards for professional conduct
  • Partner, collaborate and engage with families and/or communities to develop relationships and build networks of support for student success
  • Actively advocate for students, families and schools to support equity and social justice
  • Apply research to improve practice and student learning

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $10,035/yr*
Duration
4 years
Credit Hours
120

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

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Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $10,035/yr*

Based on 120 credit hours over 4 years.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in

Median Annual Wage $75,350
Wage Range $39,530 – $126,860
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of e

Median Annual Wage $36,780
Wage Range $27,150 – $50,040
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Some college, no degree

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position

Median Annual Wage $36,780
Wage Range $27,150 – $50,040
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Median Annual Wage $105,870
Wage Range $76,280 – $167,770
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Median Annual Wage $64,330
Wage Range $45,020 – $104,770
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Tutors

Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.

Median Annual Wage $43,350
Wage Range $29,430 – $75,990
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent
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