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: $40,140*
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

Apply Today!

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 $40,140*

*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.

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

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a c

Median Annual Wage $77,270
Wage Range $44,900 – $134,890
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

Median Annual Wage $61,540
Wage Range $41,810 – $98,030
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Active Listening
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers prima

Median Annual Wage $85,020
Wage Range $52,070 – $160,420
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Post-doctoral training

Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other

All educational instruction and library workers not listed separately.

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, an

Median Annual Wage $104,590
Wage Range $64,560 – $215,620
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Bachelor’s degree
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2026-08-24
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