The School of Education at UIS offers a major in education that leads to licensure at the elementary level when combined with an appropriate academic major, fulfillment of general education requirements and fulfillment of campus requirements. Candidates seeking the elementary baccalaureate degree and concurrent academic content major should expect that their total program of study can usually be completed within the four-year time frame but may exceed the minimum number of hours required for graduation. The Initial Program Advisor can recommend appropriate majors. (See Curriculum for the Elementary Major in Teacher Education for further information.)

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop effective teaching strategies for diverse learners.
  • Master classroom management and instructional design.
  • Understand assessment techniques and data-driven decision-making.

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.

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have

Median Annual Wage $65,120
Wage Range $49,350 – $103,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Bright Outlook

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

Median Annual Wage $63,970
Wage Range $47,960 – $104,340
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’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

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
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2026-08-24