The School of Education at UIS offers a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grade Education that leads to an Illinois Middle Grades (5-8) Professional Educator License (PEL) in one of four content areas – Language Arts, Math, General Science, or Social Science. The BA in Middle Grade Education is designed with elective credits built into the major to allow students the opportunity to earn another content area endorsement or additional teaching areas like LBS1, ESL, or Secondary (9-12) licensure. Candidates seeking the BA in Middle Grades Education degree should expect that their total program of study (including general education, teacher education, content and ECCE coursework) can usually be completed within the four-year time frame. Students wishing to add additional teaching areas should discuss these goals with their School of Education Advisor for additional details.
Learning Outcomes
- Exhibit a deep understanding of subject matter, embrace the latest technological advancements and showcase advanced pedagogical skills, all while integrating restorative practices and cultural responsiveness into teaching across various content areas and grade levels
- Create a nurturing and safe learning space that creates a sense of belonging and ensures every student feels valued and respected
- Design and deliver dynamic instruction, enriched with relevant technology, to foster an engaging learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students, while emphasizing cultural responsiveness in every aspect of teaching
- Uphold the highest standards of professional ethics
- 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-driven strategies to improve teaching methods and student learning outcomes, focusing on practices that promote equity in the classroom
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
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*
Online
$46,320*
*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.
Ways to Save on Tuition
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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2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
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.
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Median Annual Wage
$64,370
Wage Range
$48,080 – $102,540
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Less than high school diploma
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Median Annual Wage
$65,030
Wage Range
$49,200 – $101,890
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
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
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 educational programs and services.
Median Annual Wage
$36,780
Wage Range
$27,150 – $50,040
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Some college, no degree
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visu
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Median Annual Wage
$66,810
Wage Range
$49,420 – $102,510
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s 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
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 for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Median Annual Wage
$36,780
Wage Range
$27,150 – $50,040
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
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:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
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