The School of Education at UIS offers several degree options that lead to an Illinois Secondary (9-12) Professional Educator License (PEL). These options include:

  • BA Secondary Education English
  • BA Secondary Education Math
  • BA Secondary Education History

Candidates seeking the BA in Secondary Education English 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. Those candidates seeking a content area degree and minor in Secondary Education may go beyond the usual 120 credits to complete the requirements of both the degree and the minor. Students wishing to add additional teaching areas (e.g., another content area, LBS1, or Middle Grades) 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.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $40,140*
Online: $46,320*
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*
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.

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.

star no. 1
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

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.

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

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and

Median Annual Wage $78,760
Wage Range $48,270 – $137,250
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Instructing
  • Writing
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Less than high school diploma

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Median Annual Wage $72,040
Wage Range $48,780 – $107,600
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Active Listening
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Post-master’s certificate

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

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

Median Annual Wage $74,260
Wage Range $49,800 – $109,100
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combi

Median Annual Wage $79,350
Wage Range $49,060 – $136,050
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s 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

Median Annual Wage $66,810
Wage Range $49,420 – $102,510
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

Have Questions? We Can Help!

Loading...
Say #YestoUIS
Hidden
Yes
No
2026-08-24