The M.A. in Education is designed specifically for educators who wish to broaden their roles in and beyond the classroom. (This program does not include initial ISBE licensure.)

With this degree, students can customize a program of study suited to their interests and career goals. For students who hold a teaching license, this may be an added endorsement. Specialty certificates to consider include:

  • English as a Second Language
  • Education Technology Specialist
  • Higher Education Online Pedagogy
  • Leadership and Learning
  • Learning Behavior Specialist 1
  • Legal Aspects of Education

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain the ability to tailor your educational journey, leading to specialized expertise in your chosen area of interest within the field of education. This could range from innovative curriculum design to advanced educational technology, positioning you as an expert in your niche.
  • Acquire comprehensive skills in restorative practices, enabling you to create inclusive, empathetic and supportive learning environments. Learn to effectively address and resolve conflicts, foster a sense of community and build stronger, more resilient educational settings.
  • Develop strong leadership skills with a focus on ethical, democratic and intellectual aspects of education. Be prepared to lead in a diverse range of educational settings, drive positive change and influence policy and practice in education, equipped with a deep understanding of contemporary educational challenges and solutions.
  • Develop effective teaching strategies for diverse learners.
  • Influence instructional design, understand assessment techniques, and use data-driven decision-making.

Quick Facts

Tuition
Online: $13,896*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
36

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

Online $13,833*

*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 and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.

Median Annual Wage $59,300
Wage Range $38,580 – $98,240
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Associate’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

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

Education Administrators, All Other

All education administrators not listed separately.

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situat

Median Annual Wage $79,940
Wage Range $49,180 – $139,340
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Mathematics
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Bright Outlook

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjec

Median Annual Wage $109,270
Wage Range $61,550 – $210,370
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-master’s certificate, Post-doctoral training
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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2026-08-24
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