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

Quick Facts

Format
Online, On-campus
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:
May 15, 2025

Start Date:
August 22, 2025

Apply Today!

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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.

 

Value of a UIS Degree

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UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).

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Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).

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98% of students receive aid

The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.

< High School
$26,800
High School
$36,600
Bachelor's
$68,300
Master's
$87,200
Doctorate
$105,600

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 you're 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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Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

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Career Opportunities

Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.

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