The University of Illinois Springfield’s education programs have been named to Forbes list of best online teaching degrees for 2023. According to Forbes, UIS made the list because of its low student-to-faculty ratio, use of the common app and high student retention rate.
“We ensure our online programs are of high caliber and produce excellent teachers,” said Beth Hatt, director of the UIS School of Education. “Our emphasis on training students in restorative practices makes us unique not only in Illinois but nationally. As an educational approach, restorative practices reduces bullying by giving teachers and administrators tools to teach healthy relationship practices and conflict resolution. I thank our excellent faculty and staff for their hard work in earning this recognition.”
UIS offers four online teaching degrees at the bachelor’s level: secondary education degrees in English, mathematics and history, along with a middle grades education degree. Each program takes four years to complete and provides a path to licensure.
- The bachelor’s degrees in secondary education allow students to become licensed in Illinois to teach English, mathematics and history to high school students in grades nine to 12.
- The bachelor’s degree in middle grades education leads to an Illinois middle grades (five to eight) teaching license in one of four content areas – language arts, math, general science or social science.
- Each program offers online endorsement options including English as a second language, special education, computer science and other subject areas.
Forbes points out that most UIS online courses are asynchronous, allowing students to learn on their own schedule. Online coordinators are available to offer advice and help distance learners track their degree progress.
UIS also offers e-tuition, which means online students from in-state and out-of-state pay the same rate for online courses. Financial assistance is available to students who qualify.
Additional information on the ranking can be found on the Forbes website.