Delve deeply into topics that align to your interests, experiences, and aspirations!

The Educational Studies concentration within the MEd Instructional Leadership program enables students to design their own course of study with guidance from an adviser. Individuals from a variety of backgrounds (art, sports, business, humanities, higher education, etc.) can pursue a course of study tailored to their backgrounds, interests, and personal & professional aspirations. Also, if applicant currently holds a professional teacher licensure s/he can earn endorsements to their PEL and /or pursue advanced studies in educational topics (although having a teacher license is not required for this program).

Housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, this master's degree allows students the autonomy to pursue areas of study (and related coursework) that most align to their personal and professional aspirations. In this way, when an opportunity arises, a graduate will have credentials to pursue it.

Meaningful teaching and learning take place in a variety of settings, sometimes led by a licensed teacher, other times facilitated by individuals who educate and inspire others in a variety of settings (maybe in a corporate setting, on the sports field, in an art class, etc.). This program is designed for licensed educators looking to earn endorsements or to advance their knowledge on specific topics and for individuals from diverse backgrounds (support staff, museum educators, after school programs, non-for-profits, artists, athletic clubs, etc.) whose work impacts and enriches others’ lives.

Customization and Flexibility Heading link

Of the 32 semester hours required for the degree, nine hours are required courses (these are ED 402, ED421, and ED430). Students can design their own courses of study for the other semester hours. 14 of the hours need to be offered within the College of Education (400 or 500 level) and the 9 elective hours can be courses offered in the College of Education or in another UIC college. 9 hours need to be at the 500 level (which helps lay a foundation for potential doctoral work in the future).

Educational Studies offers a high degree of flexibility in creating a course of study that most aligns to an individual’s past experiences as well as to his or her future plans. Many of our graduates advance their careers in areas such as

  • ESL/Bilingual work
  • Curriculum writing and publishing
  • Museum education
  • Community engagement
  • Curriculum theory
  • Research or doctoral studies

Endorsements Heading link

Students with an Illinois Professional Educator License in the MEd Educational Studies program are eligible to pursue the following endorsements.

These endorsements enable students to teach in a bilingual and/or English as a second language setting.

The LBS1 (Learning Behavior Specialist 1) special education endorsement is for teaching students with a wide range of disabilities in several instructional delivery models that include teaching in inclusionary settings through consultation and collaborative teaching.

The College of Education offers courses that lead to a Middle School Endorsement for current undergraduate and graduate students in licensure programs. An individual who is already licensed must be a current UIC student.

Students earn this Illinois endorsement to become qualified as a subject-level expert in reading.

Overall: 32 semester hours of credit
at least 9  must be at the 500 level

Frequently Asked Questions Heading link

Do you have questions about the MEd Instructional Leadership - Educational Studies program, or want to speak with someone? Reach out! Heading link