Master’s FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question you don’t see here? Contact edmasters@uic.edu or sign up for an upcoming information session.
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Is the GRE required to apply?
The GRE is not required for most of our master’s programs. The only exception is the Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics & Assessment (MESA) program.
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Do I need a bachelor’s in education to apply?
No, we accept many master’s students who are new to the field of education and are looking for a career change. However, certain MEd programs require a teaching license in order for you to be eligible to earn endorsements. See our licensure, endorsements & credentials page for more information.
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Can I attend part-time?
Yes. Part-time students typically take 1 or 2 courses per semester.
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How long will it take to graduate?
Part-time master’s students typically take 2 to 3 years to earn the MEd. Full-time students can finish in less than 2 years.
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When do courses meet?
Graduate classes in the College of Education meet once per week in the evenings, Monday through Thursday. We do not offer Saturday classes.
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Can I be employed full-time while working on my degree?
Yes. The majority of our students work full-time. Since classes meet in the evenings, it is possible to work full-time while pursing the degree.
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Are any of your degrees offered online?
Yes. The MEd in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA) is offered as an online program. The rest are taught in person on our Chicago campus.
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What is the application deadline for master's programs?
Deadlines vary by MEd program and you can find them all here. Once you know which master’s program is right for you, check to see what the deadline(s) are for that program.
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Is financial aid available?
Yes, but it varies for each person and program. UIC offers graduate student assistantships with tuition waivers, as well as scholarships. General questions about financial aid can be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid at money@uic.edu.
To learn more about scholarships and aid within the College of Education, visit our Tuition & Aid page.
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What is the tuition for master's programs?
Tuition is set by UIC each year. Check the Graduate Tuition & Fees page for the most up to date information.
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Can I transfer credit hours towards my UIC master's degree?
Yes, there is an option to transfer a limited number of credits as long as they are within the guidelines of the UIC Graduate College. Read the full list of guidelines here. Here are some excerpts from that page:
“Consideration is given to the transfer of credit in four categories:
- Graduate work from another institution for which a degree was not, or will not, be awarded.
- Graduate work completed in the senior year, or in another college, at UIC.
- Graduate work completed as a non-degree student at UIC.
- Graduate work completed while in a Graduate College degree program, but not used for any earned degree. This includes extra work taken, for example, while in a master’s program, but that is to be used for the doctoral degree.”
“For master’s programs of 47 or fewer semester hours [which includes all College of Education M.Ed. programs], no more than 25% of the total hours required for the degree may be transferred from another institution or other UIC college.”