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Online Education & Teaching Programs in Illinois: Comparing Schools

Earning an online education or teaching degree can open doors to new teaching opportunities for Illinois residents. The state employs more than 130,000 K–12 teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with many schools seeking qualified graduates to meet ongoing demand. Online and hybrid degree programs offer a flexible, affordable way to earn your teaching credentials without relocating or disrupting your schedule. Explore online education degrees in Illinois throughout this STEPS guide, and use this insight to choose the best career path to becoming an teacher.

Author: Ellery Weil
Editor: Kimberly Zaski
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Reputable Associate Degrees in Education

Even if you can’t get a full Illinois teaching license with an associate degree, they’re an excellent option for future education professionals. It’s an affordable way to begin your undergraduate studies and fulfill general education requirements before moving on to your bachelor’s degree.

Lewis and Clark Community College

The online associate degree program in education at Lewis and Clark Community College prepares you to enroll in a bachelor’s degree in education that leads to an Illinois teaching license. Multiple fully online pathways for your associate degree in education are offered, with specializations in elementary education, special education, and early childhood education. Depending on your area of focus, you may be eligible for a transfer upon graduation which will automatically allow you to enroll in a bachelor’s at a four-year partner institution.

Location: Godfrey, Illinois

Mode: Online

Cost: $125/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Online application
  • High school diploma or GED

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Exploring Online Education Bachelor’s Programs

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to receive an Illinois teaching license, and if you’re considering a career in a particular type of teaching, such as elementary education, science education, reading and literacy teaching, or others, you may also want to pursue one with a specialization.

University of Illinois Springfield

The BA in Middle Grades Education at the University of Illinois at Springfield is a four-year degree that can be completed on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Once you’re enrolled in this program, you’ll complete 120 credit hours of coursework, including core courses, electives, and general education classes. Students can complete hands-on, experiential learning and specialize in an endorsement area, such as ESL or science education. Financial aid is available to all students, with UIS awarding some form of aid to over 90% of undergrads.

Location: Springfield, Illinois

Mode: In person, Online, Hybrid

Cost: $367.50/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Online application
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Official transcripts from prior education

Master’s Degrees: An Inside Look for Aspiring Teachers

These postgraduate degrees are often designed for experienced teachers who want to specialize or prepare for a leadership role. There are also some master’s programs intended for career changers looking to become teachers.

Illinois State University

The MS in Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University is a fully online program that can be completed in roughly two years of full-time study. This includes an independent research portion of the degree, where you will design a research topic with the help of a supervisor, and then write an original research piece as your final degree task. This is truly a fully online degree, and you will not need to travel to campus or to any other site locations over the course of your studies, making it ideal for working professionals as well as those balancing personal or family responsibilities.

Location: Normal, Illinois

Mode: Online

Cost: $422.57/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
  • Current teaching license and at least one year of teaching experience
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher

EdDs & Graduate Certificate Programs

The highest-level education degrees, these postgraduate programs include research-intensive PhDs, professional doctorates known as EdDs, and non-degree postgraduate certificates. Which one is right for you depends on your long-term career goals, and how much time you can commit to postgraduate study.

DePaul University

DePaul University, a private Roman Catholic school, offers the EdD in Educational Leadership, a 76-credit doctorate program with a choice of three areas of concentration: General Concentration, Higher Education, and Global Catholic Educational Leadership. In each concentration, students complete coursework and independent research, and can pursue additional qualifications through DePaul’s superintendent endorsement, teacher leader endorsement, and principal licensure programs.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $723/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • Online application
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
  • Master’s degree from an accredited school
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Valid Illinois teaching license

FAQs From Illinois Education Students

Is it important that my online education program in Illinois be accredited?

It is absolutely essential that your online education degree in Illinois come from an accredited school. This means that your school has met certain standards reviewed by a third-party accrediting body, and their ability to award degrees is legitimate. Future employers and other schools will place absolute importance on accreditation, and it’s crucial for your teaching license. You might also consider programmatic accreditation as an additional mark of quality.

How long does it take to complete an online education degree in Illinois?

The time to complete your online education program in Illinois will vary significantly depending on the degree in question, and how you choose to study. Associate degrees are some of the quickest to complete, taking two years of full-time study, while doctoral programs can take up to five years, depending on your program and dissertation requirements. If you choose to study part time while working, your time to graduate will be longer.

How much do online programs in education in Illinois cost?

The cost of your online education program in Illinois will vary substantially depending on both your school and the type of degree you’re pursuing. Generally, private universities are more expensive than public schools with in-state tuition, and graduate degrees are more expensive than undergraduate degrees. Remember that tuition may not be reduced with financial aid.

Are there scholarships for online education degrees in Illinois?

Yes, most schools offer some type of financial aid for online education students. Further, if your school is accredited (and it should be), you will be eligible to apply for state and federal financial aid, so long as you fill out your FAFSA on time. Explore scholarship opportunities from private charities and other foundations, including awards for future teachers and historically underrepresented student groups.

Can I specialize in my online education program in Illinois?

Not only can you specialize within your online education program in Illinois, for many programs, especially postgraduate degrees including master’s and doctoral programs, specialization is the point. You can choose an area of focus, such as math or science education, curriculum and instruction, etc., and earn specialized credentials for your degree.

Illinois Salary & Career Growth for Education Graduates

Content not available.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ 90th Percentile ↕ Median ↕
Illinois Elementary School Teachers $47,410 $101,500 $64,900
Illinois Kindergarten Teachers $46,320 $101,910 $64,720
Illinois Middle School Teachers $47,770 $105,460 $66,140
Illinois Postsecondary Teachers $27,040 $108,410 $66,400
Illinois Secondary School Teachers $48,150 $128,820 $77,130
Illinois Teachers and Instructors $34,590 $101,830 $58,400

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕
Illinois Elementary School Teachers 58,400 59,900 1,500 2.60%
Illinois Kindergarten Teachers 4,100 4,210 110 2.70%
Illinois Middle School Teachers 22,580 23,180 600 2.70%
Illinois Postsecondary Teachers 3,380 3,430 50 1.50%
Illinois Secondary School Teachers 44,640 45,960 1,320 3.00%
Illinois Teachers and Instructors 1,830 1,860 30 1.60%

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Resources for Illinois Education Students & Professionals

Even once you’ve enrolled in your program, your community and support network doesn’t have to be limited to your school. In Illinois, there are a wide range of resources for current and future teachers to help. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Golden Apple Illinois: The Illinois arm of the regional Golden Apple program, they offer tuition assistance and professional development support to Illinois high school and college students who are pursuing careers in teaching.
  • Illinois Association of Teachers of English: Current and future English teachers in Illinois, including English language, literature, and ESL teachers, can join this membership organization, which provides professional networking and development opportunities.
  • Illinois Education Association: The largest union in the State of Illinois, the Illinois Education Association represents and bargains on behalf of public school employees, and has done so for over a century.
  • Illinois Federation of Teachers: The Illinois Federation of Teachers, or IFT, is a professional union for teachers in the state, which advocates for its members and on behalf of educators in Illinois more broadly.
  • Illinois Science Teaching Association: For current and future Illinois science teachers, the ISTA is a membership organization that promotes science education in K-12 schools throughout the state and hosts a conference and professional development.
  • Illinois State Board of Education: This is the official website for the Illinois State Board of Education. Here you’ll find information about earning and maintaining your Illinois teaching license, scholarship opportunities, and more.
  • Illinois Student Assistance Commission: This is a state scholarship organization which provides support and financial assistance to some of the most promising current and future college students in the State of Illinois.
  • Let’s Talk Teaching: A podcast produced by the Center for Integrated Professional Development at Illinois State University, Let’s Talk Teaching features over 90 episodes focused on techniques for becoming a better teacher.
  • Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition: Since 2021, this coalition that partners with high schools and colleges has sought to address the teacher shortage in Southern Illinois by encouraging and supporting future educators in the region.
  • We Love Illinois Schools: A podcast produced by the Illinois State Board of Education, We Love Illinois Schools features episodes highlighting the individuals and programs that are making Illinois public schools the best they can be.

List of the Best Online Education & Teaching Schools in Illinois

While there are many considerations when choosing the school that’s best for you, when it comes to online education programs in Illinois, there are some objective factors worth noting. From ease of online classes, to student resources, to availability of financial aid, we’ve reviewed and ranked Illinois schools to help with your research. For details on our process, see the methodology tab, and read on for the best online education and teaching programs in Illinois

1

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois

Why We Selected Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville:
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) offers a comprehensive educational experience, preparing students for initial licensure. The program spans four to five semesters with 39 credit hours, requiring applicants to have an undergraduate degree in a non-education field. Participants can pursue Learning Behavior Specialist I, elementary, or secondary education licensure. Financial aid options include the Golden Apple Accelerators Program, TEACH grants, and special scholarships. MAT graduates have strong employment opportunities due to the national teacher shortage. The program features hands-on learning experiences in public schools and equips students to conduct classroom research.
Program Highlights
  • SIUE offers specialized education career tracks focusing on social justice and educational equity.
  • Accelerated online education programs provide flexible learning options tailored for working professionals.
  • Faculty expertise in critical analysis of educational practices enhances student preparedness.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$8,579
  • Average Grant Aid$4,564
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid99%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid99%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course81%
2

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Why We Selected University of Illinois Springfield:
The University of Illinois Springfield offers Teacher Education Programs preparing students for licensure. The Elementary Education major focuses on grades 1–6 without requiring a specific content area. The Middle Grades Program (grades 5–8) allows concentrations in Language Arts, History, Mathematics, or Science. The Secondary Education Program offers majors in English, History, or Mathematics, plus a minor for additional content areas. Programs require a minimum GPA, field experiences, and state exams for licensure. Career paths include teaching and educational administration, supported by financial aid options. Admissions require transcripts and a personal statement.
Program Highlights
  • The University of Illinois Springfield offers significant tuition discounts for students pursuing professional development in online teaching, making education more affordable.
  • Students benefit from unique networking opportunities through collaborations with industry professionals and access to distinguished guest experts in various fields.
  • The program's emphasis on high-quality instructional design ensures that participants gain effective skills, fostering innovation in online learning environments.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$9,645
  • Average Grant Aid$7,475
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid87%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid98%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course92%
3

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

Why We Selected University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign:
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Education program with specializations like Curriculum & Instruction and Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership. The program can be completed in 18 months, earning 32 credits at $520 per credit hour. It enhances communication, time management, and research skills. Financial aid, including scholarships, is available. Graduates can pursue leadership roles and transform educational environments through innovative practices. The program is highly ranked and focuses on issues like diversity, equity, and technology integration. Prospective students should apply by one of six annual deadlines.
Program Highlights
  • Prospective students benefit from newly admitted Ed.M. students' eligibility for merit and need-based scholarships.
  • The program offers six convenient application deadlines throughout the year, enhancing flexibility for busy professionals.
  • The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a highly ranked online education with a strong focus on faculty expertise in their field.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$14,446
  • Average Grant Aid$6,633
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid80%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid85%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course84%
4

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois

Why We Selected Northern Illinois University:
The Master of Science in Education in Instructional Technology at Northern Illinois University is designed for individuals seeking leadership roles in instructional technology. The program requires a minimum of 33 to 39 semester hours of graduate coursework, which can be completed in four semesters, and focuses on areas like performance technology and instructional software design. It offers a Technology Specialist entitlement for K-12 educators. Prospective students collaborate with an advisor to tailor their course selection, making it suitable for those aiming to become technology specialists or leaders, offering career advancement opportunities. Admissions typically require a bachelor’s degree and relevant prerequisites.
Program Highlights
  • NIU's program offers a top-ranked status nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • Faculty includes renowned experts like Dr. Jason Rhode and Dr. Cynthia S. Campbell, ensuring high-quality mentorship.
  • The program offers occasional face-to-face meetings, fostering networking opportunities among students and faculty.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$9,608
  • Average Grant Aid$5,696
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid90%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid99%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course70%
5

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois

Why We Selected Chicago State University:
The Master of Arts in Teaching programs at Chicago State University prepare educators for secondary or elementary education roles. These programs generally require a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and specific course grades. The elementary education pathway leads to an initial Illinois educator license, while a Master of Science in Education is offered for special education, focusing on diverse learning needs and leading to the Learning Behavioral Specialist – I licensure. Admissions typically require transcripts and may involve prerequisite coursework. Career outcomes include roles in public and private education settings, with financial aid options available.
Program Highlights
  • Chicago State University offers online courses tailored to students managing their own learning pace.
  • CSU is the most affordable public university in Chicago, providing scholarships and excellent faculty-to-student ratios.
  • Chicago State University's SARA membership ensures high-quality learning opportunities for students.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$7,488
  • Average Grant Aid$7,745
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid94%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid95%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course54%
6

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, Illinois

Why We Selected Southern Illinois University-Carbondale:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Teacher Education Program offers diverse specializations, including Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. The program provides comprehensive training through classroom curriculum and practical field experiences. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and complete specific education courses with a grade of C or better. Graduates can earn a Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois, leading to various educational careers. The program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring quality education. SIU Online offers flexible learning options that integrate with on-campus courses for convenience.
Program Highlights
  • Southern Illinois University Online offers distinct benefits that enhance its appeal to prospective students:
  • Students benefit from in-state tuition rates regardless of their residency status, making education more accessible and affordable.
  • The university provides numerous scholarships automatically available through a single application, increasing financial support opportunities for students.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$9,638
  • Average Grant Aid$8,361
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid77%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid95%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course40%
7

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois

Why We Selected Illinois State University:
The Master of Science in Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University is designed for practicing teachers aspiring to become master teachers. This fully online program requires a bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 GPA, a current teaching certificate, and one year of teaching experience. It does not lead to certification. Graduates pursue roles like curriculum director or further doctoral study, with career outcomes in leadership and mentorship. Funding includes in-state tuition for nearby students. The program emphasizes professional development aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.
Program Highlights
  • The Master's in Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University includes specialized career tracks in areas like bilingual and ESL education, enhancing employability in diverse educational settings.
  • The program offers robust financial support through various scholarships, making graduate education more accessible and affordable for prospective students.
  • Students benefit from extensive networking opportunities through partnerships with local schools and educational organizations, facilitating high clinical placement rates and real-world experience.
School Details
  • AccreditationHLC
  • Average Tuition$10,932
  • Average Grant Aid$5,644
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid83%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid95%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course42%
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Ellery Weil AUTHOR

Dr. Ellery Weil holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, and a master's degree and PhD in History from University College London, and has been writing professionally in the higher education sector for over six years. In addition to her work below, her writing has been published by Pearson, Arizona State University, BestColleges, A-List Education, and more.

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Kimberly Zaski EDITOR

Kimberly Zaski is an award-winning writer, editor, and higher education marketing professional, with more than 30 years promoting lifelong learning, degree programs and educational opportunities for nontraditional students. As a marketing director for the University of Nevada, Reno, she and her team won national awards for writing, advertising, and publication design. Following her 25-year career at UNR, Kimberly spent 8 years as chief membership officer and VP of corporate partnerships for UPCEA, the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, in Washington, DC. Kimberly is a graduate of the University of Nevada’s Reynolds School of Journalism, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees with an emphasis in print, public relations and marketing. She has written and edited hundreds of articles and features, working as a news reporter based in North Lake Tahoe for five years.

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