With over 90% of Illinois schools reporting unfilled teaching roles, earning a Master of Education (MEd) can significantly boost your career prospects. For veteran and aspiring educators alike, an online MEd offers a flexible path to advancement without disrupting your schedule. Explore top online MEd programs in Illinois, high-demand specializations, and tips for choosing the right fit.
Author: Stephen Porritt
Expertise: Financial AidDigital LiteracyDual DegreesEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields of Study in Illinois
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Master’s in Education Online Programs in Illinois
Read more
A Look at Popular Online Education Master’s Programs in Illinois
Illinois is home to many reputable universities with online or hybrid MEd programs. Below, we spotlight three high-quality, accredited schools offering fully online master’s in education degrees.
Illinois State University (ISU)
Illinois State University is a leading public institution known nationally for teacher education and strong retention and graduation rates. Online students benefit from the same faculty, curriculum, and academic standards as those on campus.
ISU’s online graduate programs are especially well suited for working teachers, offering flexible pacing and applied coursework. Students often continue teaching while enrolled, balancing professional responsibilities with part-time study.
Online Learning Highlights:
- Affordable eTuition rates for in-state graduate students
- Strong emphasis on applied, classroom-focused learning
- Virtual library access, advising, and career guidance
Highlighted Program: Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in English Education
- Duration: 36 credit hours | 2 years part-time
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $422.57 per credit (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours
- Valid Illinois teaching certificate
- At least two years of teaching experience
- Statement of purpose outlining goals in graduate literacy education
Northern Illinois University (NIU)
Northern Illinois University has a strong reputation for online graduate education and offers several fully online MEd programs. Available specializations include elementary teaching, instructional technology, art education, educational research, and school business management.
NIU blends asynchronous coursework with evening live sessions, giving students both flexibility and real-time interaction with faculty. Online learners also benefit from robust support services.
Online Learning Highlights:
- No out-of-state tuition for online students
- Online student success team and virtual advising
- Opportunities for live engagement alongside self-paced coursework
Highlighted Program: MSEd in Instructional Technology
- Duration: 33 credit hours | 18 to 24 months
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $558.32 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose describing instructional technology goals
- Résumé highlighting relevant experience
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers innovative online MEd programs through its College of Education, allowing students to earn a respected Illinois degree from anywhere.
Programs mirror UIUC’s on-campus rigor and are taught by the same faculty. Students can tailor their degree to interests such as digital learning, equity and diversity, or global education. While tuition is higher than some public peers, many students value the program’s academic prestige and alumni network.
Highlighted Program: MEd in Digital Learning
- Duration: 32 credit hours | 1-2 years
- Mode: 100% online
- Cost: $520 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last two undergraduate years
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose outlining digital learning interests
- Résumé highlighting relevant experience
High-Demand Specializations for MEd Graduates in Illinois
An MEd can open doors to specialized roles across Illinois’s education system. Below are five fields where advanced training is especially valuable, driven by job demand, ROI, and statewide shortages.
Special Education
Special education is consistently one of Illinois’s highest-need areas, with shortages most pronounced statewide. An online MEd in Special Education prepares educators to support students with disabilities and move into roles such as lead teacher or program coordinator.
Why this field stands out:
- Persistent statewide shortages
- Median salaries around $93,157 for special education teachers
- Strong demand for advanced training and endorsements
Educational Leadership (Administration)
For educators aiming to become principals, assistant principals, or district administrators, an online MEd in Educational Leadership is essential. Illinois requires a master’s degree and licensure for these roles.
Key advantages include:
- Average principal salaries around $98,600
- Growing openings due to retirements
- Online, part-time programs designed for working teachers
STEM Education
Illinois faces acute shortages in math and science education, particularly at the high school level. An MEd with a STEM focus can lead to leadership roles such as department chair or curriculum specialist.
Programs typically emphasize:
- Advanced pedagogy in math or science
- Data-driven instruction
- Integrating technology into STEM classrooms
Bilingual & ESL Education
With large populations of English language learners, bilingual and ESL education remains a top-tier shortage area in Illinois. An MEd in TESOL or bilingual education often includes endorsements that are highly valued by districts.
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- ESL specialist or coordinator
- Bilingual curriculum developer
- Adult or community college ESL instructor
Instructional Design & Educational Technology
Instructional design sits at the intersection of education and technology. Illinois schools increasingly rely on instructional technology specialists to support digital learning.
This field offers flexibility to work in:
- K–12 schools
- Higher education
- Corporate, healthcare, or nonprofit training environments
Accreditation for Online MEd Programs in Illinois
When choosing your online MEd, remember to verify the program’s accreditation. This is important to ensure the program’s quality and your degree’s credibility. Illinois universities are typically regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which covers the institution as a whole. In addition, reputable education programs hold specialized accreditation from bodies like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
CAEP sets rigorous standards for teacher training programs. NIU’s educator preparation unit, for example, is CAEP-accredited and has been continuously accredited since 1954. This matters because CAEP-accredited programs are regularly evaluated for curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and candidate outcomes.
Additionally, Illinois requires that any program leading to licensure (like principal or teacher certification) be approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). All the programs highlighted in this guide are offered by accredited institutions, so they meet the baseline quality markers.
Understanding the Types of Online MEd Programs in Illinois
Online MEd programs come in several formats to accommodate different schedules and career goals. Common options include:
- Full-time programs: finish faster, higher weekly workload
- Part-time programs: most common for working teachers
- No-GRE programs: admissions based on GPA and experience
- Accelerated programs: condensed timelines with shorter courses
Full-Time Online Programs
Full-time study allows completion in about 12–18 months but often requires 20+ hours per week.
Examples:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — MEd in Learning Design & Leadership
- Concordia University Chicago — Master of Arts (MA) in Teacher Leadership
Part-Time Online Programs
Part-time programs typically take 2–3 years and are designed for educators who continue working full time.
Examples:
- National Louis University — MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
- DePaul University — MA in Educational Leadership
No-GRE Online Programs
Many Illinois MEd programs waive the GRE entirely or for applicants who meet GPA thresholds.
Examples:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — MEd in Global Studies in Education
- Northeastern Illinois University — Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education
Accelerated Programs for Education Master’s Students
Accelerated formats allow completion in as little as one year, using six- to eight-week course blocks and year-round enrollment.
Examples:
- Loyola University Chicago — Accelerated MEd in Secondary Education
- University of St. Francis — Master of Science (MS) in Education
How Much Will an Online MEd Program in Illinois Cost?
Most Illinois online MEd programs charge between $420 and $560 per credit at public universities. Many do not add out-of-state tuition for online learners. Private institutions vary, but some remain competitively priced.
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois | 32 | $520 | $16,640 |
| University of Illinois Springfield | 36 | $332 | $11,961 |
| Northern Illinois University | 33 | $558 | $18,424 |
FAQs from Prospective Illinois MEd Students
Q: Is an online MEd degree a worthwhile investment in Illinois?
A: The short answer is “yes.” Illinois has a strong demand for education professionals, and those with master’s degrees often reap significant benefits. If you plan to stay in the education field in Illinois, a master’s can lead to better job security, advancement into leadership or specialist positions, and the personal satisfaction of advanced expertise.
Online MEd programs in the state tend to be more affordable than many other grad programs, and completing one can qualify you for higher salary lanes and new roles. Beyond financial gain, an MEd deepens your skills, which Illinois schools need as they face teacher shortages.
Q: Are master’s in education degrees only useful for teachers, or can they lead to other careers?
A: While many pursuing an MEd are current teachers, the degree is quite versatile. In Illinois, an MEd can open doors to roles such as school administrator (principal or dean), instructional coach, curriculum developer, or educational consultant.
Some graduates pivot into fields like corporate training, instructional design, or nonprofit education program management. For example, an MEd in Education Policy could lead to work in educational agencies.
Many Illinois programs incorporate leadership and specialized coursework so that graduates can extend their impact beyond teaching. This includes opportunities in higher education or district-level positions.
Q: What Illinois-specific funding or incentives are available for online MEd students?
A: Illinois offers several programs to support educators advancing their qualifications. Aside from standard federal aid, Illinois has scholarships like the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship and loan forgiveness initiatives for those who serve in high-need areas.
Additionally, some districts provide tuition reimbursement for teachers earning a master’s, especially if it’s in a shortage field like special education or ESL. The state’s educational organizations also sponsor grants. For instance, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) offers help for graduate students, and there are incentive programs for new teachers and administrators to fill vacant roles.
Universities themselves often have scholarships or discounts for online graduate students (sometimes called “e-tuition” rates). It’s a good idea to reach out to the financial aid office at your chosen school, as they can connect you with Illinois-specific opportunities.
Q: Will Illinois accept my current teaching license or credits from another state if I earn an online MEd?
A: Illinois has a robust reciprocity system for educators coming from other states. If you’re already a licensed teacher elsewhere, earning an MEd online or on campus doesn’t change your license, but Illinois can evaluate your credentials for equivalency.
Typically, you’d apply to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for a Professional Educator License endorsement. ISBE may require you to take an Illinois-specific test or a short workshop, but an approved MEd from an accredited school will be recognized.
As for transferring graduate credits, many Illinois universities will consider transferring some credits if you started an MEd elsewhere, usually up to six to twelve credits, provided those credits fit the Illinois program’s curriculum.