Master's in Education Online: Reviewing Top Illinois Programs

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.

Top Fields for MEd Graduates to Pursue in Illinois

Earning an MEd opens doors to a variety of specialized careers in Illinois’s education sector. Below are five top fields where an MEd can have the biggest impact in Illinois, each backed by strong job demand, return on investment (ROI), and program availability across the state.

Special Education

Special Education is consistently one of the highest-need areas in Illinois. In fact, the teacher shortage is most pronounced in special education classrooms statewide.

An MEd in Special Education equips educators to support students with disabilities and often leads to roles like special education lead teacher or coordinator. The ROI is solid, since Illinois special ed teachers (especially at the elementary level) earn a median salary of around $93,157. 

Districts value advanced training in this field for meeting compliance standards and improving inclusive practices. Many Illinois universities offer online MEd programs focused on special education, making it accessible for teachers to gain these skills and endorsements while still working. 

Educational Leadership (Administration)

Educational Leadership is an ideal path for those aiming to move into roles like principal, assistant principal, or district administrator. Illinois requires a master’s degree and state licensure for principal and superintendent positions. This makes an MEd in Educational Leadership or an MEd in Educational Administration the gateway to these leadership roles. 

School principals in Illinois average about $98,600 per year, which is 45% above the national average. Top administrators in larger Illinois districts can earn six-figure salaries, and many districts actively train teachers with leadership potential. An MEd in this field provides knowledge in school law, finance, and instructional leadership, preparing graduates to manage schools or programs. 

Illinois has a retiring wave of baby boomer administrators, creating a rising demand for new leaders. Numerous Illinois institutions offer online or hybrid principal preparation programs designed for part-time study while teaching. 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Illinois, like much of the nation, faces acute shortages of qualified STEM teachers. High school math and science courses are among the most severe shortage areas identified in the state.

Pursuing an MEd focusing on STEM (such as mathematics education or science education) can rapidly advance your career, especially if you are passionate about these subjects. Teachers with a graduate degree in a STEM field are often tapped for department chair roles, curriculum development, or dual-credit teaching positions. 

There’s also potential for higher salaries, as districts sometimes offer stipends or higher pay scales to math and science educators due to the demand. Programs like a master’s in math education or science education typically cover advanced pedagogy, data-driven instruction, and integrating technology into STEM learning, all of which are crucial skills for today’s classrooms.

Bilingual & English as a Second Language (ESL) Education

Illinois has a high demand for educators skilled in bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) education. In many Illinois districts, especially Chicago and its suburbs, a significant percentage of students are English language learners (ELL). The state has consequently flagged bilingual/ESL education as a top-tier shortage area alongside special education. 

An MEd in Bilingual Education or TESOL provides advanced strategies for teaching multilingual learners and often includes a bilingual/ESL endorsement. This credential is highly valued, so schools often pay a premium or stipend for teachers who can serve as ESL specialists. 

Graduates may become ESL coordinators, bilingual curriculum developers, or continue classroom teaching with greater impact. ROI is strong in terms of job security; districts from urban to rural are creating new ESL specialist positions, and having an MEd can also lead to roles in adult ESL education or community college ESL programs. 

Instructional Design & Educational Technology

Instructional design is a rapidly growing field that intersects education and technology, and Illinois is keeping pace with this trend. An MEd in Educational Technology prepares you to develop e-learning curriculum, integrate technology in schools, or design training programs for companies. 

Schools in Illinois increasingly need technology coaches and curriculum specialists to help teachers use digital tools. Outside kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) education, many MEd graduates with instructional design or technology expertise work in higher education or corporate settings, creating online courses and training materials. 

In Illinois, over 7,300 instructional coordinators are employed, and the field is projected to grow about 5.6% over 10 years. While growth is steady, the versatility of this degree is a big plus. You can use this background to work in education, business, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors as a learning designer.

Accreditation Essentials 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 in Illinois don’t all provide the same study experience. They come in various formats to suit different students’ needs. You’ll find full-time programs that let you immerse yourself and finish quickly, part-time options designed for working teachers who need to spread out coursework, accelerated formats, and even different admissions styles. 

Below, we break down these program types, along with a few Illinois-based examples of each, so you can identify which format aligns best with your schedule and goals.

Full-Time Programs for Education Master’s Students

Full-time online MEd programs allow you to complete your degree faster by taking a heavier course load each term. This intensive pace is great if you’re eager to graduate in about a year to 18 months, but it requires significant time management. You can expect to devote over 20 hours per week to coursework. 

The upside to full-time study is that you’ll maintain momentum and finish sooner, which can be ideal for career-changers or those taking a break from teaching to study. Full-time online students also often form close-knit cohorts, progressing through the program together. 

Examples of Full-Time Online Master’s Programs:

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — MEd in Learning Design & Leadership
• Concordia University Chicago — Master of Arts (MA) in Teacher Leadership
  

Part-Time Programs for Education Master’s Students

Part-time online MEd programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Most Illinois teachers pursuing a graduate degree will go part-time, taking one course at a time or two courses spread over a semester, so they can continue teaching full-time. Part-time study usually extends the program to about two to three years, but the manageable workload makes it sustainable. 

The flexibility of online learning is a huge asset here. You might do class discussions at night and coursework on weekends. Illinois universities understand the needs of busy educators, so part-time online MEd tracks often feature asynchronous classes and predictable schedules.

Examples of Part-Time Online Master’s Programs:

• National Louis University — MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
• DePaul University — MA in Educational Leadership

No-GRE Programs for Education Master’s Students

Many online MEd programs in Illinois have no Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirement, which lowers the barrier to entry for experienced educators. This means the graduate admissions process will focus on your undergraduate GPA, teaching experience, and recommendation letters rather than test scores. 

These programs are a boon for busy professionals who don’t have time to prep for the GRE or who feel their test skills don’t reflect their abilities as an educator. Some programs waive the GRE for all applicants, while others might waive it if you meet a minimum GPA (often 3.0) or have a prior graduate degree.

Examples of No-GRE Online Master’s Programs:

• 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 online MEd programs are perfect for go-getters who want their degree as soon as feasibly possible. These programs condense the typical timeline through shorter course sessions and year-round enrollment. 

In Illinois, an accelerated program might enable you to finish in as little as one year by taking back-to-back courses without long breaks. Often, courses are six to eight weeks long each, instead of a typical 16-week semester, and you might take two at a time. The commitment is intense, but the payoff is entering your new role or salary lane faster. 

Examples of Accelerated Online Master’s Programs:

• 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?

Cost is a major factor when considering your online MEd. The encouraging news is that in Illinois, education master’s programs tend to be more affordable than many other graduate degrees. 

Tuition varies by school and program type, but at public universities, you’ll often find per-credit rates in the range of about $420 to $560. Notably, many Illinois public universities do not add out-of-state surcharges for online students. Private institutions’ tuition can vary, though some, like Concordia Chicago or National Louis, are competitively priced.

Don’t forget to factor in fees into your budget. Online programs might charge a technology fee per course, but you’ll likely save on commuting, parking, or housing costs. Financial aid is usually available to online students, including federal loans and sometimes scholarships for education master’s students or tuition discounts.

To give a snapshot, here’s a comparison of costs for a few Illinois online master’s programs:

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.