Advance Your Teaching Career with Aurora University’s Master’s in Education

An impressive 93% of Aurora University education graduates land teaching jobs within two years, a success rooted in over a century of teacher preparation in Illinois. The School of Education offers master’s pathways, including the Master of Arts in Teaching for initial licensure and the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction for career advancement. Built-in clinical experience connects coursework directly to classroom practice. With Illinois schools consistently seeking job-ready candidates, Aurora graduates enter the profession positioned to lead from day one.

Exploring Aurora University’s Master’s in Education Programs

Five master’s-level programs at Aurora University’s School of Education cater to different career goals in teaching, leadership, and specialized instruction.⁵ Whether you are just entering the profession or seeking to advance as an experienced educator, each pathway is aligned with Illinois licensure and endorsement standards.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Elementary Education

This 32-credit, 24-month residency program is designed for career changers and aspiring educators who do not yet hold a teaching license. Through an alternative licensure pathway, you complete a full-year clinical residency in a partner school while earning your Illinois Professional Educator License with an Elementary Education endorsement (grades 1, 6).¹

MA in Curriculum & Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners

For licensed teachers aiming to better serve all students, this 36-credit program integrates both English as a Second Language (ESL) and Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsements. Available at the Aurora main campus and the University Center at McHenry County College (Woodstock), the 24-month curriculum deepens skills in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices.²

Specialized Master’s Programs for Career Advancement

Aurora offers three additional master’s degrees for educators seeking leadership or instructional specialist roles: - MA in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement: Offered online and through on-site cohorts, this program prepares you for building-level administrative licensure and school leadership positions.³ - MA in Educational Technology: In 36 credits, you gain expertise in integrating technology across the curriculum, qualifying for the Technology Specialist endorsement. A 24-credit endorsement-only option is also available.⁴ - MA in Reading Instruction: This 36-credit program deepens literacy assessment and intervention strategies for licensed teachers pursuing reading specialist roles.⁵

Questions to Ask Yourself

Program Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options

Aurora University designs its Master's in Education programs with working educators in mind, offering flexible formats that include on-campus, hybrid, and fully online options to fit diverse schedules. Whether you seek an accelerated licensure path or a part-time evening cohort, the university's delivery modes balance rigor with real-world practicality.

On-Campus and Cohort-Based Options

Several programs rely on face-to-face instruction at the Aurora University main campus or partner sites. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Accelerated Advantage for secondary education is a full-time, daytime cohort that spans just 12 months over summer, fall, and spring semesters. For elementary education, the MAT Alternative Licensure track meets one evening per week in an on-ground cohort, using eight-week courses over a two-year plan that totals 32 semester hours. Both lockstep cohorts foster strong peer networks, though they require regular travel to Aurora, Illinois.

Hybrid and Fully Online Delivery

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Diverse Learners (ESL & LBS1) blends on-ground meetings with hybrid and synchronous Zoom sessions. Students can attend at the main campus, the Woodstock Center, or district partner locations, with evening or weekend meetings following a structured two-year plan. For those preferring complete flexibility, the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MAME) is delivered fully online through AU Online, featuring eight-week modules that let working teachers study from any location. The Master of Arts in Special Education (MASE) is available in a fully online format or via on-ground cohorts, with the same eight-week module structure and a credit range of 41-47 semester hours.

Accelerated and Part-Time Paths

Aurora's Accelerated Advantage graduate degree option lets highly motivated students finish the MAT in one year of full-time study, while the alternative licensure routes and the Teaching Diverse Learners program follow a part-time, two-year trajectory ideal for full-time educators. The eight-week course model, common across most programs, allows students to concentrate on a single subject at a time. Evening, weekend, and online offerings ensure that no matter the format, you can advance your career without pausing your teaching role.

Aurora M.ed. Graduates Earn a Strong Return

Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid for Aurora M.ed. Students

Find Current Program Costs

Aurora University publishes its graduate tuition rates and fees on its official website, typically under the bursar or graduate admissions section. Because these figures can shift each academic year, the site is the single best place to confirm the per-credit-hour cost for your chosen M.Ed. program. Online, hybrid, and campus-based options may carry different rates, so filter by delivery format and program. Additionally, look for fees that apply to all students, such as technology, library, or graduation fees, as these can add several hundred dollars to your total. Contact the bursar’s office directly if you need a personalized estimate. Most M.Ed. programs require between 30 and 36 credits. Multiply the per-credit rate by your total credits to estimate the full tuition expense.

Explore Financial Aid Opportunities

Aurora’s financial aid office can walk you through the process of securing aid. Begin by completing the FAFSA to unlock federal loan options like the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Grad PLUS Loan. Graduate education students often tap these low-interest, credit-based loans. The university may also award institutional M.Ed. scholarships based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need. Check the graduate financial aid webpage for application cycles and any program-specific awards. Some graduate programs offer assistantships or campus employment that provide tuition waivers or stipends; ask your program coordinator about availability. For candidates who plan to work in high-need areas, explore the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant if you commit to teaching in a low-income school.

Tap Professional Association Scholarships

Beyond university aid, many national and state-level education organizations provide financial support to graduate students. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and the National Education Association (NEA) occasionally list scholarships and grants for members. State affiliates of these groups may have additional offerings for Illinois residents. Review each organization’s eligibility requirements carefully, as some target specific subjects, grade levels, or populations. Application windows are often seasonal, so plan ahead.

Consider Your Return on Investment

A master’s degree can meaningfully increase an educator’s earning power. Check the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website for regional salary data for elementary, middle, and high school teachers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area. BLS tables display median annual wages, and Illinois districts often publish salary schedules that show differentials for a master’s degree. Comparing Aurora’s total program cost against the typical pay bump over your expected career span can clarify whether the investment makes sense. Also explore federal loan forgiveness programs like Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF); these can reduce your long-term debt if you work in eligible schools.

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply

A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA is the standard for most Aurora University master’s in education programs²³, though the principal endorsement track accepts a 2.75 for those holding an undergraduate degree or a 3.0 for graduate-level applicants. No GRE or MAT scores are demanded across any M.Ed. pathway, keeping the application process focused on professional readiness rather than standardized testing.

Admission Requirements at a Glance

All graduate education applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution¹. Beyond that base, requirements vary by specialization:

• GPA: 3.0 for the MA in Teaching , Elementary Education², the MACI in Teaching Diverse Learners³, and the principal endorsement (graduate GPA); 2.75 for the principal endorsement using an undergraduate GPA only.
• Exams: The Elementary Education program requires passing the ILTS 305 Elementary Education content test². The principal endorsement and MACI have no exam requirement.
• Experience: A minimum of two years of professional educational experience is needed for the principal endorsement. No teaching experience is mandated for initial licensure or the MACI, so these are M.Ed. without teaching experience programs.
• Background Check: A criminal background check is a universal step for all licensure-track programs.

How to Apply

Aurora University uses a straightforward graduate application that allows you to self-manage uploads¹. Your file should include:

• Completed online application form
• Official transcripts from every institution attended
• Two or three letters of recommendation, ideally from academic or professional references who can speak to your capacity for graduate work and teaching
• A statement of purpose outlining your career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• For the Elementary Education program, documentation of an approved content area bachelor’s degree
• For the principal endorsement, verification of educational experience

Program-Specific Prerequisites

The MA in Teaching , Elementary Education expects a bachelor’s in an approved content area, plus the ILTS 305 exam and a background check². The MACI in Teaching Diverse Learners, a curriculum and instruction degree, is more flexible, requiring only the standard graduate GPA and no additional exams or experience³. Aspiring principals must show two years of educational experience and meet the GPA threshold, either a 2.75 undergraduate GPA or a 3.0 graduate GPA.

Deadlines and Start Terms

Aurora University reviews applications on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer entry¹. While precise cutoffs may shift, the university encourages submission at least two months before the intended start term to allow for transcript evaluation and financial aid processes. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission for the most current deadline dates.

Career Outcomes and Chicago Metro Teaching Opportunities

Aurora University Master's in Education completers report an 84% placement rate, with nearly all graduates finding roles in education.¹ About 91% of employed graduates secure teaching positions in Illinois,¹ reflecting robust demand for Aurora-trained educators across the state.

Strong Employment and Earning Potential

The average full-time salary for Aurora M.Ed. graduates in the 2022-2023 cycle was $52,251.¹ Program data points to a 19% higher earning potential compared to peers, underscoring the degree's value. These outcomes place Aurora alumni on solid footing in a region where master of education salary figures remain competitive and Education and Library Occupations rank third nationally for employment concentration.²

Teaching in the Chicago Metro Area

The Chicago metropolitan area is a hub for Aurora graduates. The Oswego School District 308 stands out as a top employer,¹ but alumni also teach in nearby districts such as Indian Prairie, Naperville, and Aurora East. Aurora University's strong relationships with local schools lead to student teaching placements and eventual hiring pipelines. Located just 40 miles from Chicago, the university positions graduates to accept roles in urban, suburban, and rural settings across the metro, where teacher demand continues to grow.

In-Demand Endorsements That Open Doors

Adding a specialized endorsement can meaningfully strengthen a new teacher's job application. Aurora's M.Ed. programs let you earn credentials in areas with critical shortages:

• English as a Second Language (ESL): Prepares you to work with Illinois' growing population of multilingual learners. The ESL endorsement is one of the most requested by districts hiring new teachers.
• Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1): A special education endorsement that qualifies you to teach students with diverse learning needs. Special education teachers are among the hardest positions for schools to fill.
• Bilingual and Dual Language Endorsements: With bilingual education expanding in the Chicago area, these credentials open doors to dedicated classroom roles and higher salary steps.

These endorsements can be pursued as part of Aurora's Master of Arts in Teaching or Master of Education programs, often without extending your time to degree. Paired with Aurora's strong placement outcomes, they represent a practical way to maximize job prospects in Illinois' competitive but rewarding education landscape.

Your Illinois Teaching Licensure Roadmap

Earning your Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois involves several clear steps, from completing an accredited program to passing required assessments. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) oversees the process, which includes an online application, background check, and induction period. Here's your roadmap to becoming a licensed teacher in Illinois.

Specialized Endorsements: ESL, LBS1, and More

Adding an ESL or Special Education endorsement to your Illinois teaching license through Aurora University’s master’s programs significantly expands your career opportunities and earning potential. These focused credentials prepare you to meet the needs of diverse learners and fill high-demand roles in districts across the state.

ESL and Bilingual Endorsement

Aurora’s ESL endorsement sequence is designed for licensed teachers who want to become ESL teachers and hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License.³ The program requires 18 semester hours of coursework and 100 clock hours of clinical experience.¹ Once completed, you are qualified to teach English language learners in any grade or subject area. Candidates seeking the bilingual endorsement must also pass a Target Language Proficiency Test.¹ You can pursue the endorsement as a standalone post-bachelor’s sequence or embed it within the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, making it a flexible addition to your professional development.

Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) Endorsement

The online LBS1 endorsement is ideal for educators who want to work with students with disabilities. It consists of 18 credit hours and can be finished in as few as 12 months, with no internship requirement.² To earn the endorsement, you must pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) LBS1 or Special Education content exam.² This credential is highly sought after; Illinois schools consistently report shortages in special education, so adding it can fast-track your job search and position you for leadership in inclusive classrooms.

Combined Pathway: MACI with Teaching Diverse Learners

Aurora’s Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teaching Diverse Learners (MACI-TDL) bundles both the ESL and LBS1 endorsements into one degree program.⁴ This streamlines your graduate studies while maximizing the value of your teaching license. Note that the stand-alone MAT program includes one ESL methods course but does not lead to a full ESL endorsement; you’ll need the dedicated endorsement sequence for that.⁵

Impact on Licensure and Job Prospects

After you complete the requirements, Aurora’s teaching licensure office adds the endorsements to your Illinois PEL. This expands the grade levels and student populations you are authorized to teach. In the Chicago metro area and statewide, districts actively recruit teachers with ESL and special education endorsements, often offering additional stipends or higher salary lanes. These credentials deliver an immediate return on your educational investment while letting you serve students who need specialized support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora University’s M.ed. Programs

If you're considering a graduate degree in education at Aurora University, you likely have questions about costs, formats, and requirements. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries about Aurora's Master's in Education programs.

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