Pursuing a Master's in Education at Concordia University-Chicago

Illinois requires most teachers to earn a master’s degree within seven years of initial licensure to maintain a Professional Educator License. For working educators who need an efficient, values-anchored route, Concordia University-Chicago offers M.Ed. specializations in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, reading, special education, and more. The university’s faith-based mission and small class sizes appeal to teachers who want to advance without sacrificing personal attention or ethical grounding. Located in River Forest, just west of Chicago, Concordia students access one of the nation’s largest networks of public, charter, and private schools, and a master’s degree often unlocks salary lane increases and leadership roles in the region.

Master's in Education Programs at Concordia University-Chicago

Concordia University-Chicago offers a deliberately focused set of master's in education programs designed to advance both classroom teaching and school leadership. Each pathway combines research-based theory with intensive field experiences, preparing graduates to meet Illinois state standards and address real-world school needs.

M.Ed. and MAT Specializations

• Curriculum and Instruction: This M.Ed. is built for licensed teachers who want to deepen their pedagogical skill set and take on instructional leadership roles without leaving the classroom. Coursework explores curriculum design, assessment literacy, and differentiated instruction.
• Teacher Leadership (MAT): The Master of Arts in Teaching is the primary route for career changers or new educators seeking initial Illinois licensure. The program blends graduate-level education studies with supervised clinical practice, culminating in eligibility for the Professional Educator License (PEL). A non-licensure option is also available for those who want the leadership knowledge but do not intend to teach in public schools.
• Educational Leadership: Designed for aspiring principals and district administrators, this M.Ed. track focuses on school improvement, organizational management, and ethical leadership, often combined with a principal endorsement.
• Reading Education: Reading specialists are in high demand. Concordia Chicago's M.Ed. in Reading aligns with the Illinois Reading Specialist endorsement and trains educators to lead literacy interventions across K-12 settings.
• STEM Education: For teachers aiming to boost science, technology, engineering, and math instruction, the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction offers a STEM concentration. This track equips educators to design integrated STEM units and lead schoolwide STEM initiatives.

Licensure-Aligned Pathways

Several programs at Concordia Chicago directly connect to Illinois teaching licensure or endorsements. The MAT with Teacher Leadership includes a state-approved educator preparation program, making graduates eligible for the PEL. The Reading and Educational Leadership tracks prepare candidates for the corresponding specialist endorsements. Licensed teachers seeking to add a subsequent endorsement, such as ESL or special education, can often do so through additional coursework within their M.Ed. plan.

Applied Learning from Day One

Clinical hours and practicum placements are embedded throughout the graduate curriculum, not tacked on at the end. MAT candidates complete a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating mentor teacher. M.Ed. students in Curriculum and Instruction or Reading programs implement action research projects in their own classrooms, applying evidence-based strategies in real time. This hands-on model ensures that coursework translates directly into professional practice, giving graduates a competitive edge in Illinois schools.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Program Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid

Concordia University Chicago offers its Master of Education programs in multiple formats to accommodate working professionals balancing career, family, and graduate study. Choosing the right delivery mode, fully online, on-campus, or hybrid, can significantly affect your ability to complete the degree while maintaining other commitments.

Flexible Delivery to Fit Your Life

Graduate education programs at Concordia Chicago are designed with the understanding that many students are full-time educators themselves. You can find specializations offered entirely online, allowing you to complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection. Other programs may require some on-campus attendance, either weekly or in periodic intensive sessions. Hybrid models combine the convenience of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face interaction.

Checking Official Sources

Because delivery formats can vary by specialization and even by term, the most reliable information is on the university's official website. Each M.Ed. program page typically lists the available delivery methods and any specific requirements, such as mandatory face-to-face orientation, student teaching placement, or synchronous class meetings. Reaching out to the admissions office or program coordinator directly is often the best way to confirm current details, especially if you need to know whether classes are synchronous (requiring you to log in at set times) or asynchronous (allowing you to learn on your own schedule).

Understanding the Online Experience

If you are considering an online M.Ed., clarify the balance of independence and community. Some programs rely heavily on discussion boards and recorded lectures, while others include regular live sessions that replicate a classroom environment virtually. Ask whether online students receive the same access to faculty advising, career services, and networking opportunities as their on-campus peers; this can influence your experience and outcomes significantly.

Campus-Based and Hybrid Options

For those who live near the River Forest campus or prefer direct interaction, on-campus programs offer the traditional classroom experience. Hybrid formats can be particularly appealing because they reduce commutes while preserving valuable in-person collaboration. Some hybrid programs are structured around evening or weekend classes to accommodate work schedules. Regardless of format, Concordia Chicago's emphasis on small class sizes ensures personalized attention across all delivery modes.

Resources for Career and Program Context

When exploring program formats, you may also want to consult the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for insights into quality standards that accredited programs must meet, including how field experiences are managed. Professional organizations like the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) can provide a broader view of educator preparation trends. For career outcomes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) offers data on employment requirements and salary ranges for roles such as instructional coordinator or school administrator, but always verify program-specific details directly with the university.

Curriculum and Specializations: What You'll Learn

Education is undergoing a profound shift as districts seek teacher-leaders and curriculum specialists who can drive instructional improvement. Concordia University Chicago’s Master’s in Education programs are designed to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to meet these demands.

Core Components of an M.Ed. at Concordia Chicago

Each M.Ed. specialization includes a set of core courses that build a foundation in educational theory, research methods, and advanced pedagogy. While specific course titles and credit requirements are detailed in the official academic catalog, you can expect to study topics such as learner development, assessment strategies, and instructional design. The programs emphasize reflective practice, preparing you to analyze and refine your own teaching methods.

Choosing Between Teacher Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction

Two prominent specializations are Teacher Leadership (often structured as an MAT) and Curriculum and Instruction. A master's in teacher leadership focuses on developing skills to mentor colleagues, lead professional development, and influence school-wide policy. In contrast, a curriculum and instruction degree hones your ability to design, implement, and evaluate curricular programs across diverse learning environments. To understand the subtleties, compare learning outcomes and course sequences on the university’s website; for even deeper insight, contact the admissions office to request detailed syllabi.

Capstone Projects and Real-World Application

Most M.Ed. programs at Concordia Chicago culminate in a capstone experience that bridges theory and practice. This might take the form of a research project, a portfolio, or a fieldwork-based inquiry. Capstones often address authentic challenges in your own classroom or school, allowing you to demonstrate leadership and instructional expertise. The structure of these projects is typically aligned with professional standards set by bodies like the Illinois State Board of Education or the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, ensuring that your work is relevant to licensure or career advancement.

Aligning Your Specialization with Career Goals

Your choice of specialization should reflect your long-term professional objectives. If you aim to move into department chair, instructional coaching, or administrative roles, Teacher Leadership provides targeted preparation. If your passion lies in shaping what and how students learn at the classroom or district level, Curriculum and Instruction is a natural fit. As you weigh options, explore masters in education specialization career outcomes from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics to understand the demand and earning potential for roles like instructional coordinator or teacher leader. Concordia’s career services and alumni network can also offer firsthand insights into how these pathways unfold in Illinois and beyond.

For the most current course descriptions, credit totals, and specialization requirements, always refer to Concordia University Chicago’s official program pages. Direct conversations with faculty or advisors can further clarify which track aligns best with your vision.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Graduate Education Students

Concordia University Chicago offers a transparent and stable tuition structure for its M.Ed. programs, ensuring educators can plan their investment with confidence. The per-credit rate for most graduate education programs falls between $505 and $535, depending on the specialization. For example, the Illinois Principal Preparation M.Ed. is priced at $535 per credit, while the MAT programs are $510 per credit. A technology fee of $18 per credit applies, but the university guarantees this rate will not increase for the duration of your program.¹

Understanding the Total Investment

The majority of M.Ed. programs at Concordia Chicago require 30 to 36 credits, bringing the estimated total program cost to approximately $17,259.¹ This figure includes tuition and fees but excludes books and supplies, which are estimated at $1,350 for the academic year.³ Because the tuition is locked in at the start of your cohort, you can accurately forecast your full educational expense without worrying about annual increases.

Payment Options and Course-by-Course Billing

Payment is due before each course begins, and the university accepts cash, money order, personal check, credit card, and ACH transfers.² It is important to note that there is no dedicated monthly payment plan for graduate students.³ Instead, you pay as you enroll in each course, which can help with cash flow if you are balancing work and study.

Federal Loans and Other Funding Sources

M.Ed. students at Concordia Chicago are eligible to apply for federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).³ While specific scholarships or grants for educators, such as partner school employee discounts, are not detailed in the current tuition materials, the financial aid office encourages students to explore employer tuition reimbursement programs and M.Ed. scholarships. Many school districts and private organizations offer funding for advanced degrees in education.

• Tuition Guarantee: Your per-credit rate is locked from the start, shielding you from future increases.
• Transparent Costs: A clear breakdown of tuition, fees, and estimated book costs lets you budget precisely.
• Federal Aid: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans are available to those who qualify.

For the most personalized guidance, reach out to Concordia University Chicago’s financial aid office. They can help you navigate loan applications, identify potential external awards, and create a funding strategy that aligns with your career goals.

Breaking Down the Cost of Your M.ed. At Concordia Chicago

Understanding the full investment required for your graduate degree is essential. The figures below provide an estimated breakdown for a typical 30-credit M.Ed. program at Concordia University-Chicago.

Admissions Requirements for Concordia University-Chicago M.ed. Programs

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

  You must hold a bachelor’s degree, typically in education or a closely related field, from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Minimum GPA

  A cumulative GPA of 2.85 is required for non-licensure M.Ed. programs, while licensure or endorsement tracks require a 3.0. Applicants with GPAs between 2.25 and 2.84 may be considered for probationary admission in non-licensure programs.
• Standardized test scores

  The GRE, MAT, and CBEST are generally not required. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 72, or equivalent IELTS or Duolingo scores.
• Application materials

  Submit an online application, official transcripts from all colleges attended, an objective statement (personal essay), two letters of recommendation, and a professional résumé.
• Teaching experience (licensure/endorsement tracks)

  For programs leading to licensure or endorsement, documented teaching experience is often required. Verify specific requirements for your chosen track.
• Deadlines and fees

  Admissions operate on a rolling, term-based cycle. Check your program of interest for fall, spring, and summer deadlines. Application fee and waiver information is available on the university’s online portal.

Licensure and Endorsements in Illinois

Concordia University Chicago designs its Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) programs to align with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements, creating a direct route to a Professional Educator License (PEL). Whether you are pursuing a career change or advancing your credentials, the licensure tracks embed the coursework, clinical experiences, and assessments necessary to meet state standards.

The Licensure Pathway

Every M.A.T. candidate follows a clear sequence: complete program coursework, accumulate required clinical hours, pass teacher certification exams, and submit an application for the PEL. A minimum 3.0 GPA must be maintained throughout the program, and a background check is required before entering any school setting. Clinical experiences are scaffolded: you will log 20 hours of pre-professional observation early on, followed by 100 hours of hands-on practice in classrooms, culminating in a full-time student teaching placement. This progression ensures you build confidence and competence under mentor guidance before taking on your own classroom.¹

Available Endorsements

Concordia University Chicago offers M.A.T. programs that lead to specific endorsements on the Illinois PEL. Currently, the available options include: - Secondary Education MAT: Prepares you to teach grades 9-12 in a chosen content area, such as English Language Arts. This track awards a PEL with a Secondary Education endorsement. - Special Education (LBS1): Leads to a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement, which qualifies you to support students with exceptional needs from preschool through age 21. This is an area of high demand across Illinois districts.² - PK-12 Physical Education MAT: Equips you to teach physical education across all grade levels, earning a PEL with a Physical Education endorsement for PK-12 settings. Endorsement eligibility is tied to your specialization, so you will select the track that matches the student population and subject you intend to serve. Because ISBE periodically updates endorsement requirements, program advisors ensure that your course plan remains compliant.

Testing Requirements

Illinois requires candidates to pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) content-area exams for their intended endorsement. For example, secondary English candidates must take the ILTS Content Test #207 in English Language Arts. Concordia’s curriculum integrates test-preparation strategies, but you are responsible for registering and passing these exams independently. The university’s clinical placement office can guide you on timelines so that test results are ready before your student teaching semester concludes.¹

Out-of-State Candidates

If you plan to teach outside Illinois, be aware that licensure requirements vary by state. Concordia’s M.A.T. programs are built around ISBE standards, but many states have teacher license reciprocity agreements with Illinois. You should contact the licensing board in your intended state to confirm which of Illinois’ requirements transfer and whether additional exams or coursework are needed. The university’s certification officer can provide some guidance, but the final determination rests with the other state’s agency.

Choosing a licensure-aligned M.Ed. program means committing to a structured path. Concordia University Chicago’s adherence to ISBE guidelines offers clarity and a straightforward route to the certification you need to launch your teaching career with a master's in education in Illinois.

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations for M.ed. Graduates

The decision to invest in a master's degree often hinges on a straightforward calculation: will the salary increase and career advancement offset the cost and time commitment? At Concordia University-Chicago, program-specific earnings data for recent M.Ed. graduates is still being compiled, but broader indicators can help you gauge the potential return.

What Graduates Earn

Program-level median earnings one year after completion are not yet available for Concordia Chicago's M.Ed. programs. However, across all graduate programs at the university, students who received federal financial aid see median earnings of $54,089 ten years after entering the institution, according to the latest federal data. While this figure doesn't isolate education graduates, it provides a benchmark for the university's overall earning power. Earnings for teachers and administrators often rise steadily with experience and advanced credentials, with many Illinois districts offering automatic pay bumps for master's degrees.

Where Concordia Chicago M.Ed. Graduates Work

Graduates of Concordia Chicago's education programs pursue a range of roles within and beyond the classroom. Common career pathways include: - Classroom Teacher: Elementary school teacher positions, middle school, and high school teaching positions in public and private schools. - Instructional Coach: Supporting peer teachers with curriculum implementation and pedagogical strategies. - Curriculum Specialist: Designing and revising district-wide learning materials and assessments. - Department Chair: Leading academic departments and mentoring faculty. - School Counselor or Special Education Specialist: Roles that require additional endorsements and often follow from M.Ed. concentrations.

Many graduates also move into leadership positions such as principal or assistant principal, particularly after completing administrative licensure programs.

Illinois Teacher Job Market Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of teachers at all levels is projected to remain stable through 2032, with demand driven by retirements and growing student enrollments in certain regions. In Illinois, persistent shortages in special education, bilingual education, and STEM subjects mean that qualified teachers with advanced degrees often have an advantage in the hiring process. Urban and suburban districts alike seek educators who bring both classroom experience and graduate-level training.

Employment Support and Placement Data

While Concordia University-Chicago does not publicly report program-specific job placement rates for its M.Ed. graduates, the university's career services office offers resources such as resume review, interview preparation, and job search assistance. Education students also benefit from strong connections with Chicago-area school districts, which frequently recruit on campus and through the university's alumni network.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions About Concordia University-Chicago M.ed. Programs

Find quick answers to common questions about Concordia University Chicago's master's in education programs. Whether you're curious about cost, delivery format, or completion time, these FAQs provide the key details to help you plan your next step.

Other Concordia University-Chicago Schools

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3. Connecticut
4. Illinois
5. Iowa
6. Kentucky
7. Oregon

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