Turn your subject matter into a teaching career, and earn your master’s degree while you do it.
If you have a passion for a subject and a desire to share it with the next generation, Lewis University’s Master of Arts in Secondary Education is the graduate program built for you. The M.A. in Secondary Education is designed for education professionals who want to obtain Illinois secondary licensure and earn a master’s degree at the same time, advancing their credentials without putting their lives on hold.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to teach students in grades 9-12 in the State of Illinois, equipped with a deep understanding of adolescent development, inclusive classroom practices, and the instructional strategies that reach diverse learners. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s secondary education master’s degree program is fully approved by the State Educator Preparation and License Board and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Content areas available in this master’s in secondary education include:
- English/Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- History
- Psychology
A Secondary Education Master’s Degree Built for Illinois Educators
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education goes beyond theory. The program is grounded in applied, hands-on learning that prepares you to step into a real secondary classroom with confidence, understanding not just your content area, but how to teach it effectively to a room full of diverse adolescent learners.
Located in Romeoville, Illinois, and just 30 miles southwest of Chicago, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ is one of the most accessible and respected choices for a master’s in education in Illinois. Our College of Education and Social Sciences (CoESS) brings together experienced faculty, a collaborative learning community, and a curriculum that reflects the realities of today’s secondary classrooms.
Whether you are a recent graduate seeking initial licensure, a career changer bringing subject-matter expertise into education, or an educator looking to formalize your credentials with a secondary education master’s degree, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s program meets you where you are.
What sets Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s Secondary Education M.A. apart:
- State-approved licensure pathway - The program is approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education, so your credentials are recognized across Illinois.
- Flexible format for working adults - Courses are available in evening, blended, and in-person formats designed to fit around your schedule.
- Small classes, accessible faculty - You’ll learn in an environment where professors know your name, engage with your goals, and bring current classroom experience into every discussion.
- Values-centered education - Rooted in the Lasallian Catholic tradition, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s master of Education in Secondary Education develops teachers who lead with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to every student’s growth.
Sample Courses in the Secondary Education Master’s Program
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s secondary education M.A. curriculum blends pedagogical theory with the practical tools you’ll use every day in a 9-12 classroom. Sample courses include:
- Integrating Educational and Assistive Technology into the Classroom
- Pedagogy and Assessment for Effective Instruction
- Characteristics and Development of the Adolescent Learner
- Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities
- Practical Research of Learning Communities
Scholarship Options
Financing your master’s in secondary education doesn’t have to be a barrier. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ offers several scholarship opportunities for graduate students in education:
- Mines-Quinlan Annual Scholarship
- TEACH Grant
- Lasallian Book Scholarship
Visit the Financial Aid for Educational Studies page for more information on education scholarships.
Admission Requirements
To apply to Lewis University’s Master of Arts in Secondary Education, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for the final 60 credit hours of study
- Official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended
- Successful completion of the Lewis University College of Education and Social Sciences Graduate Writing Examination
- Submission of a graduate application form
- Two letters of recommendation
- Meet with the appropriate Department Chair or Program Director for a personal interview to discuss education goals
Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admission for application requirements and specific next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions - M.A. in Secondary Education
Does Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s secondary education master’s program lead to Illinois teaching licensure?
Yes. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s Master’s in Secondary Education is fully approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education. Graduates are eligible to pursue secondary licensure to teach students in grades 9-12 in Illinois.
What subjects can I teach with a secondary education master’s degree from Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ?
The program offers content area tracks in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, and Psychology, preparing you to teach the subject you’re most passionate about at the high school level.
Can I earn my secondary education master’s degree while working?
Yes. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s M.A. in Secondary Education program is designed for working adults. Courses are offered in evening, blended, and in-person formats so you can balance your professional and personal obligations while earning your degree.
Is Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ’s secondary education program a good option for a master’s in education in Illinois?
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ is a regionally accredited, state-approved institution with a strong track record in educator preparation in Illinois. Located just 30 miles from Chicago in Romeoville, the university offers accessible, flexible programs grounded in both academic rigor and real-world teaching practice, making it a highly regarded choice for graduate education programs in Illinois.
How do I apply to the Master of Arts in Secondary Education at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ?
You can begin your application through the Office of Graduate Admission. For questions, contact the graduate team at grad@lewisu.edu or (815)205-0943
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