The Department of Education prepares teachers and leaders to transform schools and communities in the pursuit of knowledge and social justice. Through the continuous evaluation and refinement of academic programs, offerings are kept current and relevant to this core mission, real-world contexts, and professional standards of quality. Faculty members are experienced and dedicated educators who value individuality, creativity, compassion, and research. In addition, the college brings together talent and resources from various disciplines and incorporates cutting-edge technologies. All programs include a variety of clinical experiences that augment and integrate academic studies.

The Department of Education has a history of serving nontraditional and traditional students. Whether preparing professionals for urban or suburban classrooms, non-school settings, or working with older adults, the Department of Education is committed to quality and service. Programs are focused at the Chicago campus on Michigan Avenue, but courses in Elementary Education are also offered at the Harper University Center campus in Palatine, IL, and in South Cook, IL. Most graduate courses are scheduled in the evenings, but many are offered online and remotely. The College's graduate programs provide continuing professional development to teachers and school personnel and initial preparation in teaching. Degree programs in Instructional Leadership, Dual Language Teacher Leadership, Literacy Leadership, and Second Language Special Education are designed for licensed teachers. Initial teacher licensure is offered in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.  The Department of Education also works with the College of Science, Health, & Pharmacy to offer initial licensure in School Counseling.  

Accreditation and Licensure

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approves all programs leading to  Professional Educator licensure and endorsements. The complete list of approved licensure and endorsement programs is available in the Directory of Approved Programs provided on the Illinois State Board of Education's website.

Program Admission

Prospective students should apply for admission through the Office of Admission. Once admitted, students are assigned an advisor. Each program in the Department of Education has its screening procedures and requirements for admission. Enrollment in teacher licensure programs requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit at the undergraduate level. The minimum undergraduate GPA required for graduate admission is 2.7, but some programs have higher standards. It is important, therefore, that prospective students consult with the Office of Admission concerning the requirements for the specific area in which they wish to pursue their studies.

Readmission

All graduate students absent for three consecutive semesters (excluding the summer) must submit a Readmission Application to the Office of Admission and contact their graduate advisor for readmission to the college program. International students must seek readmission through the international student advisor. 

Program Completion

Masters programs require completion within six years unless exception is formally approved by a degree program.  Students must petition for an extension if the degree will not be completed within six years.  There is no readmission to the program after eight years.

Continuing Enrollment

Graduate students in education must satisfy the minimum requirements for continuing enrollment in their programs. Most importantly, no more than six semester hours with grades of C may be counted toward an MA in education. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation and continuing enrollment. In addition, students must demonstrate the core professional dispositions outlined in student handbooks; failure to do so may result in a hearing, remediation, and/or dismissal from the program. All remediation plans and decisions related to academic suspension/dismissal require the approval of the Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences.

Field and Clinical Experiences

Extensive contact with classrooms and/or community centers and first-hand experience in dealing with everyday problems are critical components of all programs. Through its Office of Field Placements, the Department of Education offers a wide variety of field experience opportunities. Experiences in clinical sites range from observation to tutorials, small-group and large-group interactions, and participation in school and community activities. Field sites range from the city to the suburbs, and all candidates are required to interact with diverse learners in the context of their field and clinical experiences. Pre-practicum and practicum experiences satisfy State of Illinois licensure requirements.

The Office of Field Placements approves all clinical placements, taking into consideration the needs and interests of faculty, programs, and students. Under no circumstances should students contact schools or other sites without explicit permission from the Office of Field Placements. Requests for student teaching placements must be submitted two semesters in advance. Applications for student teaching, and other clinical experiences, are available from faculty advisors and from the Office of Field Placement. Orientations and other meetings related to clinical experiences are required of all students.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of six semester hours of acceptable graduate-level course work from a regionally accredited graduate school may be considered for transfer to the MA programs under the following conditions: the credit has not been applied toward any other degree; the final grade is A or B; the credit will not be more than six years old when the degree is conferred; and the content is equivalent to a requirement or appropriate as an elective in the degree sequence. The request for approval must be made during the student's first semester at Roosevelt University and the advisor must transmit the request to the registrar’s office via an official form and transcript. Acceptance of transfer credits will not reduce the number of semester hours that are required specifically at Roosevelt University for the graduate degree.