printer-friendlyGraduate Degree Programs
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Education (Ed.M.), Master of Science (M.S.), Advanced Certificate, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). Through the Master of Education and Advanced Certificate programs, experienced teachers are prepared to become more competent and better informed practitioners who serve as leaders for educational reform in local schools and school districts.
We also offer Master's degree programs leading to teacher certification for individuals who have a degree in a field other than education and who wish to become teachers. Spaces in this program are very limited. Students in this program follow the same sequence of professional education courses as undergraduate students, in addition to completing the courses required for an Ed.M. degree.
Two doctoral degree programs are offered. The Ph.D. program prepares degree candidates for careers involving research and scholarship, including those in colleges and universities where research generally is combined with teacher education. The Ed.D. program prepares scholarly practitioners for leadership positions in teacher training institutions, state education agencies, and public school districts. Most of our doctoral students enroll in the Ph.D. program.
Length of time for a degree: an Ed.M. program can be completed in a calendar year, while the M.S. program takes longer. The Ed.M. with certification program typically takes two to three years to complete. Doctoral programs usually require four to five years of full time study.
Please contact the Graduate Programs Secretary (217-244-3391 or cigradprograms@ed.uiuc.edu) or Associate Head of Graduate Programs with any questions.