Plan early to make the most of the financial opportunities. To help, we want to be as transparent as possible in outlining all of the costs related to the MSEd degree. Financial awards are available.
In addition to the video below, you may also view an informational slideshow here.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the 2023-24 academic year is $4,037 per course unit (most courses are one course unit; student teaching is two units, and some courses are 0.5 units). Elementary and Secondary Teaching candidates take a base of 15 units (40 semester hours) to complete the degree. Educational Studies and Learning Sciences candidates take 12 units (32 semester hours) to complete the degree. At the 2023-24 tuition rate, this comes out to:
- Elementary/Secondary Teaching: $60,555
- Educational Studies or Learning Sciences: $48,444
Tuition does not include the cost of books.
Other Costs Related to Clinical Experience and Licensure
Transportation and Daytime Availability
Candidates are responsible for their own transportation to and from their clinical sites. The clinical sites for preservice teaching candidates will be schools; clinical sites for Educational Studies or Learning Sciences candidates may be K-12 schools or other settings.
Clinical work for preservice teaching candidates happens during the school day. During Theory and Practice (the final fall in the program for Elementary/Secondary Teaching candidates), you will be expected to be at your school site approximately two days a week. During Student Teaching (the final winter in the program), you will be expected to be at your school site five days a week, for the entire school day. Other classes may require brief visits to schools for observations, but these clinical requirements are not as time-intensive as Theory and Practice or Student Teaching.
Technology
Preservice teaching candidates are required to video record lessons during Practicum and Student Teaching at their school sites. Candidates are responsible for providing or procuring a video camera and video editing software. Most phones or tablets can record adequate video, and often schools are willing to let candidates borrow equipment from the school. Standard video editing software on any computer should suffice. The MSEd program will offer a list of suggested or minimum requirements for video, audio and software.
Licensure Tests and Portfolios (Elementary / Secondary Teaching only)
Preservice teaching candidates must take a content area test specific to the subject they will teach to become licensed. The test is offered through the Illinois Licensure Testing System. Fees vary based on the test; most are in the $125 to $150 range. The ILTS test selection page has specific information. Elementary Teachers will only need to take one test; Secondary Teachers will need to take separate content area tests for Middle Grades and High School.
In addition to the content area test(s), preservice teaching candidates must submit the edTPA video portfolio of their teaching. This portfolio is offered through Pearson, and costs $300.
Illinois Professional Educator License Application and Registration Fees
The application fee for a new Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) is $150. All licensure fees must be paid online with a credit or debit card at the time of license application. Additionally, a license must be registered with the regional office of education where the license holder is employed. Registration fees are $60. You may visit the Illinois State Board of Education website for more information.