Elementary Education (MA/MEd)

Motivate and shape young minds

Learn how to create a productive class climate and provide differentiated instructional activities for a diverse group of students. In the Elementary Education master’s program, you’ll challenge students at varied levels of development and play a critical role in their lives by bringing subjects to life.

You have the option to pursue an initial Illinois Teaching License (PEL) with an Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) endorsement, or if you are already a licensed teacher, you can add an Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) endorsement to your PEL.

Classes take place primarily in person on the Lincoln Park Campus, although some courses are offered using hybrid or online modalities during certain quarters. The program can be completed in two years.

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Chicago is your classroom

DePaul’s connection to Chicago offers unparalleled access to a wide range of classrooms. Complete your field experiences in the Chicago Public Schools and Archdiocese of Chicago systems and student teach in a Chicago or suburban school of your choice.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Priority deadlines for scholarships are as follows:

Fall: August 15
Summer: May 1

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, résumé and a personal statement.

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Required Courses

You’ll take 16 classes, content area coursework, field experiences, student teaching and state licensure exams. To earn the MA, you’ll also complete a thesis.

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93%

of Elementary Education graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

“DePaul's program helped me understand and appreciate urban education. The program does a great job of getting us into classrooms and experiencing what urban education looks like. We were able to see many different teaching styles and philosophies as we began to develop our own personal style.”

Josh (MEd ’05)

Math teacher, Walter L. Newberry Math and Science Academy

Alumni Network

DePaul’s alumni network is a robust and distinguished network of more than 210,000. Graduates of the Elementary Education program have gone on to work in public, private and parochial schools. Alumni hold a wide range of elementary positions such as middle school math teacher, language teacher or history teacher.

Scholarships

Many scholarships are available to graduate students in the College of Education, based on academic standing and financial need. Students serving as elementary or secondary school teachers can apply for The John and Frances Beck Endowed Scholarship. Preference is given to those currently teaching or planning to teach at a Catholic elementary or secondary school. Learn more about scholarship opportunities available to you.

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Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission for DePaul’s College of Education at (773) 325-4405 or edgradadmissions@depaul.edu.

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We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

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