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About the Elementary Education Master's Program at Loyola
If you are looking to advance your career in education, the MEd in Elementary Education at Loyola University Chicago can help you achieve your goals. With a focus on helping students of all backgrounds excel, the Loyola elementary education master's degree prepares you to work with diverse learners in grades 1-6.
In the master's in elementary education program, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of elementary school pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, classroom management, and more. You will also gain your Professional Educator License (PEL) with elementary and ESL endorsements, giving you the credentials you need to teach in elementary classrooms.
Program Structure
The MEd in Elementary Education is a part-time, two-year program. Classes are held weekday afternoons and evenings at Loyola's two Chicago campuses, as well as online.
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about each program below.
- Elementary Education MEd
- Elementary Education MEd: Dance Concentration
- Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration
- Elementary Education MEd: Theater Concentration
- LU-Choice Elementary Education MEd
The MEd in Elementary Education program is designed for individuals seeking to secure an initial educator's license to teach in elementary schools, whether that be in general education, special education, or ESL and bilingual education. An integral component of our teacher preparation program is classroom experience where candidates engage directly with students and educators while developing their pedagogical expertise.
The MEd in Elementary Education with Dance Concentration is designed for individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of children through dance instruction and is offered in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Residency Programs.
The program is designed for maximum impact to complete coursework with evening and online options, allowing you to be employed as a CPS teacher resident while pursuing your degree.
Graduates receive a Professional Educator License (PEL) with elementary and ESL endorsements along with a Dance Concentration based on 18 credit hours of existing dance coursework required to enter the program.
An integral component of our teacher preparation program is classroom experience where candidates engage directly with students and educators while developing their pedagogical expertise. To gain this experience, candidates will be employed as full-time CPS teacher residents and provided a resident stipend of $40,000 by CPS.
The MEd in Elementary Education with Physical Education Concentration program is designed for individuals wanting to work as Physical Education teachers for K-12 grades in the state of Illinois. Upon completion of the MEd in Elementary Education, students can seek approval of an ISBE endorsement in Elementary Education and then become eligible to apply to the state for a Subsequent Endorsement - Physical Education.
Teacher preparation candidates must enter the Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration with 18 credit hours in an approved Physical Education field of study prior to the program start.
The MEd in Elementary Education with Theater Concentration program pairs Loyola's Department of Fine & Performing Arts with the School of Education via an exclusive partnership with the Chicago Public School (CPS) Teacher Residency Program. Teacher candidates are paired with expert CPS elementary and theater teachers who serve as mentors throughout the program. Candidates will be employed as full-time CPS teacher residents and provided a resident stipend of $40,000 by CPS.
Graduates receive a Professional Educator License (PEL) with elementary and ESL endorsements along with a Theater endorsement based on 18 credit hours of existing theater coursework required to enter the program.
This degree begins in the summer and takes one year to complete, allowing graduates to be eligible for full employment within CPS in the fall semester following program completion.
LU-CHOICE (Loyola University Chicago Opportunities in Catholic Education Program) is an initiative of the Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education. Through the LU-CHOICE program, students work full time in an elementary school in the city of Chicago.
Through LU-CHOICE, you will be matched for your field experience with elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago that are looking to hire for full-time positions. As an LU-CHOICE teacher, you will receive a salary as well as health insurance.
Why Choose Loyola for Your MEd Degree?
Our reputable, flexible MEd program prioritizes in-depth field experience, the student-teacher relationship, and culturally responsive teaching. In the MEd in Elementary Education program at Loyola, you will cultivate your unique approach to fostering student learning and live it out in the classroom.
- Accredited and respected
- Opportunities for further endorsement
- Flexible for working professionals
- Gain experience in the field
- Led by accomplished faculty
- A focus on social justice
Earn your MEd degree from a school that meets rigorous standards for educator preparation. Loyola's School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The MEd program is accredited by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). We're also proud to be the only school nationally that offers a majority (80%) field-based curriculum.
As a graduate of the MEd in Elementary Education program, you will receive a Professional Educator License (PEL) with elementary and ESL endorsements. You can tailor your MEd degree to your interests and expand your career options with bilingual, learning behavior specialist (LBS1), or middle grades endorsements.
Beginning in the summer and delivered in a hybrid format, the elementary education MEd allows you to pursue your education around your schedule. In-person classes meet in the late afternoon and evenings and feature an online component for working educators.
Apply the theories and approaches you have learned to field experiences. Before you begin full-time student teaching, you will attend three days a week for eight weeks so you can get to know the school, classroom, students, and cooperating teacher.
Learn from expert faculty who have experience in elementary classrooms and have close partnerships with Loyola's neighborhood schools. Our faculty are actively researching critical topics within the field, such as biliteracy development, positive behavior support, teacher learning, and literacy instruction in diverse environments.
Learn how to create welcoming environments and break down barriers to equity in education through Loyola's elementary education master's program. You will also develop cultural awareness, social responsibility, advocacy, and your own individuality.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Elementary Education MEd program.
FacultyElementary Education: Career Connections
The most common career path for MEd degree program graduates is to become an elementary school educator, but an MEd degree can also prepare you for other roles depending on licensure and other factors.
Specific job options include:
- Elementary school teacher
- Curriculum coordinator
- ESL instructor
- Educational policy analyst
- Educational consultant
- Instructional coach
- Learning behavior specialist
- Middle school teacher
- School administrator
- Special education instructor
- Physical Education teacher
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Elementary Education MEd program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Elementary Education MEd learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
- Elementary Education MEd
- Elementary Education MEd: Dance Concentration
- Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration
- Elementary Education MEd: Theater Concentration
MEd Elementary Education Results and Skills
Loyola's master's in elementary education program equips you with a wide range of skills and capabilities to assist you in the classroom.
- Pedagogical strategies and approaches
- Curriculum design
- Classroom management
- Cultural literacy
- Assessment
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Advocacy
- Understanding of educational policy
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education MEd | 42 | $1,025.00 | $43050.00 |
| Elementary Education MEd: Dance Concentration | 38 | $1,025.00 | $38950.00 |
| Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration | 38 | $1,025.00 | $38950.00 |
| Elementary Education MEd: Theater Concentration | 38 | $1,025.00 | $38950.00 |
| LU-CHOICE Elementary Education MEd | 49 | $1,025.00 | $50225.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
- Elementary Education MEd
- Elementary Education MEd: Dance Concentration
- Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration
- Elementary Education MEd: Theater Concentration
- LU-CHOICE Elementary Education MEd
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Elementary Education MEd are listed below:
Summer I
Priority: February 15
Final: March 31
Summer I 2024 only: May 3, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Elementary Education MEd include:
Official Transcripts
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Elementary Education MEd: Dance Concentration are listed below:
Summer I
Priority: February 15
Final: March 31
Summer I 2024 only: May 3, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Elementary Education MEd: Dance Concentration include:
Official Transcripts
1 Letter of Recommendation
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Dance Video Submission
The dance video submission should be 5 minutes long and demonstrate proficiency in the dance genre of your choice. Please choose one of the following options: class work (a barre, center, or across the floor combination), a performance reel (please make sure the video clearly identifies you as the featured dancer), or a dance teaching video that shows you instructing students of any age group in at least one movement combination. All styles and disciplines are welcome.
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Applicants must have 18 credit hours of coursework in Dance.
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration are listed below:
Summer I
Priority: February 15
Final: March 31
Summer I 2024 only: May 3, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Elementary Education MEd: Physical Education Concentration include:
Official Transcripts
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Elementary Education MEd: Theater Concentration are listed below:
Summer I
Priority: February 15
Final: March 31
Summer I 2024 only: May 3, 2024
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Elementary Education MEd: Theater Concentration include:
Official Transcripts
1 Letter of Recommendation
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Applicants must have 18 credit hours of coursework in Theater.
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the LU-CHOICE Elementary Education MEd are listed below:
Fall: March 18
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the LU-CHOICE Elementary Education MEd include:
Official Transcripts
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your motivations to be an elementary school teacher. Please include what experiences you have had with elementary-aged children, if you have participated in any teaching related activities (such as coaching, mentoring, tutoring, or teaching), experiences you may have had that influenced you to pursue teaching in a Catholic school, life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice, and why social justice is a vital aspect of preparing to teach in Catholic schools.
You may also consider how your personal values and beliefs relate to the mission statements of Loyola University Chicago and the Greeley Center.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Elementary Education MEd program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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Masters | Full-Time Only | On-Campus | Summer
This program will prepare you to teach at the high school level. Whether you've envisioned yourself teaching in Chicago, another big city, or a rural community, you'll have the practical skills and professional values you need to support and influence students at a critical, formative time in their life.
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