Masters
Full-Time Only
Summer
On-Campus
Masters
Full-Time Only
Summer
On-Campus
About the MEd in Secondary Education at Loyola
The MEd in Secondary Education is a one-year master of education program that 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.
As a long-time partner of Chicago-area schools, Loyola University Chicago offers an immersive curriculum that places you directly in Chicago's classrooms, where you'll get the opportunity to learn from other teachers and make a difference in students' lives right away. With Loyola's nationally respected School of Education, ranked in the top 3 education graduate schools in Chicago (2025), develop the competitive skills you need to start driving student success in the classroom.
This master's in secondary education is a 37-hour, field-based program that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE),
Program Structure
The MEd in Secondary Education is a full-time, 13-month program. Classes are held on weekdays in the late afternoon and evening at Loyola’s Lakeshore and Water Tower campuses, with some courses also available online.
Upon successful completion of the program, candidates qualify for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in general education and English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching. The PEL provides a foundation for adding additional teaching endorsements through relevant coursework and testing. See below for specific endorsement options.
The MEd in Secondary Education program is designed for individuals seeking their initial educator license to teach in high schools. This 37-credit-hour program leads to eligibility for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) and an English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement. A key component of the program is hands-on classroom experience, allowing candidates to actively engage with students and Chicago educators while honing their pedagogical skills.
This endorsement is for applicants who are interested in teaching grades 5 – 8. Candidates will need to complete the following course in addition to the core program curriculum.
The additional 3-credit hour course includes:
Advanced Curriculum and Teaching in the Middle School
Candidates have the option to complete the program for content area endorsements in a variety of areas.
Content areas eligible for licensure in grades 9-12:
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Content areas eligible for licensure in grades PK-12:
Dance
Health Education
Library Information
Music
Physical Education
Technology
Theatre
Visual Arts
World Language
Direct Admission
This program offers a Direct Admission option for current Loyola undergraduates. Please visit our Direct Admission Programs webpage for more details.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
Join the STEM Pre-teaching Pathway. Similar to a pre-Med or Pre-Law path, the Secondary STEM teaching Pathway program provides information and guidance to those considering a career in science or mathematics teaching.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for the MEd in Secondary Education?
- High school classrooms are your classroom
- Fast and flexible
- Built in networking
- Licensure readiness
- Individualized student support
- An education that champions equity
Our immersive curriculum puts you directly in Chicago's classrooms, allowing you to learn from teachers in the field while building relationships with schools and their students.
Earn your degree in just one year or take up to five years. With evening and online course options, you have the flexibility you need to fit your master's degree into your life.
As part of a cohort of students, you will benefit from networking and building professional relationships throughout the MEd in Secondary Education program.
By earning your MEd, you will be eligible for an Illinois Professional Educator License with endorsements in general education and English as a Second Language (ESL).
You will benefit from dedicated Teaching and Learning Faculty who are experts in their fields. They will support you throughout each stage of your MEd degree.
You will broaden your cultural awareness and help break down barriers to equity through extensive experience engaging with diverse populations throughout Chicago.
Teaching and Learning Department
The Department of Teaching and Learning is committed to transforming lives through teaching, learning, and research that aligns with our mission to promote racial justice and tackle complex societal challenges. Our graduates, shaped by a unique field-based curriculum, are highly sought after for their holistic, community-centered approach to driving transformative change in schools and local organizations. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.
Department WebsiteMeet 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 Secondary Education MEd program.
FacultyMEd in Secondary Education: Career Connections
Through our degree program, you will be prepared with the modern knowledge, skills, and professional values required for teaching English, mathematics, social studies, or science at the 9-12th grade level. The most common career path for MEd degree program graduates is to become an secondary school educator, but an MEd degree can also prepare you for other roles depending on licensure and additional academic programs.
Specific job options include:
- Secondary school teachers
- ESL teachers
- Literacy specialists
- Curriculum specialists
- Instructional coordinators
- School counselors
- Education administrators
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 Secondary 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 Secondary Education MEd learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMEd in Secondary Education Results and Skills
Upon successful completion of your MEd in Secondary Education, you will have proven your ability to:
- Make classroom decisions based on theories and research-based practices
- Assess teaching and learning effectiveness using data
- Apply your understanding of both content and pedagogy to provide developmentally appropriate instruction to all students
- Impart your knowledge of English, mathematics, social studies, or science in real-world classroom settings
- Put your professional values into practice in ways that foster your individuality, cultural awareness, social responsibility, and creative inquiry
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Education MEd | 37 | $1,070.00 | $39590.00 |
| Direct Admission: Secondary Education MEd | 37 | $1,070.00 | $39590.00 |
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
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost and 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. You may also visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
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.
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.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Secondary Education MEd are listed below:
Summer: May 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Secondary Education MEd include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
For students pursuing a Mathematics content area endorsement, there is a 2.5 minimum GPA requirement.
Prerequisite Course Requirements
The Secondary Education MEd program has prerequisite requirements for each content area, as outlined below.
- Dance, Health Education, Library Information, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Theatre, Visual Arts, or World Language Endorsements
- English Endorsement
- Mathematics Endorsement
- Middle Grades Endorsement
- Science Endorsements
- Social Studies Endorsement
Applicants must have a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework with grades of C- or better in their chosen area of content specialization.
Candidates must have 32 total credit hours at grade C or above in English including the following courses (Loyola University Chicago course equivalents provided in parentheses):
College Writing (UCWR 110: College Writing Seminar)
1 course in Grammar, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or History of English (ENGL 303)
Adolescent Literature (CIEP 350)
Shakespeare Studies (ENGL 326)
Critical Theory (ENGL 354)
5 hours of upper division English (300-level or above, not counting courses used to meet other requirements)
At least 1 course in English literature before 1700: (ENGL 304, 230, 321, 322, 323, 325, 327, 328, 329, or 365)
At least 1 course in English literature after 1700 but before 1900: (ENGL 305, 330, 333, 335, 338, 343, 375, or 376)
At least 1 course in English literature since 1900: (ENGL 278, 344, 345, 348, 349, 351, 361, 371 or 377)
At least 1 course designated as multicultural literature: (ENGL 282, 312, 315, 372, 384)
Candidates must have completed each of the following courses or their equivalent with a C- or better. Please note that a transcript analysis will be conducted (Loyola University Chicago course equivalents provided in parentheses):
Calculus I and II (MATH 161 and 162)
Multivariable Calculus (MATH 263)
Linear Algebra (MATH 212)
Abstract Algebra (MATH 313)
Number Theory (MATH 201)
History of Mathematics (MATH 301)
Combinatorics (MATH 318)
Mathematical Programming (MATH 215) or Object-Oriented Programming (COMP 170)
Statistics (STAT 203 or 335)
Game Theory (MATH 360)
Euclidean and non-Euclidean Geometry (MATH 344)
Applicants must have a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework with grades of C- or better.
This content area is for applicants interested in becoming Biology, Chemistry, or Physics teachers. Additional endorsements in Environmental Science and Computer Science are also available. Candidates must have 18 total credit hours at grade C- or above in the specific content area where licensure is sought. There are specific competencies that must be addressed and a transcript analysis will be conducted.
Initial Science PEL: Can earn additional subsequent Science endorsements with either 12 hours of acceptable coursework OR passed content test
This content area is for applicants interested in becoming social studies teachers. Candidates must have a minimum of 24-credit hours at grade C- or above in the social sciences from an accredited institution of higher education. The social sciences are defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as:
History
Political Science
Economics
Geography
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
To earn licensure, MEd candidates must have 12-credit hours in history, political science, or psychology to serve as the initial field of endorsement. In addition, candidates must have completed at least 3-credit hours in social science fields outside of the initial endorsement field: history, political science, economics, geography, and general social sciences (psychology, sociology, or anthropology).
Applicants can be admitted to the MEd program if they are deficient in coursework totaling 9 or fewer credit hours total as required for licensure. If they do not have 12 credit hours in history, they must also pass ILTS 246 exam prior to student teaching to include this endorsement.
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 2-3 pages (double spaced) and describe your academic and professional experience, plans and goals for this program and upon completion of graduate coursework, and your perspective on social justice as it applies to being a high school teacher. Please clearly indicate your content area of choice (Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies). You should also include why you are a good fit for Loyola University Chicago's teacher education program.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Direct Admission: Secondary Education MEd are listed below:
Summer
Priority: February 15
General: March 31
Final: May 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Direct Admission: Secondary Education MEd include:
Loyola transcripts (we will obtain these for you)
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
The Secondary Education MEd program has prerequisite requirements for each content area, as outlined below.
Candidates must have 32 total credit hours at grade C or above in English including the following courses (Loyola University Chicago course equivalents provided in parentheses):
College Writing (UCWR 110: College Writing Seminar)
1 course in Grammar, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or History of English (ENGL 303)
Adolescent Literature (CIEP 350)
Shakespeare Studies (ENGL 326)
Critical Theory (ENGL 354)
5 hours of upper division English (300-level or above, not counting courses used to meet other requirements)
At least 1 course in English literature before 1700: (ENGL 304, 230, 321, 322, 323, 325, 327, 328, 329, or 365)
At least 1 course in English literature after 1700 but before 1900: (ENGL 305, 330, 333, 335, 338, 343, 375, or 376)
At least 1 course in English literature since 1900: (ENGL 278, 344, 345, 348, 349, 351, 361, 371 or 377)
At least 1 course designated as multicultural literature: (ENGL 282, 312, 315, 372, 384)
Candidates must have completed each of the following courses or their equivalent with a C- or better, please note that a transcript analysis will be conducted (Loyola University Chicago course equivalents provided in parentheses):
Calculus I and II (MATH 161 and 162)
Multivariable Calculus (MATH 263)
Linear Algebra (MATH 212)
Abstract Algebra (MATH 313)
Number Theory (MATH 201)
History of Mathematics (MATH 301)
Combinatorics (MATH 318)
Mathematical Programming (MATH 215) or Object-Oriented Programming (COMP 170)
Statistics (STAT 203 or 335)
Game Theory (MATH 360)
Euclidean and non-Euclidean Geometry (MATH 344)
This content area is for applicants interested in becoming Biology, Chemistry, or Physics teachers. Additional endorsements in Environmental Science and Computer Science are also available. Candidates must have 18 total credit hours at grade C- or above in the specific content area where licensure is sought. There are specific competencies that must be addressed and a transcript analysis will be conducted.
Initial Science PEL: Can earn additional subsequent Science endorsements with either 12 hours of acceptable coursework OR passed content test
This content area is for applicants interested in becoming social studies teachers. Candidates must have a minimum of 24-credit hours at grade C- or above in the social sciences from an accredited institution of higher education. The social sciences are defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as:
History
Political Science
Economics
Geography
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
To earn licensure, MEd candidates must have 12-credit hours in history, political science, or psychology to serve as the initial field of endorsement. In addition, candidates must have completed at least 3-credit hours in social science fields outside of the initial endorsement field: history, political science, economics, geography, and general social sciences (psychology, sociology, or anthropology).
Applicants can be admitted to the MEd program if they are deficient in coursework totaling 9 or fewer credit hours total as required for licensure. If they do not have 12 credit hours in history, they must also pass ILTS 246 exam prior to student teaching to include this endorsement.
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 500-750 words and describe your personal and professional interests and goals in education, how the program will advance your professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.
DIRECT ADMISSION APPLICATIONOfficial Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) 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. 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, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Secondary Education MEd program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY