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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?
Get a head start on your master’s degree by earning graduate credits as a senior. This program is eligible for an Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP), welcoming students from any undergraduate major who meet admission requirements.
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.
2025-2026 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 Loyola alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates. Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship, offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Education MEd | 37 | $1,115.00 | $41255.00 |
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.
Noyce Scholars Program
Secondary Education MEd students can earn up to $40,000 for working to solve the nation's shortage of qualified and dedicated math and science educators. Find more information on requirements and how to apply on the Noyce Scholars webpage.
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 EventsUpcoming Events
Visit 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 option below. Please note that Accelerated Master's Pathways are only for current Loyola undergraduate students.
- Secondary Education MEd
- Accelerated Master's Pathway: Secondary Education MEd
- Direct Admission: Secondary Education MEd
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. Please view our Endorsement Requirements page for more details.
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. You should also include why you are a good fit for Loyola University Chicago's teacher education program.
Application Deadlines
Loyola students should apply to Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP) during their junior year. The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Secondary Education MEd are listed below:
Fall: April 1
Application Requirements
Please note that only current Loyola undergraduates are eligible for AMPs. Application requirements for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Secondary Education MEd include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
1 Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
The Secondary Education MEd program has prerequisite requirements for each content area. Please view our Endorsement Requirements page for more details.
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. 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. Please view our Endorsement Requirements page for more details.
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