Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Rockford University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) with endorsements increases your marketability and boosts your resume. Enhance your teaching career, and add new skills.
Who is it for?
Experienced educators who hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) and want to add a subsequent endorsement in Bilingual, ESL, Elementary Education, Special Education LSB1, or Reading Teacher to their PEL.
Experienced educators and non-licensed educators can also pursue the Master of Education degree on the Pedagogical Practices track.
Two M.Ed. Endorsement Tracks Available 100% online:
- M.Ed. in English Second Language (ESL)
- M.Ed. in Special Education (LBS1)
How does it work?
Educators with a PEL can select an area of specialization to earn a subsequent endorsement:
- Bilingual
- Elementary Education
- ESL
- Special Education LBS1
- Reading Teacher*
This master’s program combines coursework for the endorsement and classes in educational foundations and research. Complete the endorsement in year one, and finish the M.Ed. in year two.
*Want to explore deeper into reading curriculum and instruction beyond an endorsement? Ask about RU’s MAT Reading Specialist program.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the M.Ed. program, students must submit the following to be evaluated:
- Application
- Apply at rockford.edu/apply
- Choose Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Choose your preferred endorsement
- Official Transcripts with Degree Posting from an accredited college or university
- Cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5
- Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope or digitally secure email
Submission of the above does not guarantee admission
Teacher Licensure Information
Rockford University educator preparation programs (MAT, MEd, and Endorsements) are designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in the State of Illinois. Licensure requirements are established by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and may change. Completion of a Rockford University program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure.
Students seeking licensure must meet all requirements established by ISBE, including holding a qualifying bachelor’s degree, completing approved coursework, passing required ISBE examinations, and meeting other applicable state criteria. The Illinois State Board of Education makes the final determination regarding eligibility for licensure.
For more information about educator licensure requirements, visit the Illinois State Board of Education website.
Award-Winning Alumni
Since 1997, more than 40 alumni have been Golden Apple Award winners. 2 alumnae have been recognized as Illinois Teachers of the Year, 1 alumnus has been honored as North Carolina Teacher of the Year (2015), and 1 alumna was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year (2014).
In 2018, 4 out of the 5 Golden Apple winners were Rockford University alumni, and the Puri Outstanding Principal Award was also awarded to an RU graduate.
Office of Admission
Johnson Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4050
Admissions@rockford.eduHours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
After hour appointments available by request.
