M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.A. in Elementary Education
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.A. in Elementary Education at Roosevelt University is a comprehensive program leading to Illinois teaching credentials. It is primarily designed for career changers or individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than education but aspire to teach at the elementary level. The program is typically completed in two years and involves a blend of in-person and online courses, with a significant emphasis on field-based experiences and student teaching. It aims to develop educators who are adept at navigating the complexities of urban and suburban schools and committed to equity and social justice.
Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully structured to provide a strong foundation in elementary education pedagogy, child development, and content area methods. Core courses often include "Child & Adolescent Development, Learning, and Motivation," "Foundations of Bilingual and ESL Education," "Teaching Language and Literacy in the Content Areas," "Mathematics Methods in the Elementary School," "Science Methods in the Elementary School," "Social Studies Methods in the Elementary School," and "Exceptional Children & Youth." A crucial component of the program is extensive field experience culminating in a full-time "Student Teaching Seminar: Elementary Education," which provides practical, hands-on classroom experience. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate courses for graduation and must pass relevant Illinois licensure exams.
Research Focus: While the M.A. in Elementary Education is a practitioner-oriented program, Roosevelt University's broader academic philosophy encourages a research-informed approach to teaching. Within this program, the "research focus" translates into developing educators who can critically analyze educational theories, evaluate pedagogical practices, and utilize data to inform their instruction and improve student outcomes. Students are trained to understand and apply research findings related to child development, diverse learning styles, effective teaching strategies, and curriculum design. This emphasis on evidence-based practice prepares graduates to be reflective practitioners who continually seek to improve their teaching through informed inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University demonstrates strong industry engagement within its Elementary Education program through robust partnerships with local schools and educational organizations. The College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences actively collaborates with a wide range of public and private schools, including Chicago Public Schools, to provide extensive field experiences and student teaching placements in diverse urban and suburban settings. This direct exposure to real classroom environments ensures that teacher candidates gain invaluable practical experience and build professional networks. Faculty members often have backgrounds as experienced educators, further bridging the gap between academic theory and the realities of teaching, making graduates highly prepared for the demands of the profession.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its Elementary Education program through its commitment to social justice and educating for a diverse society. The curriculum includes "Foundations of Bilingual and ESL Education" and addresses the needs of "Exceptional Children & Youth," ensuring that graduates are prepared to teach children from various linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university's diverse student body, including international students, also contributes to a multicultural learning environment that broadens perspectives on global educational challenges and best practices. By preparing teachers to work with a wide range of student populations, Roosevelt cultivates educators who are sensitive to global diversity and prepared to create inclusive learning environments.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18880
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.A. in Elementary Education from Roosevelt University prepares graduates to become highly effective and compassionate educators, particularly within diverse learning environments. The program's focus on democratic education and hands-on experience equips individuals for a range of influential roles both inside and outside the traditional classroom, all geared towards improving educational outcomes for young learners.
Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1-6): This is the primary and most direct career path, enabling graduates to teach various subjects to young students in public or private elementary schools. The program leads to Illinois teaching credentials, making graduates highly qualified.
Instructional Coach (Elementary Level): Experienced teachers with a master's degree can become instructional coaches, mentoring and supporting other elementary school teachers to improve their instructional strategies, classroom management, and overall teaching effectiveness.
Curriculum Specialist/Developer (Elementary Education): Graduates can work at the school or district level to design, develop, and evaluate curriculum and instructional materials for elementary grades. They ensure alignment with educational standards and best practices.
Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach: With a strong emphasis on language and literacy in the curriculum, graduates can specialize in supporting students with reading difficulties, developing school-wide literacy programs, and coaching teachers on effective reading instruction.
Special Education Teacher (Elementary, with additional endorsement): While the program focuses on general elementary education, graduates can often pursue additional endorsements or specialized training to work with elementary students with diverse learning needs and disabilities, a field with significant demand.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher: Given the program's "Foundations of Bilingual and ESL Education" component, graduates are well-prepared to teach English to non-native speakers in elementary schools, supporting their language acquisition and academic success.
School Administrator (Assistant Principal/Principal, with further leadership credentials): An M.A. in Elementary Education serves as a strong foundation for pursuing leadership roles in elementary schools. With additional experience and potentially further leadership credentials (like an Instructional Leadership MA), graduates can advance to assistant principal or principal positions.
Educational Consultant (Elementary Focus): Leveraging their expertise in elementary pedagogy and child development, graduates can work as independent consultants or for educational consulting firms, advising schools, districts, or educational technology companies on improving teaching, curriculum, or student support at the elementary level.
Early Childhood Education Program Director: While focusing on elementary grades, the understanding of child development gained can lead to leadership roles in pre-K or early childhood programs, overseeing curriculum, staff, and operations in childcare centers or preschools.
Non-Profit Education Program Coordinator: Graduates can apply their skills in designing and implementing educational programs for non-profit organizations or community centers that offer after-school programs, tutoring, or educational enrichment initiatives for elementary-aged children.
