Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education program prepares individuals to become high school teachers through a comprehensive curriculum and field experiences. Graduates obtain the Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Secondary Subject-Matter Endorsement in either English or Math. The program combines coursework with field experiences to provide a well-rounded preparation, and graduates are highly sought after by schools due to their strong academic foundation, teaching skills, and commitment to student success.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education degree program equips individuals to become high school teachers through a comprehensive curriculum and field experiences. Graduates obtain the Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Secondary Subject-Matter Endorsement in either English or Math.
Program Objectives:
- Cultivate a solid understanding of students, curriculum, and effective instruction to design learning activities catering to diverse learners.
- Develop assessment strategies to monitor student progress, assess growth, and inform instructional decisions.
- Foster respectful and supportive interactions with students to promote their development and learning.
- Create inclusive learning environments that empower students as co-creators and challenge traditional models that have marginalized students.
- Leverage technology to enhance learning, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability in using digital tools.
- Seek continuous improvement through feedback and reflection.
- Promote information literacy and civic-mindedness in students.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and the community to support student success.
Program Structure:
The program combines coursework with field experiences to provide a well-rounded preparation:
Careers:
Career Outlook:
The program prepares graduates for high-demand teaching positions in high schools. Graduates are well-positioned for career advancement opportunities due to their subject-matter expertise and pedagogical skills.
Career Paths:
Graduates can pursue teaching careers in various subject areas, including:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Career Opportunities:
Graduates can work in a variety of educational settings, including:
- Public high schools
- Private high schools
- Charter schools
- Alternative education programs
Career Outcomes:
Graduates are highly sought after by schools due to their strong academic foundation, teaching skills, and commitment to student success. NLU's extensive network of partner schools and districts supports graduates in securing teaching positions.
Additional Career Resources:
- Career Bridge Office: Provides career guidance, internship placement assistance, and job search support to students.
- Career Assessment: Helps students explore potential career paths based on their interests and skills.
- NLU's Career Finder: Provides a comprehensive database of career opportunities.
A lot has changed in the past 130 years, but the mission of NLU remains the same: to provide a superior education that makes a difference. We serve more than 8,000 students at seven locations in Illinois and Florida. We work hard to improve schools and businesses through community partnerships and applied research.
Services
Student services
The NLU Student Assembly serves as representative delegation of the student body and provides advice and guidance on policies that improve the student experience. In addition, the Assembly serves as student ambassadors on behalf on National Louis University at community, civic and municipal events, and provides leadership and service on behalf of students it represents.
Housing services
- Located five blocks from campus, the University Center offers residents a unique living experience in a high-rise building located in the heart of Chicago - steps from the best the city has to offer - from summer festivals and year-round entertainment to great restaurants and shopping. Campus housing is located close to many forms of public transportation to get around the city with ease.
- Each resident has a single bedroom within the shared apartment. All bedrooms come with a standard twin size bed (lofting option available), desk, chair and custom closet.
Library services
The University Library provides access to high quality resources and enriches the critical and intellectual inquiry of students, educators, and researchers through engaged teaching and scholarship.
Medical services
National Louis University is committed to the health and welfare of all its students and, consequently, all students in the following programs are required to obtain health insurance:
- International students residing in the United States
- Students enrolled in the Kendall College programs in Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry enrolled in 6 quarters hours or more
- Students living in on-campus housing
Student Life
Campus life
NLU’s Chicago campus on Michigan Avenue occupies five floors of the historic Peoples Gas Building. This landmark building, across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park, is easily accessible by train, bus and car and is surrounded by restaurants, parking lots/garages and shops.
The second floor, which houses student services and administrative offices, includes a Tiffany ceiling in the large atrium that is used for conferences, workshops and seminars.
The campus includes 36 classrooms, four computer labs with high-speed Internet access, two language labs, conference rooms and a state-of-the-art training center with an auditorium that seats 150.
Sports facilities
- The Commons is perfect for taking a mid-day break or catching up on some homework. The Commons offers two large televisions for staying up to date on current events or playing Mario Cart with friends.
- The Game Room is perfect for a small group of friends looking to shoot some pool or throw it back with some old school board games.
- The Fitness Center offers free weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers, standing weight machine, and stair climber. Mediation, Zumba, Yoga and Red Cross CRP classes are available in throught the NLU Fitness Center.
Student clubs
- ALPFA
- The Black Student Union
- DALE 312
- Educator’s Rising
- International Club
- NLU Counseling Association
- NLU Pride Club
- NLU Science Club
- NLU Entrepreneur Club
- Sigma Gamma Rho
- SPO-School of Psychology Organization
- Student Engagement Club
Accreditation
National Louis University (NLU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional institutional accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
