Program Overview

Master's in Middle School Education, MA

Teach Grades 5-8 in Illinois

With a master’s in middle school education, you can address the learning and socio-emotional needs of children in junior high classrooms.

This intensive, field-based program prepares you to work democratically with diverse children and families, including those with special needs and second language backgrounds. The program leads to Illinois teaching credentials in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

This 2-year program consists of a mix of in-person and online classes on the Chicago campus. Your final semester will include an in-person student teaching placement at a field experience site. Admissions are open for fall start dates.

Admission Info

• Location: Chicago
• Start Term: Fall
• Online application.
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.7 grade point average. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
• No GRE required.
• English Language Proficiency requirement for all students who completed a degree program outside the United States.

Sample Middle School Education Courses

• Adolescent Development, Learning, and Motivation
• Foundations of Bilingual and ESL Education
• Creating Integrated Content & Learning Communities in Middle Childhood Education
• Field Experiences in Middle Childhood Education
• Student Teaching Seminar: Middle Childhood Education

Middle Grades Careers

Roosevelt graduates work as junior high school teachers in grade 5-8 classrooms.

Other alumni work in elementary schools and high schools with additional endorsements.

Why Roosevelt for Your Master’s Degree

Social Justice Focus

At Roosevelt, you’ll build inclusive, engaging relationships with faculty, school practitioners and learners. Immerse yourself in diverse school and community cultures.

The middle school education degree is ideal for students who don’t have an undergraduate degree in education but aspire to transform schools and classrooms. The program nurtures social justice leadership skills and coaches candidates toward career success.

Thorough Teacher Preparation

Teaching is a rewarding profession, but requires a lot of commitment and preparation. At Roosevelt, you can expect focused and practical assignments, engaging discussion, small group projects, and field experiences in diverse schools and classrooms.

In your final semester, you’ll complete a 15-week student teaching experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor.

Earn Your Teaching License

The middle school education program prepares you for the edTPA, the capstone assessment for an Illinois teaching license.

Add one or more of endorsements to your teaching license:

• Bilingual/ESL
• Special Education (LBS 1)