NCE Academic Programs

With the shared goal of improving education and positioning all learners for success, our diverse set of academic programs span the entire education continuum--from preparing new teachers, to advancing and enhancing teacher learning, to training teachers and PK-12 school and district leaders, to developing adept administrators and faculty to serve in higher education.

Teacher Preparation Programs

With a variety of licensure and degree options in early childhood, elementary, middle grades, secondary and special education, our programs do more than fulfill requirements for the initial Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois, they provide an essential foundation for aspiring educators to learn the art and the science of teaching.

Advanced Professional Programs

We provide educators with advanced credentials and graduate-level expertise across a broad range of in-demand specializations and high-needs areas. Our programs equip teachers with the deep content knowledge and instructional practices they need to accomplish their career advancement goals.

Educational Leadership Programs

Our Educational Leadership Studies programs ready educators for sustained, high-impact leadership in today’s schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and other educational settings. We set the stage for teachers, principals, superintendents, higher education administrators, and other education leaders to reimagine teaching and learning to improve student outcomes and build high-performing education systems.

Doctoral Programs

Whether you aim for district-level, systems, policy, or teaching leadership, NCE’s Teaching and Learning, Educational Leadership (PK-12) will engage you in advanced scholarship, research, and specialized training within our dynamic intellectual community.

Endorsements, Approvals and Certificates

With a broad range of certificate and endorsement areas to choose from, our flexible offerings provide opportunities to advance in your career. All coursework also can be applied to graduate degrees, and our endorsements and approvals meet IL State Board of Education requirements.