Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction: Add Two Illinois Endorsements, Fully Online

Already hold a master's degree? NLU's Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction lets you add two in-demand Illinois endorsements completely online, built for working educators who want to expand their impact without slowing down.

  • Post-Master's Specialist Degree
  • Two Concentrations Per Degree
  • 16 Endorsement and Specialization Options
  • 100% Online

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Why Choose NLU for the Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction?

2 Concentrations
Completed per degree, not one

Every graduate leaves with expertise in two areas, doubling your career reach.

16 Options
ESL, LBS I/II, Reading, Math Specialist, Technology, and more

Concentrations aligned to the Illinois endorsements schools actively recruit for.

100% Online
Fully virtual with video teleconferencing

Built around the reality that you are already teaching full-time.

$74,720
Median salary, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)

Specialist roles and coordinator positions reward advanced credentials.

Post-Master's
The Ed.S. is the specialist credential beyond a master's

If you already hold a master's, step directly into the Ed.S.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
30 to 43 SH
Varies by concentrations and electives
How much?
$700/SH
About $17,650 to $30,100 total
How many?
16 Concentrations
Two completed per degree
What salary?
$74,720
Median, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Add two Illinois endorsement or specialization areas
  • Accommodate diverse learner needs through curriculum and assessment
  • Conduct inquiry that improves classroom practice
  • Collaborate with and lead colleagues
  • Advocate for evidence-based change
  • Earn a post-master's specialist credential

Full Course List

Program Framework
Program entry: set your goals and build your initial professional portfolio.
First Concentration
Complete coursework in your first chosen endorsement or specialization area.
Midpoint
Document your added expertise with a professional bio and competency demonstrations.
Second Concentration
Complete coursework in your second concentration, expanding your eligibility further.
Endorsement Tracks
ESL, Bilingual, LBS I and II, Reading Teacher, Math Specialist, Technology Specialist, and more.
Specialization Tracks
Curriculum and Instruction, Learning Sciences, or a Personalized Option with credit for prior learning.
Inquiry
Integrate theory and practice through inquiry that improves your teaching.
Capstone
Complete your specialist degree and a power resume documenting your new credentials.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • A master's degree from an accredited institution
  • Standard NCE graduate admission requirements
  • A current Illinois PEL if pursuing an Illinois endorsement
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • An advisor helps you select your two concentrations
Request Info
Two Endorsements, One Degree

Every graduate completes two concentrations, not one, leaving qualified in two directions at once, a structure few programs offer.

Built Around the Endorsements Schools Want

ESL, LBS I and II, Reading Teacher, Math Specialist, Technology Specialist: the concentrations align to the Illinois endorsements districts actively recruit for.

A Specialist Credential Beyond Your Master's

The Ed.S. is the post-master's credential that positions experienced educators for specialist, coordinator, and leadership roles.

Where Will Your Ed.S. Take You?

$74,720
Median salary, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)
Instructional Coordinator
Curriculum Specialist
ESL or Bilingual Specialist
Reading or Literacy Coach
Elementary Math Specialist
Teacher Leader or Department Chair

The Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction is for educators who want to become more valuable to the schools they serve, not by leaving teaching, but by deepening expertise in the areas schools are hiring for. Completing two concentrations positions graduates for specialist and coordinator roles, department leadership, and expanded endorsements that open new hiring markets.

Instructional coordinators earn a median salary of $74,720 (BLS, May 2024). Graduates pursuing ESL, special education, or math and reading specialization expand their eligibility into some of the highest-demand roles in Illinois schools.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU enrollment specialist will reach out within one business day.

  2. Choose Your Two Concentrations

    Your advisor helps you select the two concentrations that best match your license, goals, and endorsement eligibility, and maps your exact credit count.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee. Next start: September 21, 2026. Provide official transcripts and your current Illinois PEL for endorsement tracks.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your two concentrations and your path to the Ed.S.

Take the First Step
  • Post-Master's Specialist Degree
  • Two Concentrations Per Degree
  • 16 Endorsement and Specialization Options
  • 100% Online

*Salary data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators (SOC 25-9031), May 2024.

**Tuition: National Louis University NCE graduate tuition, $700 per semester hour (July 2025).

***Concentrations and structure: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Curriculum and Instruction with Advanced Professional Specializations Ed.S. (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).