M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Two Endorsements, One Degree

Add two in-demand endorsements to your Illinois teaching license, completely online, through NLU's Curriculum and Instruction program, built for working educators who want to expand their credentials and classroom impact without slowing down.

  • 16 Concentration Options
  • Two Endorsements Per Degree
  • 100% Online + Video Teleconferencing
  • CAEP-Accredited NCE

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Why Choose NLU for Curriculum and Instruction?

Two Per Degree
Complete two concentrations, not one

Expand your qualifications in two directions at once.

16 Concentrations
ESL, LBS I and II, Math Specialist, Reading Teacher, and more

The endorsements Illinois schools actively recruit for.

100% Online
Online with video teleconferencing

No commute, built around full-time teaching.

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

About 21,900 openings a year.

M.Ed. or Ed.S.
Choose the right level for your career

The M.Ed. is your first graduate degree; the Ed.S. builds beyond a master's.

Program at a Glance

How many?
2 Endorsements
Two concentrations completed per degree
How many options?
16 Concentrations
Including high-demand IL endorsements
What format?
100% Online
With video teleconferencing
What salary?
$74,720
Median, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Earn two Illinois endorsements in one degree
  • Accommodate diverse learners through curriculum and data
  • Make evidence-based instructional decisions
  • Deepen expertise in two content or specialization areas
  • Collaborate with colleagues and advocate for change
  • Qualify for specialist, coach, and teacher-leader roles

Full Course List

Entry
Program entry and your initial professional resume.
First Concentration
Your first specialization, such as ESL or Reading Teacher.
Midpoint
Documenting your added expertise with a professional bio.
Second Concentration
A second specialization that broadens your eligibility.
Diverse Learners
Curriculum, assessment, and data for every learner.
Inquiry
Integrating theory and practice through inquiry.
Leadership
Collaborating with colleagues and advocating for change.
Capstone
Your power resume and degree completion.

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

Admissions Requirements

  • A valid Illinois Professional Educator License (for endorsement concentrations)
  • Standard NCE graduate admission requirements
  • Online application at nl.edu (no application fee), with official transcripts
  • An advisor helps you choose your two concentrations
  • Note: endorsements cannot be added to administrative or support PELs
Two Endorsements, One Degree

Every graduate completes two concentrations, expanding eligibility in two directions at once, unusual among C&I master's programs.

The Credentials Schools Want

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

Build a Professional Portfolio

Three CIC seminars produce real artifacts, from an initial resume to a power resume, documenting your growth.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

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

This M.Ed. is for educators who want to become more valuable to their schools, not by leaving teaching, but by deepening expertise in the areas schools are trying to hire 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 with about 21,900 openings a year (BLS, May 2024). Graduates with ESL, special education, or math and reading specializations are especially sought after across Illinois schools.

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. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor helps you select the two concentrations that match your license, goals, and endorsement eligibility.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee, transcripts, and your PEL (for endorsements). Next start: September 21, 2026.

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your two-concentration pathway.

Take the First Step
  • 16 Concentration Options
  • Two Endorsements Per Degree
  • 100% Online + Video Teleconferencing
  • CAEP-Accredited NCE

*Salary and openings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators (SOC 25-9031), May 2024. Endorsement-specific roles map to other SOC categories.

**Curriculum, concentrations, and accreditation: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. (nl.smartcatalogiq.com); NCE is CAEP-accredited.