Developing Great Educators Since 1886

Lead the Change in Education

For more than 140 years, the National College of Education has prepared the teachers, specialists, and leaders who change what happens in classrooms. Take your next step with a graduate degree built around your life.

"NLU has indelibly shaped my professional career, and I remain deeply appreciative of their unwavering commitment to excellence."

Marie Whelan, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Advance as an Educator

Take the next step in your education career with a graduate degree built around your classroom and your life. Take the first step by completing the form below.

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Why advance your education career with NLU?

37 Programs offered

4 Degree levels

70,000+ Alumni nationwide

Since 1886 Serving working adults

Why study with us

Where Academics Impact the Real World

As NLU's largest and oldest college, the National College of Education prepares practicing educators and education leaders to make a difference in classrooms, schools, and communities. We blend cutting-edge theory with hands-on practice, connect you to real schools and districts, and surround you with advisors and success coaches, so you can advance your credentials with confidence and on a schedule that fits your life. NLU graduates more early childhood educators and teachers than any other institution in Illinois.

Advance your career

Grow into the role you have been working toward

You have done the work in the classroom. Now earn the credential that lets you do more.

Learn at Your Own Pace

In-classroom and online options, with programs you can fast-track or space out, so advancing your career does not mean putting your life or your family on hold.

Support From Day One

Academic advisors, success coaches, and a community of educators built to help you finish what you start.

Make a Professional Connection

Partnerships with school districts and community organizations put you in real classrooms through observation, fieldwork, and internships that can lead to a role.

Earn the Credential That Moves You Up

Endorsements, approvals, specialist credentials, and leadership and doctoral degrees that qualify you to specialize, lead a building, or shape a district.

Accreditation and credentials

The credentials behind your degree, so you can advance with confidence.

HLC Accredited Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Nonprofit, Since 1886 A private, not-for-profit university.

National College of Education at National Louis University programs

Choose your level to see what it opens up and the programs that get you there. Each links to full details.

All levels Master's 13 EdS 4 Endorsement 18 Doctoral 2

Master's 13 programs

Specialize and qualify for licensure and advanced, higher-impact roles.

Coaching and Mentoring Certificate View program →
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership View program →
MAT Early Childhood Education View program →
MAT Elementary Education View program →
MAT Middle Grades Education View program →
MAT Secondary Education View program →
MAT Special Education View program →
MEd Curriculum and Instruction with Advanced Professional Specializations View program →
MEd Educational Leadership View program →
MEd Reading View program →
MEd Special Education View program →
MEd Teacher Leadership View program →
Strategic Educational Leadership Certificate View program →

EdS 4 programs

Deepen your expertise with focused specialization beyond the master's.

EdS Curriculum and Instruction with Advanced Professional Specializations View program →
EdS Educational Leadership View program →
EdS Reading View program →
EdS School Psychology View program →

Endorsement 18 programs

Add advanced, specialized expertise beyond the master's.

Director of Special Education Endorsement
Early Childhood Special Education Approval
Elementary Mathematics Specialist Endorsement
English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement
English as a Second Language / Bilingual Endorsement
ESL Special Education Approval
Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) Endorsement
Reading Specialist Endorsement
Reading Teacher Endorsement
Safety & Driver's Education Endorsement
Technology Specialist Endorsement
LBS II — Curriculum Adaptation Specialist
LBS II — Transition Specialist
Early Childhood Education Subsequent Endorsement
Elementary Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement
Middle Grades Education Subsequent Endorsement
Secondary Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement
Teacher Leader Endorsement

Doctoral 2 programs

Lead, research, and practice at the highest level of the field.

EdD Educational Leadership View program →
EdD Teaching and Learning View program →

Outcomes

Real People. Real Paths.

Educators who advanced at NLU, and the impact they make now.

Toni Carmichael

MEd to EdD, Education

“I knew the opportunities NLU would provide for my growth as an educator.”

A middle-school science teacher who returned to NLU to advance into leadership.

Bianca Zollicoffer

Early Childhood Education

“As a single mother working full time, the competency-based program was such a lifesaver.”

A single mother who earned the ECACE scholarship and plans to open a home childcare for children with special needs.

Christine Bodzianowski

M.A.T. Early Childhood Education

“I love putting what I am learning in class immediately in my classroom.”

Changed careers to teaching at 51 and applies her coursework in the classroom right away.

Dr. Debra Wright-Hudson

Ed.D. Educational Leadership

“My education at National Louis University has provided me with the knowledge to obtain this goal.”

A principal who turned an underperforming Florida middle school into a high-performing one.

Stephanie Herrera

Ph.D. Higher Education Leadership

“It is holistic and tailored support that has made me feel like I matter.”

A first-generation Latina doctoral fellow who turned mentorship into momentum.

Dr. Margena Christian

Ed.D. Adult and Continuing Education, 2013

“Careful attention and concern were placed on the work-life balance with schedules at NLU.”

Spent 20 years in publishing and worked two jobs while earning her doctorate.

Steven Flores

MEd Curriculum and Instruction

“NLU has a strong reputation for producing highly qualified teaching professionals.”

A teacher customizing his degree to serve ESL and disability-transition students.

Wendy Reed Randall

M.A. Education

“Your circumstances do not define you. Choose to remain hopeful.”

Rose from a New Orleans housing project to teacher, counselor, and published author.

Susan Brewer

M.S. Communication

“NLU helped me refine my natural teaching style and provided the language and diverse approaches needed for modern education.”

An experienced educator earning credit hours to teach at the university level.

Phillip Mundine

MAT Special Education

“I genuinely want to help and understand how to best serve our student population, who are diverse learners.”

A Chicago native with a lifelong passion for supporting diverse learners.

Tiffany Wade

Master of Arts in Teaching

“I love the fact that I'm fulfilled and walking in my purpose.”

Left a seven-year career, graduated with a 3.9 GPA, and now teaches at Disney Magnet School.

Jomane Thompson

M.Ed. Educational Leadership

“Possibilities are endless. The hardest part of the journey is to start.”

Immigrated from Guyana and rose from classroom teacher toward school administration.

Shauntell Dudley

Ed.S. Curriculum and Instruction

“I would like to eventually use my degree to become a learning coach or classroom mentor.”

A teacher of record in her district who advocates for whole-child education.

Havee Makedon

ESL/Bilingual Endorsement

“I realized the importance of pursuing credentials to effectively teach students of immigrant background.”

A former ESL student herself, now a teacher earning credentials to serve immigrant students.

Jaqueline Bello

B.A. Elementary Education

“I've developed a profound appreciation for the relationships that come with being in the education field.”

An Elgin native student-teaching at Hillcrest Elementary in her home district.

Florida

Advancing your education career in Florida?

NLU's graduate education programs are offered through our Tampa campus and online. Choose Florida on the form above and an advisor will map your Florida options and start dates.

See your Florida options

Available in Florida

MAT Elementary Education
MAT Secondary Education
MEd Educational Leadership
EdS Educational Leadership
EdS School Psychology
EdD Educational Leadership

How it works

Request information

Tell us about you, your goals, and the level of study you are interested in. It takes about a minute.
Talk with an advisor

An NLU enrollment advisor reaches out to answer your questions and map a personalized plan for your education.
Apply and get started

Submit your application with help from your advisor, choose an upcoming start date, and begin moving toward the career you want.

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Next start date: September 21, 2026

Get Started

The practical details

What to expect, start to finish.

Start when you are ready

NLU offers multiple start dates through the year, so you do not have to wait to begin. An advisor will help you pick the next start that fits your plans.

Affordable, with support

Tuition is built to be affordable, with financial aid, scholarships, and generous transfer credit that can lower both your cost and your time to finish.

Built around your life

Choose online, on-campus, or evening formats, learn in small classes, and work with an advisor and success coach from your first call through graduation.