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Elementary Education

Also offered as: Major

This one-year program leads to a full Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) in elementary education (grades 1-6). Candidates complete eight online classes and a full-year, full-time Residency anywhere in Illinois.

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Elementary Education

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Degree Level
Master of Arts in Teaching
Delivery
Fully Online / Fully Online
Time to Degree
3 Semesters
Credit Hours
36 Total, 36 in Major
Careers
Postsecondary, Teachers
Elementary Education students at EIU

Why Study Elementary Education at EIU?

  • Accelerated program delivery leads to full Illinois licensure in one year (June to May)
  • All courses are online in an asychronous format
  • Candidates complete a full-year, full-time Residency anywhere in Illinois
  • Residencies may be paid or unpaid
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"From the moment I stepped onto campus on a campus tour I knew that EIU was the right choice for me. I loved the small campus community where students and staff truly cared about each other. I knew coming to EIU that I wouldn't just be another number but a person who faculty and staff cared about and wanted to watch me succeed."
Rebecca Feuerborn
Class of 2026, Special Education and Elementary Education
Rebecca Feuerborn, Special Education and Elementary Education at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Candidates complete a full-year, full-time Residency in an elementary teaching position
  • Candidates are mentored by a professional in their Residency location as well as by an EIU supervisor
Hands-On Experience, Elementary Education students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Starting in the summer of 2025, the Department of Teaching, Learning and Foundations at EIU is offering a master's degree program in Elementary Education that is fully online and is designed for aspiring educators as well as career changers who want to make a difference in children's lives. Teaching is a rewarding career, and the benefits of this program will help you earn your degree and obtain licensure to teach in grades 1-6 in Illinois.

View in Catalog
$69,660
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Elementary School Teachers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Openings
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,524 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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17% of lifetime limit

$16,524 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Dr. Daniel Carter
Associate Professor, Graduate Coordinator (TLF)
djcarter@eiu.edu
2176 Buzzard Hall
217-581-7885
Dr. Daniel Carter Message Dr. Carter

Message Dr. Carter

or email djcarter@eiu.edu directly
Stephen Lucas
Executive Director, Educator Preparation
selucas@eiu.edu
1417
217-581-5728
Stephen Lucas Message Stephen

Message Stephen

or email selucas@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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Eastern Illinois University is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited.