Colleges and Schools

Earn Your Degree and Advance Your Teaching Career

Whether you’re just starting your undergraduate program, considering a post-bachelor’s career change, or seeking specialization in a particular area of education as a licensed teacher, North Park University’s School of Education can help you meet your goals. For over 40 years, we have been preparing educators to meet the needs of students in a complex, changing world. At North Park, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need to thrive as a highly effective educator.

The School of Education has built a strong reputation in public and private schools throughout Chicagoland and the state of Illinois; districts and administrators recognize the excellent preparation our students receive. We have a network of more than 125 partner schools, as well as hundreds of alumni, that is available to you as you’re pursuing your degree and certification and when you’re ready to take the next step in your professional career. All of the School of Education certification/licensure and approval or endorsement programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Undergraduate Programs

Earn your credentials as an Illinois teacher while completing your bachelor’s degree at North Park University. Choose from three undergraduate majors and a special licensure program:

Graduate Programs

We also offer four graduate degrees and a post-bachelor’s teacher’s licensure program, each designed with working professionals in mind. Earn your educator’s license, a master’s degree, and/or specialized endorsements to advance your career. Options include:

Approval and Endorsement Options

In addition, as a licensed teacher, you can complete special approvals and endorsements to expand and develop your career. You may also include one of these special programs alongside a bachelor’s or master’s degree or licensure program, or take the courses as a standalone set.

Unique Clinical Experiences

In licensure programs, you’ll have the opportunity for three distinct clinical experiences that encompass public, private, urban, and suburban schools. You’ll start spending time in real Chicagoland classrooms early in your education program through observation and teacher aiding, “mini-teaching,” and student teaching. This variety will help you identify both the type of school and the grade or subject area in which you want to serve.

Our Mission

In all of our programs, the School of Education is committed to preparing competent, respectful, and reflective professionals who are dedicated to serving diverse learning communities. Our experienced faculty and staff will provide you with individual and personalized attention throughout your journey toward becoming a highly effective, well-trained educator. You’ll learn from full-time professors who have years of experience as teachers, principals, and administrators; adjunct faculty are often still working full-time in Chicago-area schools, bringing their invaluable real-life to your coursework.

Get Started Today

Explore how the School of Education can help you become an excellent, effective teacher by contacting our undergraduate admissions team or requesting more information about graduate programs.