Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education
Why pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at North Central College?
You are passionate about working with students and helping them develop foundational skills to succeed in the classroom and beyond. You want to make a difference and shape the future of education. At North Central College, we will prepare you to become a world-class educator who inspires young people to achieve their best!
The Master of Arts in Teaching program provides a pathway to Illinois teacher licensure for those who did not receive an undergraduate degree in teaching. The program prepares candidates to be culturally responsive and sustaining, curious, engaged, ethical, and purposeful teachers and leaders in local, national and global educational environments.
Program Features
- 100% coursework online with on-site field experience
- Choose Elementary or Secondary licensure, with option to add on Learning Behavior Specialist* licensure
- Dedicated support during the admissions process and close mentorship from expert faculty
- Assistance finding field and student teaching placements
- Reduce cost of tuition by 20% through the Education Alliance Partnership
*Optional Summer LBS1 Endorsement Series: These courses are not required for the Masters of Teaching degree and thus are ineligible for financial aid.
Cost of Attendance and Education Alliance Partnership
Please visit the Cost of Attendance page for information regarding tuition and fees. Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 in the federal direct unsubsidized loan annually; this includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. For questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office by emailing finaid@noctrl.edu or calling 630-637-5600.
Cost of Attendance
North Central is proud to provide a 20% tuition benefit through the Educational Alliance Partnership, reducing the cost of tuition by up to $4,000. Find out how your school district can become an Education Alliance Partner by contacting Jenny Jeschke at jjeschke@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5842.
VIEW EDUCATION ALLIANCE PARTNERS
Contact Us
Have a question? Contact Jenny Jeschke, Graduate Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator. Email Jenny at jjeschke@noctrl.edu or use the link below to book a virtual appointment.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH JENNy
Important Dates
Deadline to apply: April 28, 2026
First day of class: May 26, 2026
Eligibility and Requirements
Application Requirements
In order to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program Secondary Education Licensure track, candidates must have:
- An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum of 18 credit hours in content-specific area
- Completed the following prerequisite course with a grade of “C” or higher:
- Psychology: Science of Behavior (or equivalent course)
Content Exams
Prior to starting student teaching, candidates pursuing secondary education licensure are required to take an Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Content Area Exam and pass with the designated minimum score. Students may choose to take this exam before beginning the Master of Arts in Teaching program at North Central, or after the program has begun.
| Test Number | Test Title | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| 207 | English Language Arts | 230 |
| 290 | Learning Behavior Specialist I | 230 |
| 208 | Mathematics | 230 |
| 212 | Music | 229 |
| 239 | Science: Biology | 230 |
| 240 | Science: Chemistry | 230 |
| 242 | Science: Environmental Science | 230 |
| 243 | Science: Physics | 229 |
| 246 | Social Science: History | 229 |
| 214 | Visual Arts | 228 |
| Test Number | Test Title | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| 251 | World Language: Chinese (Mandarin) | 220 |
| 252 | World Language: French | 220 |
| 253 | World Language: German | 223 |
| 256 | World Language: Japanese | 220 |
| 260 | World Language: Spanish | 220 |
Steps to Apply
1. Start Your Application
A username and password will be generated and sent to the email you provide. You will have 30 days to complete the online application. In order to submit the online application, you will be required to upload the following:
- Statement of purpose that discusses long range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
- A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.
2. Submit Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies directly from the institution attended. Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution.
Official transcripts can be sent electronically from verified services to grad@noctrl.edu or by mail to
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL 60540
3. Letter of Support from School Administrator
A letter of support signed by an administrator who is willing to host the candidate at their school is recommended. North Central College is happy to provide assistance finding a school placement.
START YOUR APPLICATION
International Graduate Student Requirements
If you are not a United States citizen and/or graduate from a college or university in a country other than the United States, you must also submit:
- Official course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts
- Official results of the TOEFL or IELTS
More Information
*please note, the Master of Arts in Teaching program does not meet the in-person course requirement for I-20 issuance
The Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education track can be completed in four semesters.
- Begins in Summer semester (May)
- 8 courses, 30 credit hours
- 11 courses, 39 credit hours for degree + Learning Behavior Specialist* licensure eligibility
- Candidates will be required to spend 10 hours or two days a week in a school setting during Fall semester
*Optional Summer LBS1 Endorsement Series: These courses are not required for the Masters of Teaching degree and thus are ineligible for financial aid.
Program Outcomes
Through this program, candidates will be able to:
- Use multiple perspectives to authentically connect content to learners in relevant ways to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving
- Cultivate inclusive learning environments, ensuring each student is safe, recognized, respected and encouraged
- Create lesson plans that support each student in meeting rigorous learning goals and acknowledges students’ assets, diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences
- Implement instruction that includes each learner's voice and choice to develop deep understanding of content through inquiry, collaboration, technology tools and strategies
- Develop and administer appropriate assessments in order to analyze data and communicate results that monitor learner progress and guide decision making
- Perceive and respond to inequity and injustice in instructional practices and policies, educational environments, and life circumstances to support the well- being of all learners
