COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Graduate Programs
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is authorized to operate as a post-secondary institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (ibhe. org). College of Education programs are further approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (isbe.net).
Returning to Learning
Whether it's been a few months or a several years since you've enrolled in a class, the University of St. Francis is committed to making graduate program completion fast, convenient and rewarding! We keep the Franciscan values of respect, integrity, compassion and service at the heart of each lesson, taught by kind, compassionate instructors who take a genuine interest in their students' educational, personal and professional growth and success.
Consistently recognized for top online programs by organizations like U.S. News & World Report, USF is committed to the needs of busy, working adults. Depending on the program you choose, coursework is completed online, in person, in a blended format, or through asynchronous instruction, which allows you to review class materials and participate in discussions when it works best for you.
Our graduate students also get a good return on their financial investment. Pricing is competitive, and students can explore scholarships or employer discounts for additional savings. For qualified alumni who wish to come home to St. Francis for another degree, we offer a 20% discount on master's and doctoral programs.
If you’ve been wanting new credentials, the University of St. Francis is the perfect place to get started... and the perfect time is RIGHT NOW. Join thousands of other Saints who have expanded the power of their degrees with hearts enriched by Franciscan values!
REGIONAL EDUCATION
ACADEMY FOR LEADERSHIP
Professional development opportunities offered by the Regional Education Academy for Leadership ("REAL") at USF include programs and graduate courses that are rigorous, challenging, and embedded with researchbased instructional strategies. What separates us from other institutions is our ability and willingness to customize offerings to meet the evolving needs of today's educators.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Education with Teacher Licensure (M.Ed.)
• Elementary Education
• Middle Grades Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Visual Arts Education
Designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and an initial Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement.
Educational Leadership (M.S.)
• Principal Preparation
The Principal Preparation concentration prepares educators by developing the leadership skills necessary to serve as a school or district administrator. School building roles may include assistant principal, principal, dean or director.
• Teacher Leader
The Teacher Leader concentration is for educators who want to be successful as a school leader in roles such as curriculum specialist, department chair and program leader.
Reading (M.S.)
Designed for educators who want to assume reading specialist or literacy coach roles at the school or district level.
Teaching & Learning (M.S.)
• Adult TESOL
• Best Practices
• Bilingual Education
• Differentiated Instruction
• Educational Technology
• English as a Second Language
• English Education
• Gifted & Talented Education
• Health Education
• Instructional Coaching
• Reading
• Special Education
If you are a teacher seeking a master’s degree that will enhance professional practice in the classroom and provide both flexibility and personal choice, the M.S. in Teaching & Learning is the perfect program for you. Graduate courses taken through the REAL may apply toward the elective portion of this degree.
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
• Leadership, Learning & Stewardship
The Leadership, Learning & Stewardship concentration is designed for those pursuing higher level education, corporate, health care and other leadership positions in public organizations, private sector companies and service-oriented organizations.
• Principal Preparation
The Principal Preparation concentration suits educators who hold a Professional Educator’s License and want to pursue buildinglevel leadership.
• Superintendent Endorsement
The Superintendent Endorsement concentration is for educators who want to pursue district-level leadership.
