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MEd in Instructional Leadership: Secondary Education
MEd in Instructional Leadership: Secondary Education with Type 09 certificate (science option only)
The Secondary Education concentration within the MEd in Instructional Leadership program is currently admitting students who are interested in becoming certified teachers in secondary science only. We offer 1-year and 2-year program options for secondary science certification in 5 science concentrations: biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, and physics. In both program options, graduates earn a secondary teaching certificate and a master's degree. Both options are intended for college graduates* who hold undergraduate degrees in science-related fields, and who are interested in urban education and teaching secondary science in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).Visit the Council on Teacher Education for more information about the certification process. For those interested in teaching mathematics, English and history, please visit the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at (312) 996-4532, email Ana Valenta at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or if you’re ready, Apply Now!
* UIC seniors in their final spring semester may begin program coursework that may be transferred into this graduate program.
Outcomes
Secondary Education graduates occupy teaching positions across the Chicago area. Teaching assignments range from middle-grade introductory courses to advanced-placement senior electives. UIC graduates are known for their combination of content and pedagogical expertise, with a deep commitment to teaching students from diverse demographics, backgrounds, and experiences.
Options
Degree Requirements
In order to be certified in secondary education through the MEd program, you must complete both the degree and certification requirements.
The degree requirements are listed below and you will find the secondary education certification requirements on the Council on Teacher Education website. Some of the courses required for certification may be waived based on courses you may have previously completed.
A minimum of 34 semester hours of course credit are required for the degree, at least 9 of which must be at the 500 level. Independent Study Courses and any 597 or 598 courses do not count toward the required 9 hours of 500 level coursework for the MEd.
NOTE: Courses are offered in the evenings. However, clinical experiences, as well as the entire semester of student teaching, require availability during the day.
The degree requirements are listed below and you will find the secondary education certification requirements on the Council on Teacher Education website. Some of the courses required for certification may be waived based on courses you may have previously completed.
A minimum of 34 semester hours of course credit are required for the degree, at least 9 of which must be at the 500 level. Independent Study Courses and any 597 or 598 courses do not count toward the required 9 hours of 500 level coursework for the MEd.
Core Curriculum 11 semester hours:
- ED 402 Philosophy of Education and Urban School Policy or ED 403 Policy Issues in the History of American Education
- ED 445 Adolescence and the Schools or ED 421 Advanced Educational Psychology
- CI 428 Curriculum and Teaching in Secondary Education
- ED 429 Practicum in Secondary Classrooms
Area of Concentration 14 semester hours:
- SPED 410 Survey of Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities
- CI 504 Advanced Middle and High School Literacy
- ED 580 Colloquium on Diversity in Educational Practice
- ED 432 Instruction and Evaluation in Secondary Education
Graduate Level Electives
9 semester hours of coursework must be taken in consultation with your adviser.NOTE: Courses are offered in the evenings. However, clinical experiences, as well as the entire semester of student teaching, require availability during the day.
Advising Guide
Advising guides offer a checklist for class completion requirements. If you have questions regarding the content of this guide, please contact Program Coordinator Carole Mitchener at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mike Herkes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in the Office of Student Services.Current materials
- Advising guide for MEd in Instructional Leadership: Secondary Education (pdf)
- Recommended course sequence/schedule for the Science concentration in Secondary Education (pdf)
Archived materials
Handbook
- Master’s handbook (pdf)
UIC College of Education - University of Illinois at Chicago

