DEGREE OPTIONS

UIUC College of Education and certification requirements for the State of Illinois General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75). To be eligible for admission into the cohort, applicants must have completed a minimum of one year of full-time teaching or have acceptable school service personnel experience. Applications for admission to the summer cohort must be submitted by April 2. Through the Oak Brook cohort, students may pursue one of two options:

• Master of Education Degree (Ed.M.): This program leads to a Master of Education degree (Ed.M.) with the General Administrative Endorsement. This program is for those with a bachelor's degree and no master's degree, or a master's degree outside the field of education.

• Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): This program leads to an Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) with the General Administrative Endorsement. This program is for those with a previously earned master's degree in the field of education.

Admitted students will enter the cohort program together and continue through the course work as a group. Approximately two years is required to complete all requirements. Members of the cohort are expected to accommodate their schedules for continuous registration. Two courses are offered during fall and spring semesters; one course normally will be offered on four or five intensive weekends, and the second course will be held one evening during the week. Typically, two courses are provided during the summer sessions. Summer format depends on the types of courses offered and may be held during weekdays as well as weekends. All classes will be held in the Oak Brook area.

The Ed.M. degree program requires 40 hours of coursework. Students who have already earned a master’s degree may elect the Certificate of Advanced Studies program, which requires 44 hours of coursework. The curriculum is defined for both degree options with the exception that the applicants often ask the distinction between the Ed.M. and the CAS degree with Type 75 licensure. The curriculum requirements are identical, with the exception that the CAS requires one additional elective course. In some school districts individuals are not financially compensated if they are earning a second master's degree. In that instance, providing that the first master's degree is in Education, the CAS is the appropriate option. Other individuals may wish that their resume and transcript note a CAS, rather than a second master's. If neither of these is a concern, then it is recommended that the applicants apply to the Ed.M. degree option.