Advance your knowledge of education and your career potential.
Our dynamic, engaging program deepens understanding of curriculum design, instructional strategies and education in general. It advances the knowledge and skills of practicing teachers and prepares graduates for leadership roles, including curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, educational consultants, professional development trainers and those seeking dual-credit endorsements. Throughout the program, you’ll refine your professional goals and improve learning environments in schools, workplaces and communities. Most of our courses are offered in a hybrid format (in person with the ability to join online).
Apply for Admission
Explore Campus
33 credit hours
Hybrid
Full or part time
Start in the fall semester
This degree is valuable not only for practicing teachers but also for professionals in business, non-profit organizations, health care and social sciences. Graduates can excel as corporate trainers, professional development designers, content developers, assessment specialists, grant writers and policy analysts. By combining this degree with expertise in fields such as business, world languages, political science, health care, computer science and more, students gain a competitive edge in diverse industries.
A broad-based program for those seeking expertise in curriculum development and instructional strategies. Beyond the required courses, the program design flexibility, in collaboration with an academic advisor, allows you to tailor your program to fit your needs and interests.
Choose this specialization to focus on inclusive teaching practices that embrace diverse learning experiences and cultural influences. You’ll learn strategies to foster equitable and personalized learning environments for all students.
This specialization is designed for educators who want to lead in departmental leadership, curriculum development, peer mentorship, school improvement and educational outreach. Teacher Leaders play a vital role in shaping school culture, supporting colleagues and driving future educational initiatives.
Designed for educators and leaders, this specialization develops expertise in curriculum, assessment and evaluation. You’ll apply theory, data and learning analytics to evaluate and improve instruction, promote equitable outcomes and make informed data-driven decisions across educational contexts. This specialization features a deep focus on assessment methods and practices.
Average mid-career salary for alumni:
Top job titles for alumni:
Top employers for alumni:
Source: Steppingblocks, {{steppingBlocksSourceYear}}
You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
You can apply to the NIU Graduate School as a degree-seeking student or as a student at large, which allows you to take a course while waiting for official admission to the program. Your complete application packet will require:
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship, which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
During your program of study, you will:
Core Coursework (15 credits)
Specialization Coursework (18 credits) - Additional coursework is required for your chosen specialization. Please refer to the graduate catalog or discuss course requirements and options with your graduate advisor.
Our faculty bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise in curriculum and instruction. They’re committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences in and outside the classroom.