Elementary Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Once completed, what grades does this certify me to teach?
The MA Elementary Education program certifies students to teach grades K-9.

Is the MA Elementary Education Program a cohort program?
Yes, the program is a full-time cohort program. It starts once per year at the beginning of summer semester.

Is the program accelerated?
Yes, the program is one year to certification and one additional semester to complete the Master ’s degree.

Since the program is full-time and accelerated, can I work while enrolled in this program?
You cannot work during the Fall and Spring certification portions of the program. You will be completing 37 credit hours in one year. If you choose to complete the 4 remaining credit hours to complete the Master’s portion, it is assumed that you will be a new teacher in your first year of full-time teaching.

Do I need to take the GRE test to apply for the program?
No, you do not need to take the GRE. You will, however need to pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test and the College of Education Graduate Writing exam.

Where can I learn more about the Illinois Basic Skills Test?
You can learn more about the BST at www.icts.nesinc.com.

In addition to the BST and the Graduate Writing Exam, what else do I need to do to apply to the program?
You will need to have your transcripts evaluated to see if you have taken the General Education courses necessary to enter this program, and to see if you have completed an endorsement area in a teachable subject area. Our advisor will also check to see if you have at least a 2.75 GPA from the last 60 hours of your undergrad studies. This evaluation is done by an advisor in the College of Education. The transcript evaluation can be completed prior to application.

Transcripts to be evaluated do not need to be “official” for evaluation purposes and can be faxed or mailed to the College of Education (attention: Sandy Zigrossi) or you may bring copies to the Graduate Open House. Official transcripts will be needed should you decide to apply for the program.

Additional Admission requirements are:

Submit an Application
$40 application fee
Submit 2 letters of recommendation*       (*on College of Education form)
Interview with the selection committee for acceptance into the program

To be eligible for an interview, all application materials should be in your prospective student file by mid-February.

What happens next?
You may be selected for an interview. Interviews are performed by faculty and staff at Lewis University as well as teachers from the partner schools. After interviewing, you will be notified by mail of the decision of the interview committee. Interviews typically take place in March and notification letters are typically sent in early April.

Where are the partner schools located?
The partner schools where are candidates are placed are near Lewis University Romeoville Campus. We do not place our AMA students in Chicago.

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