BA in Middle Grade Education in Springfield United States | University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield's School of Education provides a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grade Education program, which qualifies graduates for an Illinois Middle Grades (5-8) Professional Educator License (PEL) in one of four specialization areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, General Science, or Social Science. This BA program incorporates elective credits within the major, enabling students to pursue additional endorsements or teaching qualifications such as LBS1, ESL certification, or Secondary (9-12) licensure. Typically, students can complete their entire curriculum—including general education requirements, teacher preparation courses, content specialization, and ECCE coursework—within four years. Those interested in expanding their teaching qualifications should consult with their School of Education advisor for personalized guidance.

Middle Grades Endorsement Pathways

Mathematics endorsement requires 24 credit hours of math coursework, including three hours of middle-grade-specific teaching methods
Science endorsement demands 24 credit hours of science studies (with three hours of middle-grade-focused methods), covering physical, life, and earth/space sciences
Social Science endorsement involves 24 credit hours of social science content (including three hours of middle-grade-specific methods), with coursework spanning history, geography, civics/government, and economics as they relate to Illinois, the United States, and global contexts