The online education degrees at Aurora University are designed to give you the skills necessary to pursue exciting work in the classroom and beyond. With degrees ranging from endorsements to doctoral levels, you’ll have exciting options regardless of where you are in your educational journey.
Illinois Superintendent Endorsement
The Illinois Superintendent Endorsement will prepare you to sit for the Superintendent Endorsement exam and work as a leader in K-12 schools. In this program, you’ll learn to identify and solve issues in your district as you study organizational theory, law, HR, coaching, mentoring, and more.
Director of Special Education Endorsement
This endorsement prepares experienced Illinois educators and administrators for leadership roles in special education, including positions responsible for directing and administering special education programs and services. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to lead special education programs, oversee staffing and services, evaluate and improve student support, and ensure compliance with special education laws and policies. You’ll also learn strategies for collaborating effectively with school and district leaders, families, and community partners. Candidates who complete the required coursework and meet all Illinois State Board of Education requirements are eligible for the Director of Special Education endorsement.
Special Education Endorsement
In the online Special Education Endorsement (LBS 1) program, you’ll evaluate current research in the field and conduct your own research in the classroom. You’ll learn about challenging behaviors, assistive technology for students with disabilities, inclusive classroom trends, and more. This program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and aligned with Illinois professional teaching standards.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement
Approved by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB), the MA in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement will prepare you to lead as a school principal. The program’s curriculum focuses on school administration and management essentials by having you explore supervision techniques, organizational theory, fiscal management, school law, and more.
Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education
This program prepares you to earn an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Elementary Education endorsement for grades K–6. Throughout the program, you’ll receive comprehensive support as you work toward licensure, including optional synchronous exam preparation, clinical and student teaching guidance, and assistance navigating field experience and licensure requirements. Through coursework and embedded clinical practice, you’ll develop skills in instructional planning and delivery, classroom leadership and management, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive teaching practices. Already working in an Illinois elementary school? If you’re a paraprofessional or substitute teacher with a bachelor’s degree, this program can provide a pathway toward earning your Illinois Professional Educator License with an Elementary Education endorsement.
Post-MSW Professional Educator License in School Social Work
The Post-MSW Professional Educator License in School Social Work will further enhance your skills and prepare you for work in a school social work setting. In this program, you’ll study practical topics in social work policy, exceptional children, reading content, and field instruction to further your potential in the classroom.
Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education program combines academic rigor, practical application, and current trends in educational research to prepare you for your chosen career path. You can choose from five strands depending on your professional goals:
- Instructional Leadership: Coaching and Mentoring
- Leadership in Educational Administration: Superintendent Endorsement (EdD)
- Advanced Standing: Leadership in Educational Administration for Principal Endorsed
- Advanced Standing: Leadership in Educational Administration for Superintendent Endorsed
- Leadership in Higher Education Administration
