National College of Education
Where Academics Impact the Real World
As National Louis University’s largest and oldest institution, the National College of Education prepares educators to make an impact in classrooms, schools and communities. Our graduate programs for aspiring teachers, practicing educators and education leaders will help you build the skills and credentials to move your career forward with confidence.
We Believe in Your Best
Learn with us and discover who you can be with an advanced degree from the National College of Education.
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Why Study with Us?
The National College of Education puts you in control of your advanced degree. Whatever level you pursue, you will find the real-world impact and full academic support you need to take on a bigger role as an instructor or administrator.
95%
of students employed within 6 mos. of graduation
80+
alumni with Golden Apple awards in Teaching & Leadership
70K+
alumni working in Education
95%
of graduates pass the edTPA test on their first try
Alumni Stories
“I wanted to be an Early Childhood teacher that supports, loves and brings stability to my students. I thought the alternative MAT program would be a perfect fit for my busy life.”
Christine Bodzianowski
- M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education
Alumni Stories
“NLU helped me transition from an ESL teacher to building a business with nationwide impact—serving multilingual communities across the country.”
Veronica Ramos
- M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration
Alumni Stories
“NLU gave me the platform to pursue two doctoral degrees simultaneously — a journey few undertake. The confidence, structure and mentorship I found at NLU empowered me to defy limits, lead boldly and advocate for others navigating systems not built with them in mind.”
Starr Caldwell
Ed.D. Strategic Educational Leadership with Superintendent Endorsement
Grow into a Role That Grows with You
Learn at Your Own Pace
With in-classroom and online learning opportunities available, NCE allows you to chart a course that best fits your schedule. Our 2- and 3-year programs can be extended to fast-track your degree or space it out to better fit with your existing time commitments.
Support from Day One
NCE’s mission is to build a diverse, passionate community of educators to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We offer personalized support in the form of academic advisors, success coaches and other innovative resources to help you thrive.
Make a Professional Connection
Our partnerships with school districts, education centers and community organizations connect you with real-world learning environments through observation, student teaching and internship opportunities that can lead to a permanent position.
Be Exceptional
The tradition of integrity and academic excellence goes deep at NCE. We blend cutting-edge educational theory with hands-on instruction that shows you how to put ideas into practice and make a positive impact wherever you fit into your chosen institution.
Learn at Your Own Pace
With in-classroom and online learning opportunities available, NCE allows you to chart a course that best fits your schedule. Our 2- and 3-year programs can be extended to fast-track your degree or space it out to better fit with your existing time commitments.
Support from Day One
NCE’s mission is to build a diverse, passionate community of educators to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We offer personalized support in the form of academic advisors, success coaches and other innovative resources to help you thrive.
Make a Professional Connection
Our partnerships with school districts, education centers and community organizations connect you with real-world learning environments through observation, student teaching and internship opportunities that can lead to a permanent position.
Be Exceptional
The tradition of integrity and academic excellence goes deep at NCE. We blend cutting-edge educational theory with hands-on instruction that shows you how to put ideas into practice and make a positive impact wherever you fit into your chosen institution.
How it works
Your path to enrollment, simplified
Applying takes less time than you might think. We’ve streamlined the process to put you in charge of your continuing education.
1
Connect with NLU
Fill out a short form and tell us about yourself, your goals and the course of study you’re interested in.
2
Talk with an Enrollment Specialist
One of our advisors will reach out to answer your questions and map out a personalized plan for your future.
3
Experience NCE Up Close
Visit or tour virtually. Get a feel for the National College of Education and its programs.
4
Submit Your Free Application
No application fee. No barriers. Just a fast track toward building your education credentials.
Our Next Class Cohort Begins In
National College of Education at National Louis University
Come and make milestones with us, whether you are breaking into teaching, moving to a new academic level or considering an administrative role.
Explore our Programs
Master of Arts in Teaching
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Gain the classroom skills you’ll need to succeed and nurture lifelong learners at any grade level.
- M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education
- M.A.T. in Elementary Education
- M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education
- M.A.T. in Secondary Education
- M.A.T. in Special Education
Master of Education
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Be a better teacher. Our postgraduate programs position you to have an impact and build your career in some of instruction’s most in-demand areas.
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
- M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- M.Ed. in Reading
- M.Ed. in Special Education
- M.Ed. in Strategic Educational Leadership
- M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership
Education Specialist
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Gain specialized post-Master’s instruction in key areas where educational leadership and student-focused perspectives matter most.
- Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction
- Ed.S. in Disability & Equity in Education
- Ed.S. in Educational Leadership
- Ed.S. in Linguistic Diversity & Equity
- Ed.S. in Reading
- Ed.S. in School Psychology
- Ed.S. in Strategic Educational Leadership
- Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership
- Ed.S. in Teaching & Learning: Curriculum, Advocacy & Policy
Doctor of Education
View Programs
Join a tradition of academic excellence that dates back to 1886 and prepare for the challenges shaping the future of educational leadership.
- Ed.D. in Disability & Equity in Education
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
- Ed.D. in Linguistic Diversity & Equity
- Ed.D. in Strategic Educational Leadership
- Ed.D. in Teaching & Learning: Curriculum, Advocacy & Policy
Teacher Endorsements & Approvals
ESL & Bilingual Education
View Endorsements & Approvals
- Bilingual Education
- English as a Second Language
- English as a Second Language/Bilingual
- Bilingual Special Education Approval
- English as a Second Language Special Education Approval
Special Education
View Endorsements & Approvals
- Director of Special Education
- Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) — Special Education
- Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS II) Curriculum Adaptation Specialist
- Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS II) Transition Specialist
- Early Childhood Special Education Approval
Reading
View Endorsements
- Reading Specialist
- Reading Teacher
- Reading (Florida)
Subsequent Teaching
View Endorsements
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Middle Grades
- Secondary Education
Other
View Endorsements
- Mathematics Specialist
- Safety and Driver’s Education
- Teacher Leader
- Technology Specialist
Our Colleges
Accelerate U
Earn professional credentials and college credit at a pace that fits your full-time schedule.
College of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences
Expand access to mental health services with your Master’s or Ph.D. in psychology or behavioral science.
Graduate School of Business & Leadership
Turning lifelong learners into business leaders through postgraduate study.
School of Nursing
Furthering careers in compassion with flexible routes to a degree in nursing.
UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE
Preparing students of diverse backgrounds to succeed as professionals in today’s evolving workforce.
The NLU Story
Accelerate U
Earn professional credentials and college credit at a pace that fits your full-time schedule.
College of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences
Expand access to mental health services with your Master’s or Ph.D. in psychology or behavioral science.
Graduate School of Business & Leadership
Turning lifelong learners into business leaders through postgraduate study.
School of Nursing
Furthering careers in compassion with flexible routes to a degree in nursing.
UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE
Preparing students of diverse backgrounds to succeed as professionals in today’s evolving workforce.
The NLU Story