• Students must have a competitive cumulative, major and institutional GPA. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 (A=4.000) major, UIUC AND cumulative GPA (grade point average) at the time of application.
• The courses listed under each major below have been identified as prerequisites for entry into the teaching option of each major. Completion of the courses before entry serves two principal purposes: it provides evidence of an applicant's prospects for success in the advanced portion of the program, and it helps to ensure completion of the entire program in a timely manner. Applicants who have not completed or are not enrolled in the prerequisite courses at the time of application may be at a competitive disadvantage for admission to highly selective programs. 

• Applicants must not have earned a bachelor's degree by the term of entry. (Applicants who have a baccalaureate degree may want to contact the appropriate graduate department about the possibility of pursuing teacher certification.)
• 60 hours completed by term of entry into the minor.
• Satisfactory completion of Composition I.
• Two years of one language other than English in high school or the second level course in college must be completed by desired term of entry
  • LAS requires through the fourth level in one language or through the third level in two different languages.
    
  • Grainger requires through the third level in one language.
  • level in high school terms equals years and in college terms semesters.
• Demonstration of high-level written communication (quality of writing, thoughtfulness about education, reflective thinking).

• Students in teaching licensure programs must maintain grades of C- or above in ALL content and professional education coursework in addition to maintaining a content (major) GPA of 2.5 or above. If you have completed a grade replacement or have a grade replacement in progress, you must indicate that in the application.

Note: The essay requirements have been revised for the Spring 2026 application period. Please read carefully.

Program faculty and/or staff will read and review each essay, which will be a deciding factor in admission decisions, regardless of whether an applicant meets the GPA requirements and satisfies course prerequisites.

In a well-organized essay (3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins), respond to the prompt below. Use your previous learning and teaching experiences, including any tutoring, to provide concrete examples.

The State of Illinois has adopted the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards to equip aspiring educators with the skills and dispositions necessary to engage all students, honoring their diverse cultures and identities, and fostering an optimal learning environment.

Reflecting on standards A through H, identify and discuss two specific areas (for example, "B3" and "F2") in which you see room for growth.

As you analyze your areas of strength and growth, please include your definition of equity in the context of education and critically examine how your unique cultural and educational experiences share your perspective. Discuss how these experiences will impact your efforts to promote educational equality and create inclusive learning environments for all students in your selected content area.

Applicants must submit a completed advisor verification form in the application process that verifies their ability to complete their declared major along with the Secondary Education minor coursework.

Required Courses

PREFERRED

• MATH 220 or 221 
• MATH 231
• CHEM 202
• CHEM 203
• CHEM 204
• CHEM 205
• CHEM 236 
• CHEM 237

Alternative 

• MATH 220 or 221 
• MATH 231
• CHEM 102
• CHEM 103 
• CHEM 104
• CHEM 105
• CHEM 222
• CHEM 223 
• CHEM 232 
• CHEM 233 
  

Required Courses

• ENGL 200
• ENGL 209
• ENGL 255
• ENGL 301
  

(Note: completion of five or six courses in major is highly recommended)

Required Courses

• CHEM 102
• CHEM 103
• MATH 220 or 221 or 234
• GEOL 107
• GEOL 208
• GEOL 333 or 432

Required Courses

• Two of the following:
  • HIST 100
  • HIST 141 or 142
  • HIST 171 or 172
  • HIST 174
• HIST 200 (or another HIST 200-level course substitution due to extenuating circumstances)
• SOC 100
• PSYC 100 
• One out of PS 100, 101, 240, or 241

• MATH 220, 231, 241; and 314 or 347 completed with a grade.
  
• Two Additional 400-level (excluding MATH 415, which is an indirect duplication of the MATH 416 major requirement), completed or in progress by the time of application and completed by the end of that semester.
  

Applicant grades for MATH 241; and MATH 314 or 347 should be at least B- and should have a minimum 2.5 mathematics major GPA.

Required Courses

• MATH 220 or 221
• MATH 231
• MATH 241
• PHYS 211
• PHYS 212
• PHYS 225

Required Courses

• MATH 220 or MATH 221
• CHEM 102
• CHEM 103
• CHEM 104
• CHEM 105
• CHEM 232
• CHEM 233
• IB 150
• MCB 150
• One 200-level IB course
  

Required Courses

• MATH 220 or MATH 221
• CHEM 102
• CHEM 103
• CHEM 104
• CHEM 105
• CHEM 232
• CHEM 233
• IB 150
• MCB 150
• One 200-level MCB course