Teachers can choose to take endorsement courses as non-degree students or as students enrolled in a certificate or graduate degree program. Non-degree students take no more than 18 credit hours of courses and earn only an endorsement from the State of Illinois (and sometimes a certificate from Roosevelt University). Degree seeking students earn an MA degree in addition to their endorsements.
Roosevelt University provides licensed teachers with a special non-degree tuition rate on certificate and endorsement-only courses. The non-degree tuition rate changes annually, but offers a substantial reduction off of the regular tuition rate. To see the current tuition rates for non-degree students and degree seeking students visit the tuition rates page.
All endorsement courses and degrees provide licensed teachers with such benefits as instruction from top Roosevelt faculty; workplace opportunities to complete field experiences (if required); and a variety of pathways for course completion, including online and summer intensive pathways. Students who complete endorsement-only coursework can apply their courses and credit toward a graduate degree from Roosevelt’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at a later date.
Roosevelt University partners energetically with schools, districts and organizations to provide endorsements that meet the needs of licensed teachers. Currently, Roosevelt has partnerships with the Chicago Teachers Union, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Catholic Schools, Dunlap School District 323 and many others.
For more information about certificates, endorsements and partnerships, contact Dulce Martinez, Graduate Admission Counselor, at dmartinez21@roosevelt.edu or (312) 281-3250.
The Bilingual/ESL Endorsement consists of five Roosevelt graduate courses focused on assessment, methods, and linguistic and cultural knowledge critical for working constructively with English language learners. An additional elective requirement is typically waived for licensed teachers. Please consult our academic catalog for more details and information about requirements. The endorsement is offered entirely online throughout the calendar year and two of the required five courses are offered face-to-face at the Chicago Campus in the summer semester through our Summer Residencies for Teachers.
The Special Education LBS I Endorsement consists of three graduate courses focused on the assessment of students with disabilities and the characteristics of learners with cognitive and perceptual learning disabilities. A fourth course requirement is typically waived for licensed teachers. Please consult our academic catalog for more details and information about requirements. The endorsement is offered entirely online throughout the calendar year and three of the required five courses are offered face-to-face at our Chicago campus in the summer semester through our Summer Residencies for Teachers.
The Reading Teacher Endorsement consists of six Roosevelt graduate courses (18 semester hours) focused on assessment, methods, and literature essential for fostering balanced literacy learning and instruction. A three credit hour summer practicum is the capstone to the non-degree program. The endorsement courses are offered entirely online during the academic year and face-to-face at the Schaumburg Campus in the summer semester through our Summer Residencies for Teachers.
Middle School endorsements require 15 semester hours of coursework in a specific content area plus an additional 3 semester hours of a content methods course. In addition, a content exam must be passed to earn the endorsement. For more information about the required courses and availability, contact Dulce Martinez, Graduate Admission Counselor, at dmartinez21@roosevelt.edu or (312) 281-3250.
Once a teacher has earned a Professional Educator License (PEL) in a given grade band (e.g., 1-6), he or she can earn a subsequent endorsement to teach in an adjacent grade band (e.g., Pre-K-2 or 5-8). Typically, the subsequent endorsement requires 18 semester hours of courses and the passage of a content exam. For more information about courses and availability, contact Dulce Martinez, Graduate Admission Counselor, at dmartinez21@roosevelt.edu or (312) 281-3250.
The Reading Specialist endorsement is earned through enrollment in the MA degree in Literacy Leadership and features a special online tuition rate. Visit the Tuition Rates page for current prices.
The Teacher Leader and Principal Endorsements are earned through enrollment in the MA degree in Instructional Leadership. These degrees also feature a special online tuition rate. Visit the Tuition Rates page for current prices.
The Teacher Leader and Principal Endorsements also can be earned through enrollment in the MA degree in Dual Language Teacher Leadership and the Certificate Program in Dual Language Principal Leadership. These degrees feature a special online tuition rate. Visit the Tuition Rates page for current prices.
After earning a bilingual/ESL, LBS 1, middle school or subsequent endorsement, teachers can apply their endorsement coursework toward an MA degree in Literacy Leadership or Second Language Special Education. Our special online tuition rate applies to these degree programs. Click on the links here to explore these programs and obtain additional information.
To apply for admission, complete our application form. You must complete this application form to enroll in all courses and programs.
Teachers seeking only an endorsement should complete the non-degree application to enroll as a student-at-large. Degree seeking students should complete the application for a graduate degree at Roosevelt University.
For assistance completing your application, contact Dulce Martinez, Graduate Admission Counselor, at dmartinez21@roosevelt.edu or (312) 281-3250.
Licensed teachers can pay their tuition in full or create a four-month payment plan. Payment arrangements are required to secure your enrollment and should be made immediately after you are registered for your courses. See more about payment options.