Illinois Teacher Licensure by Entitlement

The following undergraduate licensure programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education:

  • Early Childhood and Elementary Education (birth-grade 6)
  • Early Childhood Education (birth–grade 2)
  • Elementary Education (grades 1–6)
  • Secondary English Education (grades 9-12)
  • Secondary Mathematics Education (grades 9-12)

Individual courses or course sequences not included in the programs listed above may not be assumed to be approved by the ISBE for licensure purposes. The Undergraduate College assumes no responsibility for courses taken by students with the intent of obtaining licensure unless the students are under the direct supervision of and meet regularly with an academic advisor or student success coach at NLU and the courses are taken within a program approved by the ISBE. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he or she meets all licensure and academic standards.

Successful completion of any of the licensure programs enables students to apply for licensure by entitlement in Illinois. The degree must be awarded prior to licensure. Students should meet regularly with their advisors or coaches to make sure they meet their requirements in a timely manner.

Please note that the Infant-Toddler Studies, B.A. and Applied Educational Studies, B.A. are non-licensure degree programs.