Our mission, core values, strategic goals and continuous assessments guide what we do and help create this dynamic learning environment. Since 1867, students have chosen us because of our distinctive reputation of excellence in urban teaching, contextualized learning, collaborative partnerships with schools and the community, rigorous programs, small class sizes, and personal mentoring. We believe we can prepare all candidates to success through selective partnerships, consistent assessment, contextualized experiences and a curriculum that integrates technology and incorporates standards.

We welcome you to join our professional family of more than 2,000 students who are committed to enhancing their lives and improving the lives of children. Fifty-four tenure-track faculty members (95% with doctoral degrees), have expertise in their respective fields, actively engage in research, scholarship and public service, and provide students with stimulating and quality instruction, advisement, mentoring and academic support. Also, more than 20 administrative and support staff are accessible and eager to assist students to further their professional career goals and to ensure that all students succeed.

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has recognized our programs since its inception in 1954. The College of Education offers nine undergraduate programs (six lead to initial teacher certification) and 12 master’s programs (three lead to initial and four lead to advanced teacher certification. We offer the first doctoral program at Chicago State University, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, which was recently approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Our graduates are well regarded in the fields of teaching reading, library science and communications media, early childhood, elementary, middle-school and secondary education, special education, bilingual education, administration, physical education, recreation and technology education. As future leaders in these fields, our graduates are positioned to make significant contributions to underserved areas and society as a whole.

We invite you to visit us to learn more about our academic programs and other available innovative opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you soon and receiving your inquiries and application.