Prospective Students

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Last Updated: Apr 16, 2026, 11:58 AM

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Discover Your Future: The SIU School of Education

Southern Illinois University Carbondale embraces a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, innovation in research and creativity, and outstanding teaching focused on nurturing student success. As a nationally ranked public research university and regional economic catalyst, we create and exchange knowledge to shape future leaders, improve our communities and transform lives. We prepare outstanding educators, school leaders, childcare specialists, human resource professionals, and researchers to transform classrooms, schools, workplaces, and communities, and who influence individual learning and growth within these settings.

Why Choose the SIU School of Education

  • Exceptional Faculty: Learn from a diverse team of award-winning faculty who are proven experts in their fields. Our faculty members are a unique blend of researchers, educators, and professionals committed to your success.
  • Hands-On Experience: We go beyond the textbook, providing hands-on, immersive clinical experiences and student teaching placements in a variety of school and agency settings. This practical training is crucial for preparing you for the realities of your future career.
  • National Recognition: Our Teacher Education Program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), ensuring you receive a top-tier education. Our programs consistently earn national recognition for their quality and impact.
  • Supportive Community: As a Saluki, you'll join a close-knit and diverse community. We offer personalized attention from supportive academic advisors, a variety of registered student organizations to enhance your educational experience, and frequent events that give you the chance to connect with peers.
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The SIU School of Education is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are proud to support diversity and promote programs like Grow Your Own (GYO), which funds students from diverse backgrounds seeking careers in high-need areas.

Undergraduate Programs

For those beginning their educational journey, our undergraduate programs offer a comprehensive and diverse pathway to a rewarding career. Many of our majors lead directly to a Professional Educator's License (PEL) in the State of Illinois, and our rigorous curriculum is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Our Teacher Education Program (TEP) is a cohesive, supportive system that guides you through every step of the licensure process, from foundational coursework to student teaching.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs

  • Early Childhood Education: Become a leader in early learning by focusing on the crucial developmental stages from birth through second grade. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of these formative years and the skills needed to create healthy, rewarding educational experiences.
  • Elementary Education: Prepare to teach grades first through sixth with a curriculum focused on technology integration, language arts, and effective teaching standards. This program prepares you for a PEL and equips you to thrive in self-contained or departmentalized classrooms.
  • Special Education: Gain the skills to support children with disabilities from pre-kindergarten through age 21. Our program leads to a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement, preparing you to work in various classroom settings with students who require specialized support.
  • For aspiring high school teachers, the School of Education offers specialized paths within various disciplines, collaborating with colleges across the university to create a strong foundation in both content and methodology courses. Students interested in teaching at the high school level can specialize in Agricultural Education, Art Education, Biological Science Education, English Language Arts, History Education, Mathematics Education, Music Education, and World Languages (German or Spanish).
  • Organizational Learning, Innovation, and Development: Explore careers outside of traditional K-12 teaching with this flexible degree completion program. Available both online and on campus, this non-licensure program provides you with the skills to facilitate learning in agencies, organizations, and private industry. 
  • Child and Family Services: Designed for students interested in working with children and families in non-school settings, such as Head Start or social services. The non-licensure program includes practicum and internship experiences, offering a versatile path to multiple professions.

Graduate Programs

For those looking to advance their careers or specialize their knowledge, our graduate programs provide advanced study in a wide range of educational fields.

Subsequent Endorsements

Individuals who already hold an initial Professional Educator License can also attend SIU to earn subsequent endorsements in a variety of subject areas. We offer coursework needed for the following subsequent endorsements:

  • Agriculture Education Grades 5 – 12
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Special Education Approval
  • Educational Administration
  • Elementary Education
  • Language Arts – Middle Grades 5-8
  • English Language Arts – Secondary
  • ESL/Bilingual
  • Mathematics – Middle Grades 5-8
  • Mathematics – Secondary
  • Music – Grades PK-12
  • Science Biology – Secondary

The School of Education offers over 80 scholarships - more than $150,000 in tuition assistance –to students majoring in our programs each year. This is in addition to the academic scholarships SIU awards upon admission. Prospective students can apply for these scholarships between October 1 and February 1 through the Saluki Scholarship Portal. Additionally, there are many external scholarship opportunities that students pursuing degrees in education qualify for that can be applied toward their academic journey at SIU, such as the Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program and the Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are residence hall communities that bring college learning into the everyday lives of students. They offer students the chance to live with others who share common interests and to interact with College faculty and staff.

Students who participate in an LLC often have higher GPAs, more positive campus experiences and are more likely to graduate on time. Potential benefits include getting to know professors and classmates better‚ greater access to academic resources‚ and specialized programs right in your residence hall.

How to Apply

  • Undergraduate Students: Admission to SIU is test-optional for those with a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher. We encourage you to start your application early, as we review on a rolling basis. For the Teacher Education Program (TEP), you will apply separately during your program.
  • Graduate Students: Check the SIU graduate school website for specific program requirements and application deadlines.
  • Schedule a Visit: Experience our campus and community firsthand.
  • Reach out for more information about our programs and next steps by contacting the School of Education Recruitment & Retention Coordinator
  • Attend an Open House: Learn more about our programs and meet faculty members.
  • Learn More: Visit our website at soe.siu.edu, view our academic programs and request more information.

Teach. Motivate. Educate. That’s a Saluki!