Department of Advanced Studies in Education (DASE)

The Department of Advanced Studies in Education (DASE) empowers educational professionals to become change agents in a diverse and global society by offering the highest caliber of academic programs at the Master’s, post-masters  and Doctoral level and by balancing theory with practice. It is committed to developing excellent professional leaders in the area of Education, including educational leadership, curriculum & instructional foundations, higher education administration, principal preparation, and special education. The department strives to prepare scholars & practitioners who cultivate equity and educational opportunity in a diverse and changing world.

Degree Programs Housed Under this Department Consist of:

The Curriculum & Instructional Foundations Program (CIIF)

The Curriculum & Instructional Foundations Program (CIIF) leads to a Master’s of Science in Education Degree with an option in Instructional Foundations. This program option consists of the following three concentrations: Adult Education, Community Leadership, and Teacher Leadership. Completion of coursework related to these program options does not qualify candidates for licensure by entitlement or a recommendation for licensure. 

To learn more about this program please click CIIF program.

The Educational Leadership Program (EDDL)

The Educational Leadership Program leads to a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Degree/Ed.D. and is designed to develop excellent educational leaders who are well rounded in research and theory in the organizational, sociological, legal, economic, political, philosophical, and historical foundations of education.

To learn more about this program please click EDDL program.

Higher Educational Administration Program (HEA)

The Higher Educational Administration Program, which leads to a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Administration Degree, is a 33-credit hour program designed to prepare individuals for entry and mid-level managerial or research positions offered at the community, senior college, and university level. This program is also intended to improve the skills of those individuals who currently serve in administrative positions at such institutions, as well as provides alternatives to those who would like to change their careers to enter the field of higher education administration.

To learn more about this program please click HEA program.

Principal Preparation Program (PRIN)

The Principal Preparation Program is designed to provide the background necessary for employment as an elementary or secondary school principal, or assistant principal in related or similar positions. There are two concentrations offered under this Program:

1. MA in Educational Leadership and Administration with PreK- Age 22 Principal Licensure (PRIN): Candidates who complete this 33-credit hour concentration qualify for the M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration and the PreK– Age 22 Principal endorsement on an Illinois Professional Educator License.

2. Principal Licensure Only (ELPP): Candidates who complete this 30-credit hour post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Study option qualify for a principal license (only) on a Professional Educator License. This endorsement requires the successful completion of the Training in Evaluation of Certified Personnel, and Content Area Tests for Principals (subtests 195 and 196).

To learn more about this program please click PRIN program.

Special Education Program (SED)

The Special Education program offers a Master of Science in Education degree in Special Education. Candidates interested in this program can apply for admission into one of the following two graduate programs or endorsement option:

1. The Special Education Learning Behavioral Specialist – I Master’s Degree Program for Initial Certification: designed for candidates who are new to the teaching profession and do not possess a professional teaching license; or

2. The Special Education Learning Behavioral Specialist – I Master’s Degree Program for Certified Teachers: designed for candidates who enter the program with valid teaching licensure, usually in the area of general education at the elementary or secondary level.

Completion of all the course work, field experiences, and degree requirements for the two program options specified in the preceding section qualifies candidates for the Illinois Learning Behavioral Specialist - I (K-12) Professional Educator licensure, and a Master of Science in Education Degree.

3. An Endorsement in Special Education Program Option: is also available for candidates who are already licensed as general education teachers and are only interested in taking, (as graduate students at large), the courses required for adding the Special Education Learning Behavioral Specialist – I endorsement to their current/existing professional educator license.

To learn more about this program please click SED program.

Distinguishing Features of these Degree Programs: