Urban Education—elementary

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Shorelight University of Illinois Chicago's Urban Education—elementary Bachelor's Degree is designed for aspiring educators passionate about transforming urban school systems and empowering diverse student populations. You will develop the critical skills and pedagogical knowledge necessary to address the unique challenges and opportunities within urban educational environments, drawing on a curriculum that emphasizes culturally responsive teaching and community engagement. This program prepares you to become an agent of change, leveraging your own background to foster academic success and equity for all children in city schools.

This full-time, on-campus program is studied over four years, integrating extensive fieldwork with rigorous academic coursework. You will gain over 1,000 hours of practical experience in predominantly African American and Latino classrooms, directly applying theories of child development, urban communities, and effective teaching methodologies. You will graduate with the essential skills and practical experience to excel in elementary urban education, ready to make a significant impact as a teacher and leader.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program explores the complexities of urban education, preparing students for elementary teaching roles. The curriculum integrates foundational academic skills with specialized coursework in urban pedagogy, child development, and diverse learning environments. Students will engage in fieldwork and practical inquiry, developing competencies in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies instruction tailored for urban classrooms. The program culminates in extensive student teaching experiences within urban elementary settings.

1 Freshman Year - First Semester

Academic Writing I: Writing in Academic and Public Contexts
Introduction to Urban Education
Arithmetic and Algebraic Structures
Physical Systems in Earth and Space Science
College Connection I

2 Freshman Year - Second Semester

Academic Writing II: Writing for Inquiry and Research
Child Development in Contemporary Society
Algebraic and Geometric Structures
Chemical and Biological Systems
College Connection II

3 Sophomore Year - First Semester

Introduction to Race, Ethnicity, and Education
Introduction to American Government and Politics
Early America: From Colonization to Civil War and Reconstruction or Modern America: From Industrialization to Globalization
Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Elective

4 Sophomore Year - Second Semester

Nature and Practices of Natural Sciences
Introduction to Economic Geography
Child, Family, and Community
Understanding the Creative Arts General Education course
Elective

5 Junior Year - First Semester

Methods of Reading: Early Literacy in Urban Classrooms
Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Urban Classroom
Language, Culture, and Learning in Urban Classrooms
Teacher Development I: Curating Teacher Agency in Comparative Contexts
Introduction to Urban Communities and Schools: Fieldwork I

6 Junior Year - Second Semester

Reading and Writing in the Content Areas: Intermediate Literacy in Urban Classrooms
Teaching and Learning Science in the Urban Classroom
Teaching and Learning Social Sciences in the Urban Classroom
Teacher Development II: Curating Teacher Identity in Urban Classrooms
Becoming a Culturally Responsive Educator in the Urban Classroom: Fieldwork II

7 Senior Year - First Semester

Literacy in the Disciplines: Adolescent Literacy in Urban Classrooms
Practical Inquiry I: Teacher Competencies and Performance-Based Assessment
Pre-Student Teaching in the Urban Elementary Classroom, Fieldwork III: Arts, Health, and Physical Ed
Methods of Instruction for Exceptional Learners

8 Senior Year - Second Semester

Practical Inquiry II: Teacher Competencies and Performance-Based Assessment
Student Teaching in the Urban Elementary Classroom: Fieldwork IV

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,996.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 127,984.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,430.00 - USD 1,788.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Chicago Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAmusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsEdTech & E-LearningMaritime & ShippingNursing & Allied HealthPharmaceutical ManufacturingPublic Health & EpidemiologyResidential ConstructionSupply Chain & Freight Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AECOM

CVS Health

Chicago Public Schools

Compass Group

Keller Williams Realty, LLC

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

UI Health

Why Study Urban Education—elementary at University of Illinois Chicago

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

University of Illinois Chicago typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Illinois Chicago in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Urban Education—elementary at University of Illinois Chicago

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require additional permits.

What English language score do I need for this course?

International applicants must meet specific English language proficiency scores. Acceptable tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with designated minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may pursue careers as classroom teachers, ESL instructors, school counselors, or education coordinators.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Urban Education program with Elementary Education Concentration is committed to developing a generation of teachers who use their own diverse cultural, linguistic and economic backgrounds to improve urban

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Urban Education program has three intake months: January, May, and August. You can start your studies in any of these months.
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