Middle Grades Education (Grades 5-8)

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What is Middle Grades Education (Grades 5-8)?

This major prepares you to teach grades 5 through 8. If you join our program, you'll develop expertise in a specific content area such as math, science, social studies, or literacy. You will also learn how to plan teaching lessons in more than one content area. Our curriculum prepares you to work with school colleagues using a team approach.

Career Options

Educational therapy
Guidance counseling
Middle school education
School administration

Post-Graduation Success¹

98% employed or continuing education

86% employed after graduation

12% attending graduate school

$51,072 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: City of Chicago School District 299, Champaign Community Unit School District 4, Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, Pleasantdale Middle School, Rantoul City School District 137, Field Middle School, Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201, Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland, Monticello Middle School View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Washington View All

Program Resources

College of Education Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong English coursework and performance
Interest and experiences related to the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

96% returned for second year

72% graduated within 4 years

80% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $36,970
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,050

Related Majors

Art Education (K-12) - FAA

Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) - EDU

Mathematics - LAS

Psychology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.