To qualify for admission to the Elementary Education Bachelor of Arts program, students must complete the general education requirements for the NLU degree in Elementary Education and a minimum of three courses in one of the approved concentration areas. Students also are required to provide evidence of a passing score on the Illinois Test of Basic Skills. Once admitted to the cluster, students will complete the foundational coursework during their junior year. Their senior year is a full-time program requiring students to enroll in methods classes while also spending two full days each week in an elementary classroom for two terms. This is followed by a full-time student teaching experience. This program requires completion of 180 quarter hours.


To qualify for admission to the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Arts program, students must complete the general education requirements for the NLU degree in Early Childhood and a minimum of three courses in one of the approved concentration areas. Students also are required to provide evidence of a passing score on the Illinois Test of Basic Skills. Once admitted to the cluster, students will complete the foundational coursework during their junior year. Their senior year is a full-time program requiring students to enroll in methods classes. This is followed by a full-time student teaching experience.

It is strongly recommended that you contact an Enrollment Representative as early as possible to schedule an appointment to guarantee your enrollment in the cluster of your choice. Many clusters have limited enrollment and may fill up early.


For an overview of Proposed Clusters, please click here.