October 2023
ILLINOIS
Institutional Authorization
Western Governors University is authorized to provide its educational programs in Illinois through a state authorization reciprocity
agreement (NC-SARA). More information about NC-SARA is available on their website.
Licensure Pathway
Candidates applying for a teaching license in Illinois do so primarily through the reciprocity pathway. Those enrolled in an advanced
program will use the direct licensure pathway. Information on the different licensure pathways is available in the licensure
handbook. Complete details on licensure requirements in the state of Illinois can also be found in the licensure handbook.
Educational Prerequisites
WGU’s education preparation programs satisfy the applicable educational prerequisites for professional licensure in Illinois for the
following licenses:
WGU Program License
BA Elementary Education
MAT Elementary Education
Elementary Education, 1-6
BA Special Education and Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
Elementary Education 1-6 and Learning Behavior
Specialist I K-22
BA Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
MAT Special Education
Learning Behavior Specialist I, K-22
BS Mathematics Education (Secondary)
MAT Mathematics Education (Secondary)
MA Mathematics Education (Secondary)*
Mathematics, 9-12
BS Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)
MA Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)*
Science – Biology, 9-12
BS Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
MA Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)*
Science – Chemistry, 9-12
BS Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
MA Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)*
Science - Earth and Space Science, 9-12
BS Science Education (Secondary Physics)
MA Science Education (Secondary Physics)*
Science – Physics, 9-12
MAT Science Education (Secondary)
Science – Biology, 9-12 or
Science – Chemistry, 9-12 or
Science – Earth and Space Science, 9-12 or
Science – Physics, 9-12
MAT English Education (Secondary) English Language Arts, 9-12
Endorsement English Language Learning (PreK-12)*
MA English Language Learning (PreK-12)*
English as a Second Language, PK-12
MS Educational Leadership* Principal, PK-22
*Advanced programs are for already licensed teachers who want to add an additional teaching area or field to their licenses (or a
separate license for Educational Leadership). These programs are not intended for aspiring teachers seeking initial licensure.
The following programs are not available due to Illinois coursework requirements:
• BS Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• MAT Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• MA Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• BS Science Education (Middle Grades)
• MA Science Education (Middle Grades)
Consumer Complaint Information
Students can refer to this information regarding the complaint process for those attending WGU in Illinois.
Military Information
Military personnel and spouses should refer to this link for licensing information and opportunities.
