Rankings and Recognition

At the College of Education, we’re continuing NIU’s 100-year tradition of preparing educators for the region and nation. Our more than 55,000 alumni continue to make an impact on the educational landscape in Illinois and beyond. Their success is proof of the high quality of our programs, which are nationally recognized for their excellence.

National Rankings

U.S. News and World Report has ranked us among the best education schools in the nation for several consecutive years. They’ve also ranked our programs among the best online graduate education programs in the U.S. for more than a decade.

Money.com recognized us in its inaugural ranking of Best Education Master’s Programs for Your Money. This ranking was based on affordability, employment outcomes and typical graduate earnings.

Academic Prestige through Accreditation

Since 1954, our programs have been continuously accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE), a mark of distinction for meeting national professional standards.

Individual programs have received additional accreditation:

Award-winning Faculty

MAC Fellows

  • Bess Wilson, 2023
  • Joseph Flynn, 2021
  • Steve Howell, 2018

Fulbright Scholars

  • Stephen Tonks, 2020
  • James Cohen, 2018
  • Patrick Roberts, 2010
  • Teresa Wasonga, 2010
  • Paul Wright, 2010
  • Gaylen Kapperman, 1968

Board of Trustee Professor

  • Paul Wright, 2023

Distinguished Teaching Professor

  • Tom Smith, 2021
  • Rebecca Butler, 2018
  • Laurie Elish-Piper, 2017

Distinguished Engagement Professor

  • Paul Wright, 2022
  • Teresa Wasonga, 2020
  • Laurie Elish-Piper, 2017

Presidential Teaching Professor

  • Donna Werderich, 2023
  • Tom Smith, 2018
  • Rebecca Butler, 2014
  • Laurie Elish-Piper, 2013

Presidential Engagement Professor

  • Paul Wright, 2018
  • Teresa Wasonga, 2016
  • Laurie Elish-Piper, 2013

Distinguished Graduate Faculty

  • Katy Jaekel, 2022

Excellence in Online Teaching

  • Donna Werderich, 2023
  • Stephanie Baker, 2022

Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

  • Stephanie Baker, 2022
  • Myoungwhon Jung, 2019

Contact Us

Dean's Office
General Information
815-753-1949
cedu@niu.edu
Graham Hall 321
Student Success
815-753-8352
coestudentsuccess@niu.edu
Gabel Hall 138
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