School Details
Eastern Illinois University is a four-year public institution providing opportunities to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Courses are led by high-quality, student-centered faculty. EIU strives to sustain an academic family through a multitude of scholarly activity designed to transform students into leaders in today’s competitive and challenging industries.
Eastern Illinois University distance learning programs are available to the nontraditional student. Earn an online bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or general studies. Online master’s degrees are available in political science, education, communications, and more. Students are prepared for professional careers or to pursue Phd transfer programs.
eLearning with EIU:
- Fully online format
- Competitively affordable
- Career services
Accreditation & Licensing
Eastern Illinois University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Eastern Illinois University offers the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, an online liberal arts degree. This liberal arts degree program is designed to meet the educational goals of students who are otherwise unable to take part in a traditional university setting. A degree in General Studies will serve as the basis for a future graduate level education. A liberal arts education allows students to complete their general education requirements without choosing a curriculum path for a particular branch of study.
This program prepares graduates for numerous professions including:
- Business
- Non-Profits
- Law Enforcement
- Education
- Health Care
The online Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing program is designed for K-12 educators who want to pursue professional development. This flexible program only has one required course, Writing Project for K-12 Teachers. The other four courses are chosen by the student from courses such as:
- Studies in Professional Writing
- Professional Editing
- Integrating the English Language Arts
- Problems in the Teaching of English
- Composition Theory and Pedagogy
Eastern Illinois University offers an online Master of Arts in Art degree featuring an Art Education option. This Master of Arts degree program is a part-time 32-hour program that blends online courses with intensive studio experiences. The online art program is designed to strengthen the development of certified art teachers while allowing them to engage in professional development and graduate studies while continuing to work.
You will meet on campus for eight days during the summer for the studio art components and then can complete coursework online regardless of your proximity to the campus. The curriculum requires a research project that documents a substantial application of art education theory and practice along with such courses as:
- Special Topics in Art History
- Navigating the Virtual Museum
- Current Trends in Art Education
- Creative Utilization of Technology in Education
- Assessment & Curriculum Design in Art Education
The online Master of Arts in Community Arts program is designed to blend online courses with intensive studio experiences. The curriculum strengthens the development of individuals interested in visual arts education with professional development for the teaching of art in multiple settings. The program meets requirements for elementary teachers, special needs teachers, early childhood educators, artists, community workers, museum educators, art center educators, and other professionals.
Eastern Illinois University offers an online English degree, the Master of Arts in English. With small classes and a vibrant, engaged faculty, students are challenged and inspired to pursue their interests and prepare for careers or further study. This program provides the opportunity to work closely with publishing scholars in the field of your choice while earning your English degree. Concentrations are available in literary studies, literary studies with creative writing emphasis, and rhetoric and composition.
The curriculum includes timely courses that include:
- Harry Potter and Pedagogy
- Writing about Health and for Health Organizations
- Writing Instruction and Grammar: Searching for Practical Solutions
- Shakespeare for All
- Science Fiction Vanguards: New Wave and Cyberpunk
The online Master of Arts in History for Teachers degree is a graduate program designed specifically for K-12 teachers. This program consists of the content of a traditional Master of Arts in History degree but with coursework and a plan of study that meets your professional needs.
Key features include quality coursework in a breadth of historical fields, a well-designed and flexible study plan, and a learning community that offers interactive learning environments. This historical degree offers courses in U.S. and World History, reflecting the needs of history teachers, along with foundational training in proseminars in premodern and modern World and U.S. history followed by an exploration of major scholarly problems introduced in more specific seminars. You will learn from published experts in fields from the ancient Near East to early modern England to Meiji Japan to Cold War America.
The online Master of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Education program further prepares students to teach music. The curriculum allows working music educators to apply new ideas and teaching techniques directly to their classrooms as they advance through the program. Courses include:
- Music Theory Pedagogy
- History and Philosophy of Music Education
- Graduate Music Education Seminar
- Seminar in Music History
- Psychology of Music Teaching and Learning
The Eastern Illinois University offers a Master of Arts in Political Science with an Option in Public Administration & Public Policy. This is a flexible online political science degree. Courses are taught by the same faculty that instructs students completing political science degrees on campus. They offer the same mentoring and opportunities to online students as well. Internships and independent studies are encouraged while completing the political science degree.
You will be prepared for careers in such areas as:
- State, local, and regional government agencies
- Non-profit and civic management/leadership
- City/urban planning and economic development
- Protective services administration
- Budget analysis
- Public policy research
Business
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication in Organizations can benefit professionals looking to increase their value in nearly any organization. Courses in this program combine theory and practice with the development of communication skills.
This online Communication degree highlights topics in organizational communication, interpersonal communication, conflict management, intercultural communication, and workplace relationships. A wide range of electives allows you to customize the degree to your own interests and career objectives. Graduates will have enhanced marketability in today’s increasingly global and team-based modern workplaces.
Students will learn about topics such as:
- Argumentation and critical thinking
- Communication research methods
- Persuasion
- Small group communication
Increase your career opportunities by finishing your bachelor’s degree online with Eastern Illinois University. The Bachelor of Science in Business focusing on Business Administration builds on your existing knowledge and experience to provide you with a broad understanding of the business world.
Courses examine topics in accounting, finance, management, marketing, operations, supply chain management, and management information systems. Designed for working adults, this online Business Administration degree offers asynchronous classes so you can study and learn on your own schedule.
Gain a better understanding of the human aspects of organizations with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Development from Eastern Illinois University. In this program, you will learn about the people, processes, and practices that make up an organization and how to contribute to the organization’s ongoing success.
Coursework is designed to prepare you to meet the challenges of the business environment while undertaking your own professional development. Students are encouraged to apply their work and life experiences to classroom learning to develop new skills.
Graduates can pursue a career in:
- Employee training
- Human resources
- Instructional design
- Quality improvement
- Supervision and management
Prepare for the next step in your career with the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership online from Eastern Illinois University. Students in this program learn how to enhance their marketability in today’s workplace through the development of organizational communication and leadership skills.
Courses focus on skills in written communication, the ability to think critically and create persuasive messages, and the ability to gather information. Students are encouraged to work in teams, problem-solve, and effectively present information to a variety of audiences. Graduates will understand practical applications of communication theories, research methods, and ethics.
The curriculum of this online Communication degree covers topics in:
- Leadership communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Social interaction
- Intercultural communication
- Public relations
Earn an online MBA in Applied Management with Eastern Illinois University. Students enrolled in this flexible degree program are in pursuit of leadership positions in a variety of business sectors including government, nonprofit sectors and global environments. Courses provide hands-on development of critical thinking, teamwork, writing and more.
This curriculum includes, along with foundational courses:
- Strategic management
- Accounting
- Operations and financial management
Analyze the ethics of contemporary, international business issues. Apply the skills learned at Eastern Illinois directly into practice. Develop your unique creative capacity to lead and manage, reaching your professional goals and beyond.
A concentration in Geographic Information Sciences is available through the Eastern Illinois University online MBA program. Students will hone skills in decision-making, information technology, and building databases and data models. The online format of this program allows for flexibility in scheduling, allowing working students to balance career and academics.
Enter a GIS field in:
- Management
- Logistics
- Insurance
- Telecommunications
This distinguishable curriculum is intensive, with courses including remote sensing, hands-on labs, case-studies, and management simulations. Faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, guiding students through their development into professionalism. Study organizational success, ethical and social responsibilities and more with EIU.
Eastern Illinois University offers a dual degree program, combining an online MBA with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity to the non-traditional student. This program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Students are expected to graduate with career opportunities as leaders and technical managers in cybersecurity.
This program has limited on-campus requirements with group projects and intensive labs. Students will hone a focused comprehension of security technology, organizational management, practices and principles. Faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, preparing students to enter the industry as:
- Consultants
- Network specialists
- System analysts
- Engineers
- Information officers and managers
A Master of Business Administration degree in Research is available online with Eastern Illinois University. This program is designed for students interested in pursuing a PhD, undertaking intensive research projects, or conducting research with faculty. Students will focus on business research primarily using quantitative methods.
Courses for this concentration include:
- Strategic management
- Accounting
- Research methods and proposal
- Research project
Faculty have the highest degrees of their station, and bring real-world industry experience to the classroom. Be trained in a broad and comprehensive format and develop your business skill set to meet professional and educational goals. Earn your MBA with Eastern Illinois University.
An online MBA in Applied Management is offered with a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Leadership through the Eastern Illinois University dual degree program. The purpose of this program is to compliment foundational business knowledge with an expertise in leadership and management of today’s healthcare industry. Develop advanced skills, techniques and tools in:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Operations
- Organizational behavior
- Communications
- Statistics
Graduates of EIU MBA programs generally find analyst, supervisory, or executive-level positions upon completion of school. Take on independent study, essentials of international health, nutrition, social psychology and much more to obtain the competitive edge you need to move forward in today’s complex marketplace.
Education
The online Graduate Certificate in Reading Instruction program is designed for educators with valid teaching certificates who have previously completed coursework in developmental reading methods. The program further develops professional knowledge and skills regarding teaching reading to students from PreK to Grade 12 and may be applied toward the requirements for the Reading Teacher Endorsement. Required courses include:
- Advanced Developmental Reading
- Diagnosis of Reading Problems
- Remediation of Reading Problems
- Remedial Reading Practicum
- Content Area Literacy Instruction
Certified art teachers can strengthen their skills with this Master of Arts in Art Education program. Participants will complete primarily online coursework, with the addition of an eight-day summer residency to practice studio skills in person.
Coursework combines technology with creativity to promote the most effective and relevant methods for teaching art in school settings. Designed for working teachers, this program is offered with a part-time schedule and can be completed in two years. The curriculum includes components of art teaching, art history, and studio courses.
Some of the topics you can expect to cover in this online art program include:
- Assessment and curriculum design in art education
- Art, culture, and community
- Contemporary perspective on artistic learning from preschool through adulthood
- Navigating the virtual museum
Working professionals can learn more about working in a college or university setting with a master’s in Higher Education and Community College. This online program allows you to continue your education while maintaining employment.
A cohort model offers community support from classmates. Coursework addresses standards set by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Students will additionally undertake supervised practicum experiences in various settings, resulting in graduates who are highly qualified and competent higher education leaders.
The online Master of Science in Education with a curriculum in Special Education program is designed to provide coursework to practicing special educators with faculty that have significant background experiences in Special Education, small class sizes, and a flexible program. The curriculum includes course activities, projects, and assessments of candidate performances that are designed to nurture and assess candidates’ skills to relate research to their own professional practices. The program prepares candidates to be educational resources for their special education peers, general educators, the district in which they are employed, and to families and individuals with exceptionalities; to be professional change agents; and professional educator role models.
The Master of Science in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction offers a variety of paths for teachers interested in enhancing their skills in specific areas. The Curriculum Leadership concentration focuses on curriculum development, technology integration, research, and professional learning communities.
The programming in this masters in curriculum and instruction encourages students to think critically and problem-solve to become effective teacher researchers and leaders. Participants will develop skills necessary for ethical collaboration and skilled communication with diverse audiences. Full-time teachers can complete the program on a part-time basis and graduate in two to three years.
The Master of Science in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction offers a variety of paths for teachers interested in enhancing their skills in specific areas. With an emphasis on ESL Instruction, licensed teachers with experience in reading and language arts will gain key skills for teaching English as a Second Language.
The programming in this masters in curriculum and instruction encourages students to think critically and problem-solve to become effective teacher researchers and leaders. Participants will develop skills necessary for ethical collaboration and skilled communication with diverse audiences. Full-time teachers can complete the program on a part-time basis and graduate in two to three years.
The Master of Science in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction offers a variety of paths for teachers interested in enhancing their skills in specific areas. The Reading concentration addresses the foundations of reading, assessments, diagnosing reading problems, and remedial reading instruction.
The graduate-level programming encourages students to think critically and problem-solve to become effective teacher researchers and leaders. Participants will develop skills necessary for ethical collaboration and skilled communication with diverse audiences. Full-time teachers can complete the program on a part-time basis and graduate in two to three years.
Healthcare
Eastern Illinois University offers the online MA in Aging Studies. This multi-disciplinary program provides students a supportive environment for professional growth in the field of gerontology. Students are presented with several research opportunities across varying topics of interest. Students have the ability to elect a thesis option as part of their program of study, as well as conducting research projects as part of independent study courses.
Sample of Program Requirements:
- Educational Response to Third Age Learning
- Societal Theories of Aging
- Communication and Aging
- Aging Policy in Action
- Health and Aging
Eastern Illinois University offers the online MS in Health Promotion. This degree is designed to prepare leaders in the field of health practice by providing competencies and skills needed to be productive professionals who serve the health promotion and leadership needs of diverse local, regional, national, and international populations. These competencies and skills include the ability to encourage collaborations across communities.
Sample of Program Requirements:
- Leadership and Ethics for Health Professionals
- Statistical Analysis for Health Professions
- Health Behavior: Theory and Application
- Epidemiology in Public Health
- Health Communication
- and more
Nursing
The online RN to BSN degree program from Eastern Illinois University enhances students' nursing practice, prepares them for leadership positions, and provides a foundation for entering graduate school. Graduates possess the knowledge and skills required to:
- Provide care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations
- Integrate general and liberal education into nursing knowledge to support clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, and evaluative nursing practice
- Become a collaborative member of the health care team and a manager, leader, and coordinator of care
- Be accountable and responsible for professional development and life-long learning
- Build an ethical value system for informed nursing practice
- Be prepared to serve clients in a variety of settings with diverse needs
- Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other members of the health care team
- Use knowledge and research to form an inquiry-based practice
Psychology & Human Services
Eastern Illinois University offers an online Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology to the nontraditional student. This typically two-year program is designed for students with some educational background in the field, including an associate’s degree. Courses are available entirely online, making this a flexible, as well as affordable, option for the working adult.
Along with topics in ethical behavior in the psychology field, students will tackle subject enhancing their communication, critical thinking, research and quantitative reasoning skills. Students may also take on an internship program, lending experience with hands-on, practical and applicable experiences, improving chances of entering a graduate program. With an online bachelor's degree in psychology, students are set up for growth and success in the human services field.