School Business Management

Choose from an M.S.Ed., a certificate or an expedited program resulting in the Chief School Business Official (CSBO) endorsement.

About the Program

Our online programs lead to the ISBE Chief School Business Official (CSBO) endorsement and are intended to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to serve as a school business manager. Our state-approved programs are offered in partnership with the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO), which means you’ll learn from nationally recognized faculty and instructors who are steeped in theory and practice. It is not necessary to have an educator license to apply.

Program Options

  • 39-credit hour master’s degree program.
  • 33-credit hour certificate-only program.
  • Expedited route for students with a master’s degree in business administration, finance or accountancy who are currently working in a business-related role within a school district and have at least one year of full-time experience in their current role. 

Program Mode of Delivery

More than 75 percent of instruction is offered by distance education. Each course in the program requires students to attend two face-to-face sessions at NIU Naperville.

Curriculum

You will take classes in topics relevant to your work, including management, administration, budgeting and bargaining. 

In addition to the coursework and internship, students are required to successfully pass the Chief School Business Official (224) content exam through the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) before qualifying for the endorsement. 

Students who do not already hold an Illinois professional educator license are required to complete some additional education modules embedded in the program in order to qualify for the CSBO endorsement.

Information about specific course requirements can be found in the NIU course catalog.

Applying to the Program

Contact dsnow1@niu.edu or 815-753-1465 to apply to any of the programs.

Application Deadlines

Applicants Residing in the U.S. Priority Consideration
Fall July 15 April 1
Spring December 10 October 1
Summer April 15 March 1

Faculty

  • Julie-Ann Fuchs, program co-coordinator
  • R.J. Gravel, program co-coordinator
  • Wayne Riesen, internship coordinator

Paying for the Program

This is a professional development program. Instead of paying tuition to NIU, you pay membership dues directly to Illinois ASBO that cover the cost of instruction. Neither NIU nor Illinois ASBO provides a 1098T. Please consult a tax professional. This program does not accept NIU tuition waivers/vouchers. Students in the certification-only program are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Why NIU Online?

We know you have responsibilities and commitments. It's just easier if you're able to take classes where you are without the commute. The good news is that with NIU, you're not alone. Your classmates and instructors are available via the same technology that helps deliver your classes. In our classrooms or in your living room, we want you to succeed academically because your future is our focus.

Program Types: Blended M.S.Ed., certificate, expedited
College: College of Education, Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations
Credits Required:  
M.S.Ed.: 39
Certificate: 33
Expedited: Varies
Cost: Illinois ASBO sets the rates for this program

Request More Information

Questions?

Contact lepf@niu.edu or 815-753-4404.

Apply

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