Online Accelerated Teacher Certification Program (MSEd)
The Foundation of Your Teaching Career
Prepare to help students achieve with Gwynedd Mercy University’s online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program. This unique online accelerated program offers you a flexible, supportive learning environment where you can earn a master’s degree in education and prepare for your Pennsylvania Instructional I Certification at the same time. You can prepare for the following certification levels:
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PreK–4 Education Certification
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Secondary Education Certification (Biology, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies)
See Program Details
The GMercyU Difference
Our program, which is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical instructional skills for elementary and secondary classrooms. In addition, you’ll explore and analyze social, political, and economic issues that influence the course of public education in the United States.
*Certification: This program was designed to meet the certification requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you reside in a different state, you should carefully review your home state’s certification requirements prior to enrolling in this program.
GMercyU's online MSEd program equips you with a foundation that prepares you for your initial teaching role while also empowering you to pursue ongoing professional development. You will emerge from this program ready to help diverse learners reach their potential.
As a GMercyU graduate, you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical and practical knowledge in support of your professional practice
- Utilize educational research and develop your own research interests and agenda
- Examine and critique the economic, political, cultural, historical, and social influences that impact education in the United States
- Apply policies, statutes, and rules established by state and local agencies relating to judicious application of disciplinary methods and behavioral procedures
- Identify and use instructional methods and curricula that are appropriate and effective in meeting the needs of individual learners
At GMercyU, we select faculty members who have records of distinction. In addition to demonstrated expertise in teaching, our professors bring direct K-12 classroom experience and advanced research backgrounds to your classroom. Their insights and mentorship will help you effectively communicate your passion for learning to the young people you teach.
Upon graduation, you and your classmates will join our extensive network of alumni. The colleagues, contacts, and friends you find in this leadership community will inspire you.
When preparing to enter the teaching profession with our online MSEd program, you will take 30-36 credits, depending upon the certification. The first courses you take fulfill the requirements for obtaining your teacher certification in the area of your choice. After successfully passing these courses and any required certification exams, you take the remaining courses needed to complete your master’s degree. Courses run one at a time, in seven-week sessions.
Master of Science in Education - PreK-4 Certification (27 credits)
| EDU 502 | The Learning and Teaching Process |
| EDU 503 | Social and Political Foundations of Education |
| EDU 506 | Standards-Aligned Systems, Methods, Materials and Curriculum I |
| EDU 507 | Standards-Aligned Systems, Methods, Materials and Curriculum II |
| EDU 511 | Methods and Theories for Teaching Mathematics |
| EDU 512 | Methods for Teaching Reading and Assessment |
| EDU 565 | Student Teaching & Professional Seminar |
| EDU 580 | Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Education |
| EDU 581 | Foundations of Special Education in an Inclusionary Setting |
Master of Science in Education - with Secondary Education Certification in Biology, English, Mathematics or Social Studies (21 credits)
| EDU 502 | The Learning and Teaching Process |
| EDU 503 | Social and Political Foundations of Education |
| EDU 508 | Secondary School Methods and Materials |
| EDU 565 | Student Teaching & Professional Seminar |
| EDU 580 | Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Education |
| EDU 581 | Foundations of Special Education in an Inclusionary Setting |
| EDU 591 | Curriculum Development and Peer Coaching |
Master's Degree Completion (9 credits)
| EDU 510 | Research Skills for the Reflective Practitioner |
| EDU 582 | Effective Communication for Educators |
| EDU 603 | Culminating Project |
To review course descriptions, please refer to the graduate catalog.
To qualify for admission to our MSEd program for new teachers, you must provide:
- Proof you have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.* You must submit official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Proof of sufficient subject-area coursework for the following certification options:
- Grades 4-8 Math: 30 credits undergraduate math
- Grades 4-8 Science: 30 credits undergraduate science
- Grades 4-8 Math and Science: 42 credits combined math and science (21 each)
- Secondary Biology: 62 undergraduate credits
- Secondary Math: 41 undergraduate credits
- Secondary Social Studies: 42 undergraduate credits
- A completed application form with fee
- A current professional resume
- Two completed supervisory reference forms
- A minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your native language
*If your GPA was lower than 3.0, we encourage you to apply for evaluation on a case by case basis. Personal interviews may be required for any candidates as determined by the admissions committee.
GMercyU’s Master of Science in Education teaches the skills you need to advance your practice as a PreK-12 teacher. We’ve designed the program specifically for those who are already teaching in Pennsylvania on an Instructional I Certification. If you teach in another state, you should confirm with your department of education that our program meets its requirements. Find more information here.
Learn more about how you can become a teacher with our innovative online master’s degree program.
Call 844-707-9064 or email accelerate@gmercyu.edu to contact an admissions counselor. You also can also request more information today!