Professional and Secondary Education M.Ed.

Purpose of Degree

This master’s degree is designed for professional and secondary (junior, middle, senior high) school teachers who wish to further develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for growth in teaching effectiveness, for teachers wishing to seek National Board Certification, and for teachers seeking Pennsylvania K-12 principal certification, or New Jersey principal or supervisory certificates.

National Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Special Resources of the Department

The Department of Professional and Secondary Education is composed of faculty members who have had a wide range of experiences that enrich the program. Faculty members have served as elementary and secondary schoolteachers, supervisors, elementary and secondary school principals and superintendents of schools.

Program of Study

All graduate students pursuing a Master of Education degree in Professional and Secondary Education are required to take 36 credits - 21 credits from core requirements and 15 credits from one of three tracks:

• Track 1: Professional Education
• Track 2: Educational Leadership (successful completion prepares candidates for Principal Certification)
• Track 3: Advanced Pedagogy (successful completion prepares candidates for National Board Certification)

Note: It is also possible to arrange for the transfer of six graduate credits from an accredited institution with pre-approval from the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Plan of Study

Core Requirements - 21 credits

Track 1: Professional Education (15 credits)

Fifteen credits in one or several areas as approved by PSED adviser.

The areas of concentration include any academic area, administration, affective education, curriculum, middle school, reading, health, special education, technology, and other areas by arrangement. Teachers interested in securing a master's degree and/or certification as a teacher will find this program especially attractive.

The 15 credits are PSED courses or courses in a related area. The candidate and adviser collaboratively plan  the course of study to attain the 15 credits.

Track 2: Educational Leadership (15 credits)

Track 3: Advanced Pedagogy (15 credits)

Note: Candidates must earn certification before awarding of Master's Degree.