Graduate Course Requirements

Course offerings are subject to change but typical offerings are noted by the following:
F=fall semester
SP=spring semester
SSI=summer session 1 and
SSII=summer session 2.

Master's Degree in Education

Core Requirements:  9 credits

  • EDUC 502 – Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences - F,SP,SSI
  • EDUC 524 – Teachers and the Law - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 615 – Human Development: Birth through Adolescence - SP,SSII

Professional Requirements:  9 credits

  • EDUC 505 – Introduction to Research in Education - F,SP,SSI,SSII          (Prerequisite: EDUC  502)
  • EDUC 521 – Philosophical Issues in Education - SP  OR
  • EDUC 523 – Sociological Issues in Education - F
  • EDUC 601 – Psychology of Reading - SP,SSII

Professional Electives:  12 credits (4 classes) 
You may choose 4 electives in Education, Special Education, or ESL. See Graduate catalog for more information.

Culminating Experience:  6 credits

  • EDUC 610 – Contemporary Educational Theory – F,SP,SSII
    (Prerequisite: 24 – 30 credits)
  • EDUC 620 – Seminar in Curriculum Development - F,SP,SSI
    (Prerequisite: 24 – 30 credits)

Master of Education Degree with Pennsylvania Certification Level 1 in Early Elementary PK-4

Core Requirements:  18 credits

  • EDUC 503 – Psychology of Learning and Instruction - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 506 –  Curriculum & Instruction - F,SP,SSI
  • EDSP 571 –  Foundations of Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDSP 572 – Assessment in Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSI  
    (Prerequisite: EDSP 571)
  • EDSP 573 – Effective Instruction  in Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSII 
    (Prerequisite: EDSP 572)
  • EDUC 556 – Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners - F,SP,SSI
    (Prerequisite: EDUC 517)

Subject Matter Pedagogy Content:  12 credits

  • EDUC 504 – Computers and Technology  -  F,SP,SSI
  • EDUC 513 – Teaching Mathematics Methods - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 517 – Teaching Reading Methods - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 543 –  Teaching Science and Social Science Methods F,SP,SSI,SSII

Professional Studies: 1 credit

  • EDUC 545 – Field Practicum Experience -  F,SP

Culminating Experience:  6 credits

  • EDUC 520 – Supervised Field Experience - F,SP  OR
  • EDUC 610 – Contemporary Educational Theory - F,SP,SSII
  • EDUC 620 – Seminar in Curriculum Development - F,SP,SSI

Master of Education Degree with Pennsylvania Certification Level 1 in Middle Level 4-8

Core Requirements:  18 credits

  • EDUC 503 – Psychology of Learning and Instruction - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 506 –  Curriculum & Instruction - F,SP,SSI
  • EDSP 571 –  Foundations of Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDSP 572 – Assessment in Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSI 
    (Prerequisite: EDSP 571)
  • EDSP 573 – Effective Instruction  in Inclusive Education - F,SP,SII
    (Prerequisite: EDSP 572)
  • EDUC 556 – Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners - F,SP,SSI
    (Prerequisite: EDUC 517)

Methods Course in the Appropriate Discipline: 3 credits

  • EDUC 511 – Teaching Science and Health Methods
  • EDUC 513 – Teaching Mathematics Methods
  • EDUC 517 –  Teaching Reading Methods
  • EDUC 519 – Teaching Social Science Methods

Professional Studies: 10 credits

  • EDUC 504 – Computers and Technology  -  F,SP,SSI
  • EDUC 526 – Philosophy of Middle School Education - F,SP,SSI
  • EDUC 604 – Reading in the Content Areas - F,SP,SSII
  • EDUC 545 – Field Practicum Experience -  F,SP

Culminating Experience:  6 credits

  1. EDUC 520 – Supervised Field Experience - F,SP  OR
  2. EDUC 610 – Contemporary Educational Theory - F,SP,SSII
  3. EDUC 620 – Seminar in Curriculum Development - F,SP,SSI

Master of Education with PA Certification, Level I in Secondary Education

Core Requirements:  18 credits

  • EDUC 503 – Psychology of Learning and Instruction - F,SP,SSI
  • EDUC 531 –  Classroom Management - F,SP,SSI
  • EDSP 571 –  Foundations of Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDSP 572 – Assessment in Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSI 
    (Prerequisite: EDSP 571)
  • EDSP 573 – Effective Instruction  in Inclusive Education - F,SP,SSII 
    (Prerequisite: EDSP 572)
  • EDUC 556 – Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners - F,SP,SSI

Secondary Concentration: 7 credits

  • EDUS 515 – Instruction and Technology in Secondary Education - F
  • EDUS 516 – Instruction and Technology in the Content Areas - SP
  • EDUC 545 – Field Practicum Experience/Seminar - F,SP

Culminating Experience for Certification

  • EDUS 520 – Supervised Field Experience - F,SP

Culminating Experience for Master's Degree:  6 credits

  • EDUC 505 – Research and Evaluation in Education – F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 620 – Seminar in Curriculum Development – F,SP,SSI

Master of Education with Certification in Special Education PK–8 or Secondary 7–12

Degree requirements for the MEd with Certification in Special Education is 37 credits. Enrollment in this program requires prior PA certification.

Core Requirements:  9 credits

  • EDUC 505 – Research and Evaluation in Education – F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 524 – Teachers and the Law – F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 527 – Process and Pedagogy of Communication – F,SSI

Professional/Certification Requirements:  22 credits**

  • EDSP 574 – Systems in Special Education
  • EDSP 575 – Including Students with Significant Support Needs
  • EDSP 576 – Assessment in SE: Theory and Practice
  • EDSP 577 – Instructional Design in Special Education
  • EDSP 578 – Positive Management Strategies in Special Education
  • EDSP 579 – Enhancing Communication and Literacy through Technology
  • EDSP 580 – Collaboration Skills: Family, Co –Teaching, Consultation
  • EDSP 566 – Advanced Practicum in Special Education  (1 credit)

**AADL (Adaptations and Accommodations for Diverse Learners: 3+1) competency equivalencies (EDSP 571, 572, 573, and EDUC 556 or equivalent) are prerequisite for professional requirements.

Professional Electives:  3 credits
You may choose an elective in Education, Special Education, or ESL (prerequisites may apply).  See Graduate catalog for more information.

Culminating Experience:  3 credits

  • EDSP 565 – Special Education Seminar : Research and Issues –  F,SP

Master of Education in Special Education (Advanced Practice)

The degree requirements for the MEd in Special Education are 36 credits, which include the core requirements, professional requirements, electives, and the culminating experience. This program is open to students with prior PA MPH or CBP/HD certification.

Core Requirements: 9 credits

  • EDUC 505 – Research and Evaluation in Education – F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 524 – Teachers and the Law – F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 527 – The Process and Pedagogy of Communication – F,SSI

Professional Requirements: 15 credits

  • EDSP 577 – Instructional Design in Special Education
  • EDSP 580 – Collaboration Skills: Family, Co-teaching,  Consultation
  • EDSP 610 – Instructional Management Strategies ASD Learner – F,SP
  • EDSP 611 – Positive Behavioral Supports – F
  • EDSP 613 – Transition from School to Adult Life – SP

Professional Electives: 9 credits
You may choose electives in Education, Special Education, or ESL. See Graduate catalog for more information.

Culminating Experience

  • EDSP 565 – Special Education Seminar: Research and Issues – F,SP

Autism Endorsement Program

Note: Candidates for an Autism Endorsement must hold a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Certificate to be eligible for this endorsement program.

Professional Endorsement Requirements:  12 credits

  • EDSP 610: Instructional and Management Strategies for the Learner with Autism Spectrum Disorder F,Sp
  • EDSP 612: Evidence Based Practices for the Learner with Exceptionalities F, SSII
    (Prerequisite: EDSP-610)
  • EDSP 614: Communication Interventions for the Learner with Autism and Other Communication Disabilities F, Sp
  • EDSP 616: Special Topics in Autism Spectrum Disorder F, Sp

In addition to the 12 credits of coursework, the candidate is required to complete a minimum of 80 hours field experience that involves educational programming for students with Autism Spectrum disorder. Field experiences will be integrated into course content (PDE Autism Endorsement Guidelines, 2010).

Master of Education with Reading Specialist Certification or Reading Specialist Certification (No Degree)

Core Requirements

  • EDUC 527 – The Process and Pedagogy of Communication
    (This course may be taken either first or second in the reading program) - F, SSI
  • EDUC 601 – Psychology of Reading Communication
    (This course may be taken either first or second in the reading program) - SP, SSII
  • EDUC 603 – Diagnosis of Reading Difficulties (Prerequisite: EDUC 601) - F
  • EDUC 605 – Remediation of Reading Difficulties (Prerequisite: EDUC 603) - SP
  • EDUC 606 – Structure of School Reading Programs (Prerequisite: EDUC 605) - F, SSI

Professional Electives: 12 credits (4 electives required for M.Ed.; 1 elective required for certification/no degree)
PA Department of Education requires all certification candidates to have completed 9 credits in special education and 3 credits of ESL course work. Those candidates who do not show completion of these requirements must take the following courses as their electives: EDSP 571, EDSP 572, EDSP 573, and EDUC 556.

If the special education and ESL requirements have been met, you may choose 4 electives in Education.  See Graduate catalog for more information.

Culminating Experience:  9 credits

  • EDUC 607 – Seminar In Reading Research (Prerequisite: EDUC 605) SP,SSIII
  • EDUC 609 – Supervised Field Experience in Reading (6 credits) F,SP
    (Prerequisite: EDUC 527, 601, 603, and 605)

Reading Supervisor (PA) Certification

Core Requirements:  12 credits

  • EDUC 524 – Teachers and the Law - F,SP,SSI,SSII 
  • EDUC 601*** – Psychology of Reading Communication   SP,SSII
  • EDUC 606 *** – Structure of School Reading Programs*** F,SSI
  • EDUC 607 ***– Seminar In Reading Research***

Professional Requirements:  12 credits

  • EDUC 580* – Theories in Educational Leadership  - F, SP  
  • EDUC 620 – Seminar in Curriculum Development - F, SP, SSI   
  • EDUC 582 – Supervision and Performance Evaluation -  SP  
  • COUN 553 – Facilitating Parent Education Groups

Culminating Experience: 9 credits

  • EDUC 586 – Practicum in Supervision
  • EDUC 589** – Seminar in Educational Leadership

*Must be taken as the first course in the sequence. 
**Must be taken as the last course in the sequence.

***EDUC 601, EDUC 606, and EDUC 607 or their equivalent will be given credit upon verification of an official transcript from the college/university at which the Master’s in Reading was obtained. If no verification is possible, individuals will be expected to complete these courses as part of their Reading Supervision Certification Program.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification or Principal Certification (No Degree)

Core Requirements:  9 credits

  • EDUC 504 – Computers and Technology  -  F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDUC 505 – Research and Evaluation in Education - F,SP,SSI,SSII
  • EDSP 571 – Foundations of Inclusive Education - F, SP, SSI, SSII

Professional Requirements: 18 credits

  • EDUC 578 – Legal, Social Political Issues -  F +
  • EDUC 580* – Theories in Educational Leadership - F, SP +
  • EDUC 582 – Supervision and Performance Evaluation -  SP +
  • EDUC 583 – The Principalship - F +
  • EDUC 588 – School Finance - SP +
  • EDUC 620 – Seminar in Curriculum Development - F, SP, SSI +

Culminating Experience: 5 credits

  • EDUC 584 – 585 - Practicum in Educational Leadership (2) - F, SP +
  • EDUC 589** – Seminar in Educational Leadership (3) - SP, F +

*Must be taken as the first course in the sequence. 
**Must be taken as the last course in the sequence.
+Requirements for Principal Certification (No Degree)

Master of Education in TESOL and Literacy

Core Requirements:  6 credits

  • EDUC 539* – Linguistics for Language Teachers #  - F
  • EDUC 601 –  Psychology of Reading  - SP,SSII

Professional Requirements 18 credits

  • EDUC 534 – Literature in the Second Language Classroom  – SSII
  • EDUC 546** – Second Language Acquisition # - SP
  • EDUC 547** – Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners #  -F
  • EDUC 548* – Assessment and Program Design for ESL Students  # - SSI
  • EDUC 516** Teaching Reading and Writing to ESL Students  # - SP
  • EDUC 629** Second Language Vocabulary: Teaching, Learning, and Using  # - SP

*Includes 4 hours of embedded field experience
** Includes 16 hours of embedded field experience.
# Required for ESL Program Specialist

Professional Electives: 9 credits

PA Department of Education requires all certification candidates to have completed 9 credits in special education. Those candidates who do not show completion of these requirements must take the following courses as their electives: EDSP 571, EDSP 572, EDSP 573.

 If the special education requirements have been met, you may choose 3 electives in Education.  See Graduate catalog for more information.

Culminating Experience: 3 credits

  • EDUC 631 Classroom Research in Second Language Literacy  - F

For the ESL Program Specialist Certificate candidates must hold a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Certificate.

English as a Second Language (ESL) - Pennsylvania Program Specialist Certificate for Teachers

Course Option

  • EDUC 539* – Linguistics for Language Teachers  - F
  • EDUC 546** Second Language Acquisition - SP
  • EDUC 547** Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners  - F
  • EDUC 548** Assessment and Program Design for ESL Students – SP
  • EDUC 516** Teaching Reading and Writing to ESL Students  - F, SSII
  • EDUC 629** Second Language Vocabulary: Teaching, Learning, and Using  - SP

*Includes 4 hours of embedded field experience,
** Includes 16 hours of embedded field experience.

PA Department of Education requires all certification candidates to have completed 9 credits in special education. Those candidates who do not show completion of these requirements must take the following courses: EDSP 571, EDSP 572, EDSP 573.


Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Professional Studies