Earn your Master of Education Initial Certification degree at Holy Family University

Master of Education, M.Ed.

Specifically designed as a practitioner’s degree, for students who wish to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to work in a professional field.

Program Overview

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the cognitive, emotional, physical and social development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, and children in the primary grades
  • Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for all children
  • Analyze the classroom environment to determine how it can be adapted to meet the needs of all children
  • Develop and implement appropriate formative and summative assessment strategies

Program Details

The goal of the M.Ed. program is to develop professional educators who are:

  • Lifelong learners
  • Respectful of all individuals
  • Knowledgeable about current legal, social and political issues
  • Effective communicators
  • Skilled in understanding, interpreting and applying research findings

In addition, graduates of the program will be able to demonstrate commitment to professional responsibilities by exhibiting:

  • Ethical and professional behavior
  • Respect for all individuals
  • Emotional maturity
  • Good judgment
  • Dependability

Career Paths

As a professional degree, the M.Ed. is intended for students who wish, upon graduation, to assume positions of leadership in a practical setting or positions requiring more advanced study than that available at the bachelor’s level (e.g., as an instructional technologist or as a district resource teacher). 


Internships & Employment

School districts working with our students and employing our graduates include:

  • Archdiocese of Philadelphia
  • Bensalem
  • Bristol Borough
  • Bristol Township
  • Centennial
  • Central Bucks
  • Cinnaminson
  • Council Rock
  • Mount Laurel
  • Neshaminy
  • New Hope-Solebury
  • Pennsauken
  • Pennsbury
  • Philadelphia

 

Program Information

Degree Awarded
  • Master of Education
Program Location
  • Blended
  • Online

Request Information

Masters in Education FAQs

Yes. The Philadelphia area offers Master’s in Education programs designed for working professionals, including flexible evening, hybrid, and online options. These formats allow students to continue working while building advanced teaching and leadership skills that can be applied directly in local school settings.

The Master of Education program at Holy Family University is a practitioner focused degree that emphasizes real world application. Students build skills in instruction, communication, assessment, and leadership while learning from experienced faculty. The program is designed to support career advancement within schools and educational organizations across the Philadelphia region.

Yes. Many Master’s in Education programs in Pennsylvania include tracks that align with state certification requirements. At Holy Family University, select M.Ed. pathways are designed to help students meet Pennsylvania teacher certification standards, preparing them for roles in Pre K through 12 education.

A Master of Education is a graduate degree that helps educators and professionals build advanced knowledge in teaching, leadership, and specialized areas of education. The degree focuses on practical skills, research based strategies, and improving student outcomes in classroom and organizational settings.

A Master’s in Education can lead to roles such as classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or school leader. It can also support career growth into administrative or specialized positions within school systems and educational organizations.

The Philadelphia region offers strong demand for qualified educators across public, private, and charter schools. Earning a degree locally allows students to build professional connections, gain relevant experience, and apply their learning within regional school systems.

Janet McNellis headshot

"With the University’s Core Values at the forefront, the M.Ed. program develops educators who are knowledgeable and effective communicators, skilled researchers, and lifelong learners dedicated to fairness." 

Janet McNellis 
Professor of Education | School of Education

Questions? Contact the Graduate and Adult Admissions Office

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