Good teachers change lives. It's that simple. Alvernia University's Master of Education programs hold the highest standards of academic excellence as they prepare caring, highly qualified candidates who are uniquely positioned to address various needs of the diverse populations in today's schools.
The Education Department, rooted in a proud Franciscan heritage, is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current classroom practices. Our education programs focus on a values-centered approach toward the preparation of caring, highly qualified candidates uniquely prepared to address the needs of the diverse populations in today’s schools.
Alvernia's Master of Education features multiple degree tracks, each approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education:
- M.Ed. in Teaching English as a Second Language
The Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language (M.Ed. in TESOL) is a 34-credit program designed to prepare students and professionals to teach English as a Second Language in a wide range of educational contexts, both in the U.S. and abroad.
The program has two tracks:- With Pennsylvania’s ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) certification. The certification track is for teachers who hold a PA instructional I or II or valid out-of-state ESL certificate and wish to obtain an ESL Program Specialist certification in PA.
- Without PA certification. This track is for the individuals who seek teaching ESL in higher education institutions, non public educational agencies, and abroad.
Guided by the Alvernia University’s principles of rigor, care and inclusiveness, we strive to prepare educators who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively and ethically teach English learning students. We aim to develop reflective practitioners committed to ongoing professional development who serve as agents of change in their educational contexts in order to empower diverse families and communities.
Estimated Program Length 2 years Credit Hours 34 Course Length 7 weeks Transfer Credits Accepted Up to 6 Cost per Credit $516*
*Tuition deferment available. Ask for details!- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is designed to enhance the scholarly and professional development of classroom teachers who aspire to gain an administrative position. The program has the Principal Certification track.
In keeping with Alvernia's Christian commitment toward the harmonious development of the whole person, The Principals' Certification Program aims to develop self-directed and competent building administrators who are capable of and accountable for decision-making in all phases of their professional responsibilities.
The program provides professional educators with a broad-based knowledge of leadership in the field of education, whether for an administrative position or for a classroom teacher serving in a leadership capacity, such as a department chair, committee head, or community leader. The curriculum includes both historical and current knowledge of legislation, laws and research findings, existing and emerging theory, and methods of assessment. Students learn to encourage respect and social responsibility through the mastery of theory, fundamental techniques, and research-based best practices.
Estimated Program Length 2 years Credit Hours 33 Course Length 7 weeks Transfer Credits Accepted Up to 6 Cost per Credit $516*
*Tuition deferment available. Ask for details!- M.Ed. with Principal Certification
The Master of Education with Principal (PK-12) Certification Program is designed to enhance the scholarly and professional development of classroom teachers who aspire to gain an administrative position. The program prepares future educational leaders to interact successfully with students, teachers, parents, school board members, and the community at large. The program prepares educators to meet the Pennsylvania Principal (PK-12) Certification requirements. Students graduate with a Master of Education degree and Principal Certification which gives a strong impetus to their career development.
In keeping with Alvernia's Christian commitment toward the harmonious development of the whole person, the Principals' Certification Program aims to develop self-directed and competent building administrators who are capable of and accountable for decision-making in all phases of their professional responsibilities.
The program provides professional educators with a broad-based knowledge of leadership in the field of education, whether for an administrative position or for a classroom teacher serving in a leadership capacity, such as a department chair, committee head, or community leader. The curriculum includes both historical and current knowledge of legislation, laws and research findings, existing and emerging theory, and methods of assessment. Students learn to encourage respect and social responsibility through the mastery of theory, fundamental techniques, and research-based best practices.
Estimated Program Length 2 years Credit Hours 39 Course Length 7 weeks Transfer Credits Accepted Up to 6 Cost per Credit $516*
*Tuition deferment available. Ask for details!- M.Ed. in Special Education
Make your teaching position matter by educating special needs students using theory, fundamental techniques, and research-based practices.
The Master of Education in Special Education prepares educators who hold another teaching certification to be successful in a variety of inclusive special education classroom settings.
The Alvernia University Education Department, rooted in a proud Franciscan heritage, is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current best practices. The Special Education Program focuses on the high leverage practices of interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity within a legally and ethically responsible environment, designed to foster growth in all children and adolescents with identified learning needs in our schools today.
The curriculum complies with the Pennsylvania and national standards. The coursework that focuses on young students with special needs such as learning disabilities, social/emotional disorders, and autism in combined with the coursework in technology, literacy and teaching strategies and methods for the instruction of students.
Estimated Program Length 2 years Credit Hours 33 Course Length 7 weeks Transfer Credits Accepted Up to 6 Cost per Credit $516*
*Tuition deferment available. Ask for details!- M.Ed. with Special Education Certification
The Master of Education with Special Education Certification (Grades PK-12) Program prepares educators for a master's degree with Pennsylvania certification in special education. This program is for educators who hold another teaching certification and would like to be successful in a variety of inclusive special education classroom settings.
The Alvernia University Education Department, rooted in a proud Franciscan heritage, is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current best practices. The Special Education Program focuses on the high leverage practices of interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity within a legally and ethically responsible environment, designed to foster growth in all children and adolescents with identified learning needs in our schools today.
The curriculum complies with the Pennsylvania and national standards. In addition to coursework that focuses on young students with special needs such as learning disabilities, social/emotional disorders, and autism, the certification program includes coursework in technology, literacy and teaching strategies and methods for the instruction of students. Read more about this online program.
To enhance their understanding of working with children with various abilities and disabilities, students are required to complete classroom field experiences, pre-student teaching, and six weeks of student teaching.
Estimated Program Length 2 years Credit Hours 45 Course Length 7 weeks Transfer Credits Accepted Up to 6 Cost per Credit $516*
*Tuition deferment available. Ask for details!
The following Pennsylvania teaching certifications can be added to a Master of Education degree:
- Special Education (PK-12) Certification (online)
- ESL Program Specialist (PK-12) Certification (online & once a week evening course on campus)
- Principal (PK-12) Certification (online & once a week evening course on campus)
- Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility (online & once a week evening course on campus). This program may be added to the Ph.D. in Leadership Program.
The following graduate certificate can be added to a Master of Education program:
