Graduate Programs
Masters in Education| Educational Leadership Emphasis
with Principal Certification

Program Highlights In Brief
Alvernia is a Catholic, Franciscan college dedicated to the ideals of service in the helping professions. Our rich heritage of service is rooted in our strong faith which resonates in contemporary ways in campus life and our academic programs. Alvernia’s graduate programs are designed for the focused working professional who places equal value on intellectual achievement and professional growth. Our faculty and staff are committed to teaching, guiding, and supporting our students in all aspects of their experience at Alvernia, from course selection and scheduling, to connecting with peers and colleagues.

The Master in Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification program is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current administrative practices. The program focuses on a values-centered approach toward the preparation of caring, uniquely-qualified candidates to address the needs of diverse populations in today’s schools.

Academic Quality
Students are admitted to the College and are fully accepted when the following criteria have been met:
     • Successful completion of Bachelor’s Degree
     • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
     • Completion of graduate entrance application with supporting documentation
     • Completion of Principal evaluation form (form provided by Alvernia College)
     • Completion of Superintendent evaluation form (form provided by Alvernia College)

Career Success
At Alvernia we measure our success by our graduates’ personal and professional satisfaction, and by the ways they contribute to the greater good in all areas of society. Our graduates are employed in schools in Berks County, and in many schools throughout the middle Atlantic region. No matter what your aspirations and dreams, we’ll give you the tools and support to help you thrive.

Career Opportunities
Assistant Principal
Assistant Superintendent
Dean
Department Chair
Education and Training Administrator
Principal
School Business Officials
School Directors

Curriculum Overview
Principal’s Certification with M.Ed. (39 credits)

Required Interdisciplinary Courses:
COR 510 Moral Leadership
COR 600 Organizational and Professional Ethics (taken within the final 12 credits)

Required Courses:
MED 500 Curriculum Innovations
MED 510 Assessment and Evaluation
MED 550 Introduction to Educational Administration
MED 553 The School Administrator
MED 610 School Law & Social Advocacy
MED 611 School Finance
MED 650 Functions of School Supervision
MED 685 Principal’s Internship

Required Education and Capstone Courses:
MED 518 Quantitative Research Methods
MED 520 Educators as Researchers (Prerequisite MED 518)
MED 680 Research Seminar (Prerequisite MED 520)

Principal candidates, who are pursuing their certification, are expected to earn 360 hours of field work. The process is outlined below:
• MED 550 Introduction to Educational Administration (45 hours)
• MED 553 The School Administrator (45 hours)
• MED 611 School Finance (45 hours)
• MED 650 Functions of School Supervision (45 hours)
• MED 685 Principal’s Internship (180 hours)
  TOTAL HOURS: 360 hours