The Master of Education with Principal Certification (PK-12) curriculum includes the coursework in two areas: educational leadership (principal certification) and core master of education courses, total of 39 credits with 360 hours of field experiences. Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits. 

The coursework is online (MED 515/535, 540, 518, 520, 680, 610, 611, 685 & COR 520) and on campus (once a week evening class in MED 501, 550, 553, & 650). Tuition rate is $516 per graduate credit, aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions. Take advantage of a rolling admissions process and apply now!

CURRICULUM

Educational Leadership/Principal Certification Courses (27 credits)

MED 501, Standards-based Planning and Instruction (3 credits)

This course introduces standards-aligned curricular design and implementation across grade levels. Students unpack academic standards as defined by Pennsylvania’s Standards Aligned System to develop clear, measurable learning targets needed for daily and unit plans. Explicit, direct teaching methodology is emphasized and the use of instructional technology to support learning is introduced. Ten (10) hours of fieldwork in certification level settings are embedded in this course. 

MED 540, Assessment and Evaluation in Today's Schools (3 credits)

This course introduces the types and purposes of assessment utilized by teachers across grade levels (e.g. observation, checklists, scales, rubrics, standardized, teacher-made, and performance based authentic) within a standards-aligned system. 

MED 550, Introduction to Educational Administration (3 credits, 45 field hours)

This course will analyze various theories of leadership and their applicability to the educational environment. In addition, students will explore the responsibilities and challenges of leadership within today’s increasingly complex educational institution. Special emphasis is placed on examining the role of the administrator as an instructional leader within the organizational structure.

 MED 553, The School Administrator (3 credits, 45 field hours)

A technical course emphasizing the principal’s role in the organization and administration of the elementary, middle and secondary schools.

Special Education Course (3 credits)

MED 515, Differentiated Instruction in the Inclusive Classroom

This course focuses on content, methods, and materials specifically oriented to assisting students with diverse needs to achieve academically and socially in today’s inclusive schools.  Competencies in analyzing instructional events and collaboration as needed by school personnel are observed for five hours in inclusive settings which address the needs of students with disabilities in our schools.

OR

MED 535, Collaboration and Legal Issues for Special Education

This course will focus on understanding the legal statutes and regulations regarding students with disabilities and the resulting impact on the delivery of services and educational programs. Skills in development and delivery of the Individualized Education Plan, from age 3-21, including effective communication and collaboration, will be addressed. Discussion of professional dispositions and ethical behaviors of effective special educators will be reviewed. 

MED 610, School Law and Social Advocacy (3 credits)

This course examines the federal and state legislation and court rulings that govern urban education. A review of legal concepts and procedures provides essential knowledge about the rights and responsibilities of educators and the students they serve. The study of legislation and significant court rulings that have promoted equity, educational opportunity and social justice summarizes the contributions of advocates who have worked to transform urban education.

MED 611, School Finance (3 credits, 45 field hours) 

This course is designed to help the prospective administrator understand how schools function from a financial prospective. Students learn the essentials in school accounting, budgeting, financing, investing, financial regulations and requirements, and computer application. The principals’ role in effective budget performance is emphasized.

MED 650, Functions of School Supervision (3 credits, 45 field hours)

This course is designed to provide a framework to help future principals gain the necessary skills to apply the emerging concepts and principles of school supervision to the practical, everyday situations in which administrators, supervisors, coordinators and teachers are working. Interpersonal relationships that lead to the improvement of instruction, data collection for the purpose of analyzing classroom teaching, staff development, in-service program development, and staff selection are discussed. The influence of special needs learners, race, gender and other social issues is analyzed where appropriate for this course.

MED 685, Principal Internship I & II  (3 credits, 180 field hours)

This is a required seminar and supervised field experience for those individuals seeking principal’s certification. The student submits to an adviser a comprehensive proposal for a unit of work to be done under the supervision of a currently active building principal. The observation and supervision of teachers, along with other selected units of work from such areas as scheduling, budget preparation, staff development, curriculum, community relations, extracurricular activities, etc., comprise the list of acceptable projects for interns to complete. All proposals must be approved by the faculty advisor and sanctioned by the administration of the school where the field experience is to occur. In addition to the field experience, seminar meetings are conducted every other week for a period of two hours for all administrative interns for the duration of the semester.

Requirements for Field Experiences

At the beginning of each academic year, students are required to satisfy the requirements for educator field experiences. Please read about the requirements and submission process here. 

After completing the program and taking a certification test, students will be able to apply for the Principal PK-12 (Administrative I) Certificate. 

 

M.Ed. Courses (12 credits)

COR 520, Ethics and Moral Leadership (3 credits)

Learn about the importance of ethics and moral leadership in educating children. 

MED 518, Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

Learn about and practice the skills of quantitative research, including the emphasis on educational data interpretation.

MED 520, Educators as Researchers (3 credits)

This course has a pre-requisite, MED 518. Learn about educational research with emphasis on action research. 

MED 680, Research Seminar (3 credits; M.Ed. capstone)

This capstone course has a prerequisite, MED 520. Conduct a research project that is relevant to your teaching context and/or interest. 

Read about the program and view the M.Ed. core course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog. Read more about the program's admission requirements and application process.

Program Completion Requirements

  • Complete the 39-credit coursework including field experiences and internship
  • Earn GPA 3.0 or higher

For certification:

  • Satisfy the requirements set forth in 24 P.S. §12-1209 relating to good moral character
  • Earn passing score (151) on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990).
  • Provide verification of three years of professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process prior to applying for certification.