The MEDU is an online program that prepares students to assume leadership roles in contemporary school communities. In order to meet individual professional goals, students select a specialization area to build and apply practical expertise.
Students complete five, three-credit courses (15 credits) of core coursework followed by 15-18 credits in one of four specializations.
Business Education Specialization
This 30-credit program is structured to address the educational needs of several types of graduate students who enter and proceed through the program. The program’s integrated curriculum is designed to prepare educators to be more effective and innovative in the classroom, in the school systems, and in their own communities. This program is designed to teach in a hybrid and online format, allowing for flexibility for professionals seeking a masters degree.
This program is designed for individuals who seek to become K-12 certified in Business Education. The program requires a culminating event of student teaching for 14 weeks in a K-12 school system, completion of all PDE required tests, and successful completion of all classes with a 3.0 GPA.
Pre-requisites for entering this program: Include 6cr. Math classes, 6cr. English classes (current pre-requisite) at the undergraduate level. Additionally, 12 credit hours completed in undergraduate or graduate business-related curriculum in the following manner: 3 cr hours business math/finance/accounting/business statistics; 3 cr hours marketing/management; an additional 6 cr from curriculum covered by topics of: economics/ technology/ programming/information sciences.
Career and Technical Administration Specialization
This 33-credit program is structured to address the educational needs of several types of graduate students who enter and proceed through the program. The integrated curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to assume an administrative role at a career and technical center (CTC) where they are responsible for long-range planning, promoting community involvement, providing for sound business and financial management, and providing facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.
Completion of this program will provide individuals with both Pennsylvania certification as a career and technical administrator and the master’s credential. It is offered in a blended format with most of the instruction completed online and utilizing video conferencing, allowing for flexibility for professionals seeking a master’s degree.
The program includes 500 hours of authentic simulation and field or internship experiences which are embedded throughout the program. This requires students to work closely with a CTC administrator to complete the experiences or course assignments in a real-life setting. This approach allows students to gain valuable field experience every step of the way, all while learning the related theory.
This program is designed to be completed in two years. Completion of all PDE required tests and successful completion of all classes with a 3.0 GPA are also required.
Admission Criteria:
Meet the admissions requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Letter of support from career and technical administrator indicating willingness to assist candidate with field experiences.
Resume indicating a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in a Career and Technical Education School.
Instruction and Learning Specialization
The 30-credit M.Ed. in Education, Instruction and Learning, specialization is designed for K-12 teachers and other professionals who are seeking an advanced degree in education. Coursework will target human learning and development, the effective implementation of educational technologies, working with diverse populations of learners, assessment and assessment-informed instruction, and school law and negotiations.
This program is fully online and can be completed in an academic year (i.e., Fall, Spring, and Summer).
Special Education Specialization
The MEd program in Special Education is a 30-credit program that addresses the educational needs of three types of graduate students: (a) those who hold Pennsylvania Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped or Special Education certification; (b) those who hold another teaching certificate who wish to obtain Special Education Certification without earning the MEd degree; and (c) those who do not want to qualify for a teaching certificate, but who wish to earn an MEd degree and work professionally with persons with disabilities.
The program intends to prepare graduates who will: a) implement curricula to meet individual needs of students with disabilities; b) demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and initiative in meeting the changing needs of students with disabilities; c) use positive behavior management techniques; d) assess pupils strengths and limitations for instructional planning; e) practice diagnostic prescriptive instructional procedures; f) adapt special equipment for individuals; g) plan for and effective use paraprofessionals; h) engage in effective communication and collaborative partnerships; and i) apply professionalism and ethical practices.
All MEd candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive examination as the terminal experience in their course of studies. For candidates wanting special education certification, individual programs of study will be designed based on review of transcripts.
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