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, 501, 540, 518, 520, 680, 610, 611, 685 & COR 520) and on campus (once a week evening class in 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 of Student Learning in PK-12 Education (3 credits)


This course surveys the foundations of assessment in PK-12 education. The course prepares students to navigate logistical, ethical, and educational considerations to ensure assessments are equitable, valid, and effectively measure learning outcomes. Students will develop an understanding of the principles of assessment and skills in creating, implementing, and analyzing assessments. They will practice designing various assessment tools that align with learning goals and state-required assessments and learn how to use assessment results to inform instructional decisions and tailor teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of their learners.

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 (3 credits)

This course surveys the legal aspects of PK-12 education and highlights how law, policy, and practice intersect to define the rights and responsibilities of students, educators, administrators, and other stakeholders. Through critical analysis of key statutes, landmark court cases, regulatory frameworks, and administrative regulations, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the legal complexities inherent in educational practice and policy. Emphasis will be placed on strategies to navigate diverse legal challenges ethically and effectively.

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

This course introduces students to the financial management of PK-12 schools. Students will gain an understanding of how policies and regulations govern school finance, budgeting, financial reporting, purchasing, and resource allocation through case studies, analysis of district reports and policies, and field activities. 45 integrated field hours.

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, Research Instruments (3 credits)

This course immerses students in the experiential learning of research instruments commonly used in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. The psychometric properties of a research instrument and the instrument design process are emphasized. In collaboration, students will design, pilot test, and refine various instruments, including interviews, observation protocols, surveys, pre-/post-tests, and dataset analysis. As the culminating experience, students will design a research instrument for studying a real-world problem. This course is required for students in M.Ed. programs and is open to students in other graduate programs.

MED 520, Educators as Researchers (3 credits)

This course surveys the foundations of educational research. Students will develop an understanding of the nature of educational research, process, and ethical issues in conducting research in educational organizations. They will develop the knowledge and skills essential for critically evaluating and designing educational research studies.

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

The course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research in the field of education. Students will learn about action research, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research methods. They will design an educational research study and write a research proposal. Pre-requisite: MED 520.


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
  • Provide verification of three years of professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process prior to applying for certification.