Master of Science in Education with Certification in Elementary Education
 Purpose and Philosophy
Admission Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Program of Study/Course Information
Mission Statement
Contact Information
Purpose and Philosophy:
The Master Teacher Program takes as its goal the comprehensive development of the professional educator as a master teacher. The course of study provides educators with opportunities to develop theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that enhance the effectiveness of the teaching/learning process.
Students in the Master Teacher Program examine and critique the economic, political, cultural, and social influences that impact education in the United States. Master Teacher students study educational research and develop their own research interests and agenda.
Through the Master Teacher Program, participants can develop the expert skills of the practitioner and the intellectual curiosity of a life-long learner.
Admission Requirements:
The following information is required for admission:
1. Completed application
2. Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended
3. Two Reference Reports
4. Typed (1 page) personal statement of academic goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to be a teacher to enter the Master of Science in Education Program?
A. No, a bachelor's degree is all that is required. You can obtain teaching certification while working on your master's degree.
Q. Are there any prerequisites to entering the program?
A. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that persons seeking certification have six credits of college mathematics and six credits of English (one literature and one composition course).
Q. How many credits do I need to take for certification?
A. Thirty-nine credits are required which include 6 credits of student teaching. Twenty-seven of these credits are towards the master's degree.
Q. What is the cost per credit for this program?
A. Tuition Information
Q. Will I be able to transfer graduate credits from another college?
A. Gwynedd-Mercy College will accept six graduate credits from courses related to the program.
Q. Are course offered during the evening?
A. Yes, most are offered in the evening. A few are also offered during the day. Click Here for a schedule of course selections.
Q. When are courses offered?
A. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening. A few are also offered on Saturday morning as a hybrid course, which meets 4-6 times in class and other coursework through the Internet.
Click Here for a schedule of course selections.
Q. What tests in teaching are required?
A. The Master Teacher Program is designed to enable students who do not hold an undergraduate degree in education to work towards teaching certification and a master's degree simultaneously. If you do not currently hold a valid Instructional I or Instructional II Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, you are required to take and pass the PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Test) Praxis series. There are three tests that comprise the PPST: Reading, Math, and Writing. You should complete these three tests during your first year of graduate study.
In addition, you are required to take the Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (Session/Test Code 30511) and Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (Session/Test Code 10011). These tests must be completed prior to Student Teaching.
Consult the Praxis bulleting, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, or the PA Department of Education website for specific details.
Q. What tests in teaching are required?
A. The Pennsylvania Department of Education also requires you to take a test in your certification area; additional Praxis tests may be required as well. Consult the Praxis bulleting, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, or the PA Department of Education website for specific details.
Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Yes, financial aid is available in the form of a Stafford Loan. You can call 215-641-5570 for more information.
Q. How many credits may I take before being matriculated?
A. You may take up to six credits (two courses) before matriculation.
Program of Study
Elementary Education Certification Requirements:
EDU 502 The Learning and Teaching Process
EDU 503 Social and Political Foundations of Education
EDU 504 Human Development
EDU 506 Elementary Methods, Materials and Curriculum I
EDU 507 Elementary Methods, Materials and Curriculum II
EDU 580 Multicultural & Diversity Issues in Education
EDU 581 Students with Special Needs
EDU 209 Fundamental of Teaching Reading
EDU 212 Math in Preschool & Elementary Grades
EDU 214 Reading Assessment
EDU 300 Pre-Student Teaching
EDU 565 Graduate Student Teaching and Professional Seminar
Required to Complete Master of Science in Education Degree
EDU 582 Effective Communication for Teachers as Leaders
EDU 583 Action Research Seminar
EDU 500 Statistics, Research and Assessment for the Reflective Practitioner
EDU 603 Action Research Thesis
One Elective (3 credits)
To be selected from the following:
EDU 505 Foundations of Counseling
EDU 533 Issues in Substance Abuse
Mission Statement
Gwynedd-Mercy College is a Catholic College founded by the Sisters of Mercy. Our mission is to create a learning community rooted in Gospel values and rich in liberal arts. In an atmosphere of inquiry and dialogue, the college seeks to combine education for professional competency with the Mercy tradition of service to society.
Contact Information:
Gwynedd-Mercy College
1325 Sumneytown Pike
PO Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
Graduate Office: 215-646-7300, ext. 175 or ext. 451
Program Director: Suzanne Gallagher, RSM, PhD
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