School of Education
Master of Science in Education with Certification in Secondary 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 or universities attended, sent directly to Gwynedd-Mercy College Graduate Education
3. Two Reference Reports
4. Personal statement discussing professional and academic goals (approximately one typed page, double spaced)
5. $25 application fee (fee waived for online applications)
6. Copy of Teacher Certification (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to be a teacher to enter the Master Teacher Program?
A. No, a bachelor's degree 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). You must also have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission.
Q. What is the cost per credit for this program?
A. Tuition Information
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. 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 day or evening?
A. Most classes are conveniently held in the late afternoon or evening.
Q. In what areas does Gwynedd-Mercy College offer secondary (grades 7-12) certification?
A. GMC offers certification in the following areas: Biology, Business, Computer and Information Technology, Citizenship, English, and Mathematics.
Q. What if my bachelor's degree is not in education?
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.
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. How do I know what courses I need to take?
A. Your transcript will be reviewed and you will be apprised of any necessary courses in your certification area as well as any required education courses. Each student will be assigned to an advisor.
Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Stafford Loans are available to students who have been fully accepted into the program. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 215-641-5570 for 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
Note: Additional Courses May be Required in the Certification Area
Each undergraduate transcript is reviewed for both education and certification area courses. Therefore, the classes you are required to complete will vary according to your individual background.
COURSES MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED IN THE CERTIFICATION FIELD.
Secondary Education Certification Requirements:
EDU 502 The Learning and Teaching Process
EDU 503 Social and Political Foundations of Education
EDU 504 Human Development
EDU 325 Secondary School Methods and Materials
EDU 300 Pre-Student Teaching
EDU 565 Student Teaching and Professional Seminar (3-6 credits)
Concentration Requirements (24 credits)
EDU 580 Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Education
EDU 581 Students with Special Needs
EDU 582 Effective Communication for Teachers as Leaders
EDU 583 Internship in Education
EDU 500 Statistics, Research and Assessment for the Reflective Practitioner
EDU 591 Curriculum Development and Peer Coaching
EDU 603 Special Project
One Elective (3 credits)
To be selected from the following:
EDU 533 Issues in Substance Abuse
EDU 551 Computer Applications for Educators
EDU 650 Special Topics (A variety of topics is offered annually)
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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