Launch Your New
Career in Teaching
Why You Should Earn Your
MS in Education Online with GMercyU
Online Coursework
Begin your journey toward a career in teaching with flexible online study that brings the GMercyU experience to you.
Preparation for Pennsylvania Certification*
We offer multiple certification options. Prepare to work with the earliest learners with our PreK-4 Certification pathway. We also offer Secondary Certification (grades 7-12) for those who want to teach in middle or high schools.
Faculty Mentorship
You’ll have the support of GMercyU’s faculty, who have real-world PreK-12 classroom experience as well as subject-matter expertise and a passion for inspiring new teachers like you.
Hands-On Student Teaching
Complete 14 weeks of full-time student teaching and gain insight into what it takes to effectively manage and motivate students to engage with course content.
Choose a Certification
With Your Master’s Degree
Certification options include PreK-4 education and secondary (grades 7-12) biology, mathematics, social studies, or English.
PreK-4 Certification
Prepare to work with the earliest learners. The PreK-4 Certification option equips you to support the development of literacy and numeracy, and also covers foundations of inclusive instruction for children with special educational needs.
Secondary Education Certification in Biology
Prepare to inspire middle and high school students (grades 7-12) in biology. To apply for this certification option, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field with 62 undergraduate credits of subject-area coursework.
Secondary Education Certification in English
Prepare to inspire middle and high school students (grades 7-12) in English. To apply for this certification option, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a field related to your chosen subject area.
Secondary Education Certification in Mathematics
Prepare to inspire middle and high school students (grades 7-12) in mathematics. To apply for this certification option, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field with 41 undergraduate credits of subject-area coursework.
Secondary Education Certification in Social Studies
Prepare to inspire middle and high school students (grades 7-12) in social studies. To apply for this certification option, you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field with 42 undergraduate credits of subject-area coursework.
Program Features
The online MS in Education equips you for Instructional I Certification in Pennsylvania* through a combination of rigorous academic coursework, personal attention and mentorship from faculty, and hands-on student teaching.
Key facts:
- 30-36 credits of flexible online coursework in educational theory, instructional strategies, history and politics, and more.
- Small classes led by GMercyU’s experienced faculty members, who are chosen for their relevant professional backgrounds and commitment to teaching.
- 14 weeks of supervised student teaching in your chosen certification area.
Program Details
MSEd, PreK-4 Certification Curriculum – 27 credits
- Foundations of Special Education in an Inclusionary Setting
- Methods and Theories for Teaching Mathematics
- Methods for Teaching Reading and Assessment
- Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Education
- Social and Political Foundations of Education
- Standards-Aligned Systems, Methods, Materials and Curriculum I
- Standards-Aligned Systems, Methods, Materials and Curriculum II
- Student Teaching & Professional Seminar
- The Learning and Teaching Process
MSEd, Secondary Certification Curriculum – 21 credits
- Curriculum Development and Peer Coaching
- Foundations of Special Education in an Inclusionary Setting
- Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Education
- Secondary School Methods and Materials
- Social and Political Foundations of Education
- Student Teaching & Professional Seminar
- The Learning and Teaching Process
MSEd Completion Curriculum – 9 credits
- Culminating Project
- Effective Communication for Educators
- Research Skills for the Reflective Practitioner
The MS in Education with Certification program enrolls new students twice a year, each spring and fall.
Upcoming Start Dates:
- Spring 2025: January 27, 2025
- Fall 2025: TBD
To qualify for admission to our MSEd program for new teachers, you must provide:
- Proof you have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.* You must submit official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Proof of sufficient subject-area coursework for the following certification options:
- Secondary Biology: 62 undergraduate credits
- Secondary Math: 41 undergraduate credits
- Secondary Social Studies: 42 undergraduate credits
- A completed and signed application and application fee
- A current professional resume
- Two completed supervisory reference forms
- A minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your native language
*If your GPA was lower than 3.0, we encourage you to apply for evaluation on a case by case basis. Personal interviews may be required for any candidates as determined by the admissions committee.
Estimated 2024-2025 costs: $750 per credit hour
- MS in Education, PreK-4 Certification ($27,000 for the complete 36-credit program)
- MS in Education, Secondary Certification ($22,500 for the complete 30-credit program)
Fees: The administrative costs of your education are covered through fees. Fees are not refundable. To learn more about tuition and fees, contact an enrollment representative today.
Financial Aid: To learn how to determine your Financial Aid eligibility, please contact the financial aid office at nontermaid@gmercyu.edu or 877-499-6333.
Gaining Teacher Certification
Your Master’s Degree Is Just the Beginning
Our program is the first step towards teaching licensure in Pennsylvania.* To compete your journey, you’ll need to take and pass teacher certification exams after graduation. The exams you take may vary depending on your chosen certification area.
*Certification Statement
This program was designed to meet the certification requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you reside in a different state, you should carefully review your home state’s certification requirements prior to enrolling in this program.
Education Programs for You
Earn Your
MS in Special Education with PreK–12 Certification
Build knowledge and skills for helping educate special-needs students. Leads to special education teaching certification in Pennsylvania.
Learn MoreEarn Your
Post-Master’s Teaching Certificate
Already have a master’s degree? Become a teacher with our post-master’s PreK-4 and Secondary (grades 7-12) certification programs.
Learn More
Begin Your Teaching Journey
with GMercyU
Ready to begin your teaching career—and change lives? Find out how you can earn your Master of Science in Education with teaching certification online with GMercyU. Speak to an enrollment representative today!