IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications to the Early and Primary Teacher Education program are not currently being accepted.
The Early and Primary Teacher Education program contains courses whose objectives focus specifically on the early care and education of young children, ages 0-9.
Specific courses and/or course objectives meet the adaptations and accommodations and ELL competencies. The program leads to Pennsylvania Pre K-4 teacher certification.
The Early Childhood and Primary Teacher Education program offers three options. Option 1 is for students who hold a prior degree and teacher certification in Early Care and Education and who are returning for advanced studies in the field; option 2 is for students who hold a valid degree and certificate in another field, such as elementary education; and option 3 is for students who hold a degree in a content area unrelated to education and do not hold teacher certification. Students in options 1 and 2 will pursue a Master of Science degree. This Master of Science degree requires 36 credits in course work. The Master of Science degree is awarded to students in option 3, and requires 54 credits in course work.
All students who are pursuing a Master’s degree must complete the research and foundation course requirements and pass a comprehensive examination. All students must pass the requisite PECT test(s), which are mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in addition to the curricular requirements.
International students may be permitted to complete this program, however, upon graduation, they will not be eligible for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania due to state regulations. International students accepted into this program will be accepted on probation. They must take nine (9) graduate credit hours and achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.00 at the conclusion of those nine hours.
Below is the program of study for the three options. All students who are pursuing a Master’s degree must complete the research and foundation course requirements and pass a comprehensive examination.
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