Fully Online Program for Aspiring Teachers
Our 42-credit, fully online Master of Education with certification in Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade is designed to accommodate working adults who aspire to teach in front of the classroom.
Upon completion of this cohort program, you will have earned a master's degree in education and will be eligible for certification as a Pre-K through fourth grade level educator in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Point Park University is a non-profit university accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Our teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Our small class sizes (approximately 15 students per class) allow for a student-centered approach to teaching and are taught by faculty from a variety of K-12 backgrounds.
"The faculty and staff in Point Park's School of Education have their finger on the pulse of what is most challenging in education today. They are knowledgeable and incredibly accessible, which, as a working mom, was important to me as I navigated this program."
Courses & Topics
Some of the courses in our Master of Education with Pre-K through fourth grade certification include:
- Special Education and Inclusive Practices
- Culturally Responsive Schools, Teachers and Classrooms
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
- Methods of Teaching Mathematics PreK-4
- Methods of Teaching Science and Health PreK-4
- Student Teaching Seminar and Practicum
Career Options
Upon completion of this program, students will have earned a Master’s in Education and will be eligible for certification as a PreK-4 grade level educator in the state of Pennsylvania.
I took a class as an undergraduate that seems the same or has the same name as a class in this program. Do I need to repeat it? How would the class at a graduate level be different?
The classes have been developed and adapted to meet PDE competencies. While some M.Ed. courses may have the same name as undergraduate courses, the M.Ed. courses contain advanced graduate-level material designed to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) criteria. These courses cover the most recent work in the field, and your instructors will address how to apply this information in the classroom.
Is this completely online? Will I need to attend any live sessions?
The program is fully asynchronous and online. Instructors will often hold optional virtual meetings. The student teaching practicum is the final semester and is in person at your school placement location.
Will I need to leave my job when it is time to complete the practicum?
Students are required to student teach for 60 days/420 hours. Placements are typically Monday through Friday, during school hours.
I am out of state but don't mind returning to PA for the practicum. Does it need to be 30 consecutive days in PA?
Students looking for alternative schedules will need to work with the Student Teaching Coordinator to determine the placement calendar.
Can you tell me what the student teaching would look like? Would I have a cooperating teacher?
Each week, students will gradually assume teaching responsibilities. The final two weeks of the placement typically has the student teacher teaching the full day.
Where can I student teach? Would a private school be accepted as a student teaching location?
Graduate students find their own placements. Private and charter schools are acceptable. We can assist any student needing help with a placement.
Will I be a certified teacher once I earn this M.Ed.?
Once the student completes the program and passes the certification exam, they can apply for PA Certification through the PDE website.
Does certification expire? What would the renewal process look like?
Instructional I certificates are valid for 6 years from the start of a teaching position. Instructional II certificates can be earned through additional credits and submitting an application to PDE – no additional exams are required for Instructional II.
Can I, once certified, get certified in other fields? Would you recommend that?
Certified PA teachers can add on certification through passing the exams. All content areas can be added on excluding Special Education, Physical Education and specific specialized areas. PreK-4, 4-8 and Secondary Education can be added on.
How can I order books?
On our website, students can find the books required for their classes. Using the drop-down menus, select the Semester and the appropriate department name (EDUC or SPED), course number, and section (you may use any online section designation as books are the same no matter the section – for example, OAON, O2ON, OCON, etc.) ISBNs are provided for your use. Rental and digital download options may be available from the bookstore. Students can arrange to have books shipped to them for a nominal shipping fee through our bookstore. If a course does not list required books, the instructor may be using a combination of open source materials, research articles, book chapters and online resources.
Learn more: step-by-step guide to ordering books on our website.
I am a Point Park alumni. Can I use the alumni discount?
The School of Education discount exceeds the 25% Alumni discount. Unfortunately, discounts cannot be stacked.
Learn More
Contact Jodi Golis, admissions counselor in the Office of Graduate and Online Admissions, at 412-392-3812 or jgolis@pointpark.edu.