Initial Teacher Certification, Pre K-4, M.Ed.
Specifically designed as a practitioner’s degree, for students who wish to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to work in a professional field.
Program Overview
- Accelerated Program
This Accelerated Degree Program is designed to provide individuals, who have undergraduate degrees in fields other than education, the opportunity to pursue a career in teaching grades Pre K – 4. While earning your M.Ed. degree, you will also meet Pennsylvania state teacher certification requirements for Pre K – 4. Classes are offered in both a blended and online format as 8-week courses. Once completed you may choose to add on Grade 5 and Grade 6 certification through further testing.
Program Details
Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the cognitive, emotional, physical and social development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, and children in the primary grades
- Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for all children
- Analyze the classroom environment to determine how it can be adapted to meet diverse needs of children
- Develop and implement appropriate formative and summative assessment strategies
Career Paths
As a professional degree, the M.Ed. is intended for students who wish, upon graduation, to assume positions of leadership in a practical setting or positions requiring more advanced study than that available at the bachelor’s level (e.g., as an instructional technologist or as a district resource teacher).
Internships & Employment
School districts working with our students and employing our graduates include:
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Bensalem
- Bristol Borough
- Bristol Township
- Centennial
- Central Bucks
- Cinnaminson
- Council Rock
- Mount Laurel
- Neshaminy
- New Hope-Solebury
- Pennsauken
- Pennsbury
- Philadelphia
Program Information
- Degree Awarded
-
- Master of Education
- Program Type
-
- Certification
- Program Location
-
- Blended
- Online
HFU Teacher Certification FAQs
You need an undergraduate degree in a non‑education field and a passion for teaching young children. The program is designed as an accelerated path for those without a prior education teaching credential.
You will be certified to teach children from Pre K through 4th grade under Pennsylvania certification requirements for the program.
The program offers classes in a blended and online format, with accelerated eight‑week courses to accommodate working professionals.
You will learn to develop an in‑depth understanding of children’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development; design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum; analyze classroom environments to meet diverse needs; and implement both formative and summative assessment strategies.
°µÍø½ûÇø offers a practitioner‑focused accelerated M.Ed. program designed for adult learners with flexible course formats, individual attention, and support to transition into teaching for early childhood and primary education.
"Our program is designed for working adults who have earned an undergraduate degree in another area and are passionate about becoming a certified teacher. Convenient class meeting schedules, accelerated course delivery, in-person individual attention, and a flexible cohort model help foster this transition."
Janet McNellis
Professor of Education | School of Education
Educational Impact of Massa-Bu Tulay M’24
Questions? Contact the Graduate and Adult Admissions Office
The Graduate and Adult Admissions Office
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