MA IN EDUCATION
Our award-winning faculty are committed to providing a rigorous intellectual experience that helps students advance their careers while discovering the power of transformative, fully inclusive education.
Our graduate education programs emphasize inquiry and are grounded in commitments to equity and social justice. Courses help students to become reflective practitioners who are well-versed in educational theory and cutting-edge research. Professors use a variety of pedagogical strategies to model effective instructional techniques, help students learn how to apply their knowledge to various problems of practice, and engage students in meaningful discussions about current trends, challenges and opportunities in the field of education. Students can pursue 15-credit certificates or a 30-credit MA in Education, including a Concentration in Higher Education or a Concentration in Teacher Leadership.
These programs do not lead to PA State Certification. The Master's Plus Certification is the only program that leads to PA teacher certification.
CHOOSE THE TRACK THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
The MA in Education helps students learn to design effective and inclusive learning environments and master best practices to support diverse learners. This track is intended for current teachers and those seeking careers in education outside of teaching. Students will:
- Integrate key insights from educational philosophy with the latest research on curricular design and student learning.
- Learn how to design effective and inclusive learning environments and master best practices to support diverse learners.
Graduates are prepared to work in seconday schools, after-school programs, foundations and philanthropic organizations, educational non-profits, and private research firms and think tanks.
Through the Concentration in Teacher Leadership, experienced educators will:
- Hone their instructional practice.
- Strengthen their leadership skills to support their colleagues’ learning.
- Develop proficiency with data analysis and policy advocacy.
This track is designed for experienced educators who are interested in assuming greater responsibility for improving student engagement and learning while continuing to serve as classroom teachers.
A graduate of this program is prepared to serve as lead teacher, professional learning community facilitator, department chairperson, curriculum specialist, faculty mentor and data coach.
The Concentration in Higher Education prepares students for careers in college and university settings, the public policy sector and higher education research. In this track, students will:
- Learn tools for critical analysis of and constructive solutions to relevant needs and issues in higher education today.
- Develop foundational and functional competencies, including resource management, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and strategic planning.
- Work closely with faculty and staff throughout their program, including conducting research, engaging in internships, practicums, diversity and social justice initiatives, campus leadership opportunities, and community service projects.
A graduate of this program is prepared to work in university offices such as development and advancement, diversity and inclusion, student affairs, academic advising, and athletics.
With the completion of 15 credits, students can earn a graduate certificate in Teacher Leadership or Higher Education Leadership. These credits may also be applied towards the master’s degree.
With the completion of 15 credits, students can earn a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Education, which can help prepare them for careers as teachers.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Karen Zaino '11 MA in Education, Doctoral Candidate, Urban Education at the Graduate Center, CUNY
The graduate program in Education spurred my passion for research and my desire to pursue a doctorate. During my time as a graduate student, I was privileged to assist Dr. Jerusha Conner with her scholarship, and her mentorship has been invaluable to my own career trajectory. As a current doctoral candidate in Urban Education at the Graduate Center, CUNY, I am so grateful for the time I spent at Villanova learning from Dr. Conner!