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Graduate Programs in Education & Counseling

Graduate Education Programs

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Education (MA). The general purpose of the University is to provide its students with a liberal education - an education laying emphasis upon the training of the critical faculty; cultivation of a wide breadth of learning; development of the student's wholeness as an individual possessed of both body and soul. Villanova University offers several options for individuals interested in earning an Master of Arts in Education. The Masters Plus Certification is the only program that leads to PA teaching certification.

All programs offer a full time or part-time option.

Program Overview

This program does not lead to PA State Certification

A full or part-time program offered for teachers seeking to obtain a Master of Arts degree (special note: this program does not lead to initial teacher certification).

Potential funding opportunities are available, including graduate assistantships in student life, student success and retention, and residence life here and at other local colleges and universities.

A minimum of 30 graduate credits is required for the Master of Arts in Education degree. A student may choose to take all 30 credits in Education or combine credits in Education with 9 graduate credits in a subject area or teaching field.  Students must complete three one-credit workshops from a list approved for Graduate Education.

Upon receiving approval of the Department of Education and Counseling, a MA student may also undertake the writing of a thesis in lieu of six semester-hour course credits.

Prior to being awarded the degree, MA students must present a digital exit portfolio or defend a thesis.

 

Application Information

Applicants to the Master's program in Graduate Education, Teacher Leadership or Higher Education must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies, with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information.

 

Curriculum

Please see the program planning sheet below for courses.

Program Overview

This program does not lead to PA Certification

The Master of Arts in Education with the Teacher Leadership Concentration is designed for experienced educators who are interested in assuming greater responsibility for improving student engagement and learning in their school or in their community, while continuing to serve as classroom teachers. This program helps students to hone their instructional practice, strengthen their leadership skills, and develop their facility with data analysis and policy advocacy. Graduates are prepared for positions as lead teacher, professional learning community facilitator, department chairperson, curriculum specialist, mentor, and data coach. This program is a full aor part-time program and requires the completion of 30 credits and an exit portfolio.

 

 

Application Information

Applicants to the Master's program in Graduate Education, Teacher Leadership or Higher Education must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies, with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information.

 

Curriculum

Please see the MA with Teacher Leadership Program Planning Sheet below for courses.

Program Overview

This program does not lead to PA certification.
The Higher Education concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in college and university settings, the public policy sector, as well as organizations engaged in research, advocacy, and action pertinent to higher education.  This degree requires the completion of 30 credits, including 18 in required courses and 12 in elective courses and complete an exit portfolio or successfully defend a thesis. 

Potential funding opportunities are available, including graduate assistantships in student life, student success and retention, and residence life here and at other local colleges and universities.

Application Information

Applicants to the Master's program in Graduate Education, Teacher Leadership  or Higher Education must hold a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies, with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.  

 

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information. 

 

Curriculum

Please see the program planning sheet below for courses.

Higher Education MA Program Planning Sheet 

Program Overview

The Masters of Arts Degree Plus Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Program is designed for those individuals without a background in education who wish to pursue a career in teaching.  The program requires thirty-four credits which include courses, field experiences including observations in the schools, and student teaching.  Students upon successful completion of the program and passing the Praxis testing will earn PA secondary (7-12 grades) teaching certification.

The track is normally completed in two semesters and two summer sessions (12 months) however there is a part-time option. Both options require 12 weeks of full time student-teaching.

Our program is designed to aid the student in:

  • building on a strong foundation in subject matter;
  • developing a strong foundation in professional knowledge;
  • defining one's philosophy of teaching and of classroom management;
  • learning to apply research to improve teaching practice; and
  • understanding current realities in schools in the area.

Typically, applicants will have an undergraduate major in an academic subject area which they intend to teach (English, Math, etc.)  If candidates want to teach a subject in which they did not earn a degree, prerequisite coursework will be necessary before entering the Master's plus Certification program.  

We also encourage you to contact the Department  to discuss your particular situation.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Teresa G. Wojcik, teresa.wojcik@villanova.edu 610-519-4620

 

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Certificaion

To become certified in the state of Pennsylvania, students my take and pass the Praxis test in their content area. Please visit  our Undergraduate Education page to view all information regarding certificaion and testing information.

 

Curriculum

The following details the 34-credit Master of Arts in Education plus Teacher Certification course sequence.  All courses will be completed in a 12-month period beginning with a summer session.  A description of each course can be found in the Graduate Studies Course Catalog.

EDU 8400  Critical Perspectives in Special Education 3
EDU 8603 Educational Research 3
EDU 8614 Curriculum and Assessment 3
EDU 8618 Adolescent Psychology 3
EDU 8669 Comparative Education 3
EDU 8673 Philosophy of Education 3
EDU 8675 Development of the English Language Learner 3
EDU 8678  Equity & Social Justice in Education    3
Offered Fall     
EDU 8550/8540/8530    Teaching Methods: English & Social Studies, Math & Science, or Language 3
Offered Spring     
EDU 7321 Student Teaching Seminar 1
EDU 8628 Graduate Student Teaching 6

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Application Information

Applications are considered on a rolling basis and require the following:

• At least an undergraduate degree in a secondary school teaching area, or the equivalent coursework*

• 3.0 GPA or higher

*Additional prerequisite courses (or the Praxis II) may be necessary based on your coursework’s alignment to PA standards. Please email a copy of your unofficial transcript to the Program Director, Dr. Teresa G. Wojcik, to determine if you will need additional coursework prior to applying (teresa.wojcik@villanova.edu).

** The state of Pennsylvania requires that certified teachers are U.S. Citizens.

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information.

 

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Content Area Courses


TEACHING AREA COURSES REQUIRED

Below you will find teaching area coursework required by Villanova University for an undergraduate seeking teaching certification in Pennsylvania.  For students applying to the Masters Plus Certification Program with a major in their preferred teaching area from an accredited university other than Villanova, we will evaluate your transcript in comparison with these prerequisites.  If your undergraduate major is different than your preferred teaching area, additional prerequisite courses will probably be necessary.  Each case is considered individually. See the undergraduate course catalog for a description of the courses, or contact us to discuss your individual situation.

Biology

  • AST 1050 Planet Earth I
  • BIO 2105 General Biology I
  • BIO 2106 General Biology II
  • BIO 3255 Introductory Ecology
  • BIO 3055 Animal Physiology
  • BIO 3155 Comparative Anatomy
  • BIO 3351 Genetics
  • BIO 3905 Vascular Plants
  • BIO 4285 Developmental Biology
  • BIO 4505 Molecular Biology
  • CHM 1151 General Chemistry I
  • CHM 1103 General Chemistry Lab I
  • CHM 1152 General Chemistry II
  • CHM 1104 General Chemistry Lab II
  • CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry I
  • CHM 2201 Organic Chemistry Lab I
  • CHM 2212 Organic Chemistry II
  • CHM 2202 Organic Chemistry Lab II
  • PHY 1100 General Physics I

Chemistry

  • PHY 2410/2411 University Physics: Mechanics/Lab
  • PHY 2412/2413 University Physics: Electricity and Magnetism/Lab
  • CHM 1311/1301 Inorganic Chemistry I/Lab
  • CHM 1512/1502 Quantitative Analysis/Lab
  • CHM 3211/3201 Organic Chemistry I/Lab
  • CHM 3212/3202 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
  • CHM 3411/3401 Physical Chemistry I/Lab
  • CHM 3511/3501 Instrumental Analysis/Lab
  • CHM 4611/4603 Intro to Biochemistry/Lab
  • Chemistry Elective

English

  • ENG 2250 Ways of Reading (Junior Seminar)
  • ENG 3150 Chaucer
  • ENG 3250 Shakespeare
  • ENG 3501 - ENG 3699 British Lit after 1800
  • ENG 4001 Major American Writers I **
  • ENG 4002 Major American Writers II **
  • ENG 2000 Advanced Expository Writing OR ENG 2030 Tutoring Writers
  • ENG 2101 British Literary Tradition
  • ENG 2400 Western World Literature I OR ENG 2401 Western World Literature II
  • ** ENG 4001 OR 4002 may be replaced with ENG 2103 (Amer Lit Trad 1) or ENG 2104 (Amer Lit Trad 2), respectively
  • ENG 5000 Senior Seminar
  • Core Literature and Writing Seminar


    English/Diversity I African American Literature

  • ENG 2501 Tradition I OR ENG 2502 Tradition II OR
  • ENG 4500 American Slave Narrative


    English/Diversity II Women's Literature

  • ENG 2300 Women in Literature OR ENG 4636 Contemporary American Women's Poetry OR ENG 4640 Contemporary American Women's Literature

French

  • FRE 1111-1112 Introductory French I & II
  • FRE 1121-1122 Intermediate French I & II
  • FRE 1131 Conversation & Composition
  • FRE 1132 Adv. Conversation & Composition
  • FRE 1141 Phonetics
  • FRE 1133 Advanced Grammar
  • FRE 3922 20th Century Novel or FRE 3923 Post World War II Writers
  • FRE 2218 Franco Writers and Cultural Identity
  • FRE 2142 Savoir Vivre in France
  • FRE 3212 Le Tour de France
  • FRE 3512 Paris, Capital the 19th Century
  • FRE 3950 Research Seminar

    TOTAL MINIMUM CREDIT HOURS:

9 additional elective credits (beyond intermediate level) - Upon completion of FRE 1121, students must take advanced courses until they have completed 30 credit hours.

General Science

  • AST 1050 Planet Earth I (can be elected by Bio Majors)
  • AST 1051 Planet Earth Lab I
  • AST 1052 Planet Earth II (can be elected by Bio Majors)
  • AST 1053 Planet Earth Lab II
  • BIO 2105 General Biology I
  • BIO 2106 General Biology II
  • BIO 3351 Genetics
  • BIO 3255 Introductory Ecology
  • BIO 4485 Marine Biology
  • CHM 1151 General Chemistry I (Bio Majors)
  • CHM 1103 General Chemistry Lab I
  • CHM 1152 General Chemistry II (Bio Majors)
  • CHM 1104 General Chemistry Lab II
  • PHY 1100 General Physics I (Bio Majors)
  • PHY 1101 General Physics Lab I
  • PHY 1102 General Physics II (Bio Majors)
  • PHY 1103 General Physics Lab II

German

  • GER 1111-1112 Introductory German I & II
  • GER 1121-1122 Intermediate German I &II
  • GER 1131 Conversation & Composition
  • GER 1132 Adv. Conversation & Comp.
  • GER 2142 German Civilization
  • GER 3212 Survey of German Literature II
  • GER 3213 Survey of German Literature III
  • GER 3950 Research Seminar
  • GER 3920 Austrian Literature
  • GER 3921 20th Century Drama
  • GER 3922 20th Century Prose I
  • GER 3923 20th Century Prose II
  • 12 additional elective credits (beyond intermediate level) - Upon completion of GER 1121 students must take advanced courses until they have completed 30 credit hours.

Italian

  • ITA 1121-1122 Intermediate Italian I & II
  • ITA 1131 Conversation and Composition I
  • ITA 1132 Conversation and Composition II
  • ITA 2142 or 2143 Italian Culture I or II
  • ITA 3970 Research Seminar
  • Note: Total minimum credit hours - Upon completion of 1121, students must take advanced courses until they have completed 30 credit hours. Two of the advanced courses should be in Italian language and literature.

Latin

  • LAT 3150 The Latin Language
  • LAT 1001 & 1002 Introductory to Latin I & II
  • LAT 2031 & 2032 Intermediate Latin I & II
  • LAT 4051 Cicero
  • LAT 4150 Caesar
  • LAT 5250 Vergil
  • LAT 3050 Prose Composition
  • LAT 3001 Readings in Authors
  • LAT 4350 Livy
  • LAT 4450 Tacitus
  • LAT 4550 Suetonius
  • LAT 5050 Plautus and Terence
  • LAT 5350 Ovid
  • LAT 5450 Horace

    One of the following electives may be applied to meet the above requirements specialization:
  • CLA 2032 Classical Mythology
  • CLA 2051Cities of Ancient Greece
  • CLA 2052 Rome: The Ancient City
  • CLA 3040 Studies in the Classics

Mathematics

  • MAT 1500 Calculus I
  • MAT 1505 Calculus II
  • MAT 2500 Calculus III
  • MAT 2600 Foundations of Mathematics
  • MAT 2705 Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
  • MAT 2930 History of Mathematics
  • MAT 3300 Advanced Calculus I
  • MAT 3400 Linear Algebra
  • MAT 3500 Modern Algebra I
  • MAT 4310 Stat Methods
  • MAT 5110 Topics in Geometry

Physics

  • CHM 1151 General Chemistry I
  • CHM 1103 General Chemistry I Lab
  • CHM 1152 General Chemistry II
  • MAT 1500 Calculus I
  • MAT 1505 Calculus II
  • MAT 2705 Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
  • PHY 2410 University Phy: Mechanics
  • PHY 2411 Lab: Mechanics
  • PHY 2412 Univ Physics: Elec &Mag
  • PHY 2413 Lab: Elec & Magnetism
  • PHY 2414 Univ Physics: Thermo
  • PHY 2415 Lab: Thermodynamics
  • PHY 2416 Modern Physics
  • PHY 2417 Lab: Modern Physics
  • Physics Elective/Lab
  • Physics Elective/Lab
  • Physics Elective/Lab

Social Studies

  • ECO 1001 Principles of Microeconomics OR
  • ECO 1002 Principles of Macroeconomics
  • GEO 1001 Internat'l Approaches to Geography
  • PSC 1100 Intro to American Government
  • PSC 1200 Intro to International Relations
  • PSC 1000 General Psychology
  • SOC 2100 Cultural Anthropology
  • SOC 3600 Race & Ethnic Relations
  • HIS 1050 Themes in Modern World History
  • HIS 2000 Investigating US History I
  • HIS 2001 Investigating US History II
  • One European History course before 1750
  • One European History course after 1750
  • HIS 2296 Chang. Roles of Women in Amer. Soc.
  • HIS 3360 Women in the Pre-Modern West
  • HIS 3361 Women in Modern Eur. Society
  • HIS 4090 Women in the Middle East
  • HIS 4528 Women in Modern Science & Tech.
  • HIS 2291 Afri Amer Hist During Slavery
  • HIS 2292 Afri Amer Hist Since Emancipation
  • Latin American History, Middle Eastern History, African History or Asian History

Spanish

  • SPA 1111-1112 Intro. to Spanish I & II
  • SPA 1121-1122 Intermediate Spanish I & II
  • SPA 1131 Conversation & Composition
  • SPA 1132 Adv. Conversation & Composition
  • SPA 1138 Adv. Grammar
  • SPA 2100 Literature and Cultural Experience
  • SPA 2142 Spanish Culture
  • SPA 2143 Latin American Civilization
  • SPA 2211 Survey of Peninsular Literature
  • SPA 2212 Survey of Spanish-American Lit
  • SPA 3950 Research Methodology

Recommended: SPA 7400 Spanish Teaching Methodology
Total Minimum Credit Hours

0  additional elective credits (beyond intermediate level) - Upon completion of SPA 1121 students must take advanced courses until they have completed 30 credit hours.

Note: Two of the above advanced courses should be in Spanish language and literature.

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Certificate Program Overview

This program does not lead to PA certification.
The Higher Education Leadership Certificate is a fifteen (15) credit post-master’s program created for those interested in pursuing careers in college and university settings, the public policy sector, as well as organizations engaged in research, advocacy, and action pertinent to higher education. 

Course offerings in the higher education certificate curriculum challenge students to build personal and professional capacities according to their varied backgrounds and aspirations.  The program expects students to develop and demonstrate both foundational and functional competencies typically associated with organizational success, positive influence, and institutional advancement. Particular analytical and intellectual attention will be given to the relevant needs and issues of our time, with an eye to responding accordingly—replete with the tools of critical analysis and constructive solutions.  

 

Application Information

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information. 


Curriculum

Higher Education Certificate Program Planning Sheet 

Certificate Program Overview

This program does not lead to PA certification.

Villanova University and the Department of Education and Counseling offer a program in teacher education which can be taken either post-baccalaureate or post-Master's Degree.  The Teacher Leadership Certificate* (TLC) is designed for professionals who possess a bachelor's degree, or M.Ed., M.A.T, M.A. or M.S. degrees in education or other fields.

The TLC is a fifteen (15) credit program designed for individuals who wish to develop their leadership ability for use in the classroom or in such expanded roles as lead teacher, team leader, curriculum developer, department chairperson, new teacher mentor or special project leader. It is intended for teachers who want to apply their knowledge and skill to the larger school community, yet may not want to leave their classrooms to do so.

The Teacher Leadership Certificate program benefits professionals seeking academic credits for a variety of reasons including:

  • Post-baccalaureate credits toward Level II certification
  • A post-master's graduate certificate
  • Transfer these credits into another master’s program
  • First step towards a doctoral degree
  • Earn Act 48 credits while you earn your Teacher Leadership Certificate

Application Information

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information. 

Curriculum

Please see the Teacher Leadership Cetificate Program Planning Sheet below for courses.

Graduate Certificate in Education

This program does not lead to PA certification.

Earn a graduate certificate in Education from Villanova University. This 15-credit graduate certificate is designed for:

  • post-baccalaureate students planning careers in education or related fields.
  • current graduate students interested in improving their teaching skills and advancing in their chosen related field.
  • current teachers who are working toward Level II certification (Level II certification requires a
    total of 24 credits. The additional 9 credits can be taken in a chosen subject area or can be counted towards the completion of a MA in Education).
  • current teachers wishing to advance toward a MA in Education.

Curriculum and Certificate Requirements

The number of credits required is 15; nine (9) credits must be fulfilled by the three required courses. 

Required Courses (3):

EDU 8616    Methods of Teaching (Optional for State-Certified Teachers)

EDU 8679    Standards Aligned Systems and Curriculum

EDU 8561    Advanced Trends in Special Education

Electives (2):

EDU 8610    Current Issues in Education

EDU 8662    Trends in the Social Studies

EDU 8669    Comparative Education

EDU 8671    History of Education

EDU 8673    Philosophy of Education

EDU 8678    Multiculturalism, Gender, and Inclusion in Schools

Additional  Elective  Option:  With  the  approval  of the Chairperson of the Department of Education and Counseling, Education certificate students who are degree or certificate candidates in another Villanova Graduate Liberal Arts and Sciences program may use one course in that program to satisfy one elective in the Education certificate.

NOTE: No transfer credits from other institutions will be accepted for the Education certificate.

Application Requirements:

Please click HERE for application details, deadlines and funding information. 

 

Villanova University offers one-credit workshops which allow you to earn Act 48 credits or work towards an MA in Education or Certificate in Teacher Leadership. 

For more information on our workshops please visit the Professional Development Workshop page.

                                                                                                

Assistantship Information

The Department of Education and Counseling offers a limited number of graduate assistantships for full-time students. Assistantships through the Department are awarded on a competitive basis.

Full-time assistantship: Provides a stipend, payable in nine installments, and a waiver of all tuition and fees for 24 credits per academic year. The graduate assistant is required to work in the Department 20 hours each week and may not take additional employment on campus or elsewhere.

Half-time assistantship: Requires the student to work 14 hours a week in the Department. Students receive 24 credit hours of tuition remission through the academic year.

Tuition scholar assistantship: The student is required to work in the Department 7 hours each week and receive 18 credits hours of tuition remission for the academic year.

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How To Apply

The deadline for Education Graduate Assistant & Tuition Scholars applications is March 1st. Applications for assistantships are found embedded within the program application.

More information can be found on our Graduate Assistantship page.

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Villanova University offers tuition reductions to teachers and other educators currently employed by a school who enroll in the MA and MA+ Certification program along with most other graduate programs in the arts and sciences.

40% for those employed as teachers, counselors or administrators by Catholic schools;
20% for those employed as teachers, counselors or administrators by non-Catholic schools.

 

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MA in Education with Higher Ed Concentration
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PD Workshops/Act 48
MA Education Overview
MA in Education Plus Certification Overview
Counseling Overview

Contact

Education & Counseling
St. Augustine Ctr.- Rm 302
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
Phone: 610.519.4620
E-mail: educationcounseling
@villanova.edu

Graduate Studies