Teaching and Education Degree Programs
Gwynedd Mercy University will help you become the teacher or education administrator you aspire to be. With state-of-the-art technology and experienced educators as your guide, you will develop the teaching, classroom management, and educational leadership skills you need to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of students.
Undergraduate Education Degrees and Teacher Certification Options
Each of the following four-year undergraduate education degree programs are offered on-campus and include extensive opportunities to spend time in school classrooms, beginning as early as the second week of September of your freshman year! Have questions about the following undergraduate programs? Contact us! We're here to help you.
- B.S. in Education Studies
All undergraduate education majors start out in our Education Studies program. Once you’ve completed at least 45 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and passed a Basic Skills Assessment Test as required by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education, you may apply to one of the teacher certification programs listed below. - B.S. in Early Education (PreK-4)
This program will prepare you to become a certified Pre-K through grade 4 teacher in Pennsylvania.* - B.S. in Early Education (PreK-4) and Special Education (PreK-12 )
This dual major will prepare you to become certified as a teacher in both PreK-4 and PreK-12 Special Education in Pennsylvania.* - B.S. in Special Education (PreK-12)
Prepare to become certified as a special education teacher, PreK through grade 12. This degree is also the perfect path for pursuing an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) certification program on the graduate level, which could further boost your salary and employment opportunities as a special education teacher. - 5 Year (4+1) BS/MsEd: Fast-Track Master of Science in Education Program
Interested in teaching secondary school? Students in our Biology or History program can earn their bachelor's degree and master's degree in education in just five years.
*Upon completion of this program and the passing of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education teacher certification test, you will be eligible to apply for teacher certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Classroom Experience Your First Semester
Through our Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), our undergraduate education majors participate in classroom observations beginning in their first semester on campus and then continue to gain hands-on experience through pre-student and student teaching opportunities. Our programs include a:
- Personal advisor to guide you through all four years of your program
- Dedicated Field Placement Director to support you in your student teaching experiences
- Certification Coordinator for Education to help ensure you meet the requirements to become a certified teacher in Pennsylvania
Some programs offered by the College of Arts, Sciences & Professional Studies may require a criminal background check, child abuse clearance, specific immunizations, and other health-related clearances to participate in experiential learning required as part of your undergraduate curriculum. In addition, some careers require a criminal background check and/or certain immunizations as a condition of employment. See the undergraduate catalog for more information and course descriptions.
Graduate Degrees
Gwynedd Mercy University offers the programs you need to achieve your goals in advancing your career. Each of the programs below is offered in an online format that allows you to earn your advanced education degree without interrupting your career. You will learn with and be supported by qualified faculty and other educators from around the country.
Unsure which is right for you? Contact us! Each student has a unique educational and professional background — we'll match you with the best program to suit you and your career goals.
Accelerated Online Master's in Education Degree Programs
Launch or advance your career in education with one of the following programs.
- Online Master of Science in Education – New Teacher Certification
- Online Master of Science in Education – Master Teacher Program
- Online Master of Science in Special Education (PreK-12 Certification)
- Online Master of Science in Educational Administration - K-12 Principal Certification
- Online Master of Science in Educational Administration – Curriculum and Instruction
- Online Master of Science in Educational Administration – Dual Certification in Principal and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
GMercyU also offers an online Master of Science in School Counseling.
Accelerated Online Post-Master's Certification Programs
The following certification programs are available to educators who already hold a master’s degree in education and want to take their careers to the next level.
- Online PreK-12 Principal Certification
- Online Superintendent Certification-Letter of Eligibility
- Online PreK-12 School Counseling Certification
- Online Supervisory Curriculum & Instruction Certification
- Online Special Education Certification (PreK-12)
- Online Special Education Supervisor Certification
Online Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
Prepare for leadership in education with Gwynedd Mercy University’s innovative programs created and overseen by award-winning Program Director Raymond Bandlow, PhD.
- Online Accelerated Executive EdD in Education Leadership or in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
With choice of three concentrations for Education Leadership - Online ABD (All But Dissertation) Doctoral Degree Completion Program
The support you need to finish your dissertion and earn your degree