Academics

Academics

Master of Science in Education: Instructional Leadership

PROGRAM FORMAT ~ OFF-CAMPUS

The Master’s Degree in Education is a total of 36 credits, which breaks down to 12 courses at 3 credits each.  Additional courses are needed if certification is to be added, and details about this option can be found at the bottom of this page.   Each three-credit course is held over an 8-week period, one evening per week in the Fall and Spring.  In the two shorter Summer Sessions, course schedules are flexible but still accomplish two full courses.  If a student transfers in prior graduate education courses they would then sit out that particular course segment and rejoin the cohort later.

The off-site programs begin once each year in the Fall semester.  Below is a sample cohort schedule: 

Most of our students have additional obligations such as work and family, but find that following this model is manageable, allowing them to finish their coursework in two years.  Another added benefit is that the off-site model is reduced in cost by 25% from our on campus tuition.  Finally, there is no thesis requirement to complete this program.

ADDING TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Career Changers

Because courses are typically held one night per week, the M.S. in Education is ideal for those seeking to change careers into early/elementary/secondary/special education.  However, a working adult student should be aware that, in order to complete the early, elementary certification and/or add special certification they must complete a six-credit student teaching component.  This student teaching component requires a full-time day commitment and occurs at the end of the program.   In addition, there is a three-credit, one night per week, on-campus seminar that helps the student teacher evaluate their progress.  Therefore, the added number of credits if pursuing one of the above certifications is nine (9) additional credits.  If seeking secondary certification, additional undergraduate subject matter coursework may be required as well.  Note:  All required PRAXIS tests (PRAXIS I and II) need to be passed before a candidate can student teach.

Currently certified teachers

Students who already possess current teacher certification have the option of adding special education certification through the off-site model.  The requirements for completing the coursework include (1) taking the necessary certification courses and (2) a student internship.   If a student is currently teaching in a classroom setting – and if they are determined to have the needed percentage of children to qualify as a student internship setting – then they may use their current work setting as the location of their student internship.  Eligibility is determined by the Education Department of Neumann College.  If a classroom setting is determined to be eligible for the particular certification being added, the college will send a supervisor out to the site to oversee the student internship experience.

For more information, please call the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at (610) 558-5616 or (800) 9-NEUMANN or feel free to e-mail us at neumann@neumann.edu.