Mission Statement

Eastern University’s Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Education affirm the mission statement of Eastern University with its commitment to fostering academic excellence and professional training through innovative instruction, evidence-based practices, rigorous curriculum, and comprehensive subject area knowledge. We seek to develop individuals with a clear understanding of the University’s mission of faith, reason, and justice so that they are capable of:

• improving the learning of all students;
• pursuing educational equity and justice through creative solutions;
• demonstrating sensitivity to multicultural and global issues;
• modeling Christian thought and action;
• serving public and private institutions of learning as change agents.

Eastern University meets the needs of its students to assume positions in this society through undergraduate and graduate programs.

Master of Education (Multicultural Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, Special Education, Educational Leadership, and TESOL)

The Master of Education has a strong commitment to academic quality while integrating faith, reason, and justice into a student’s teaching and learning experiences. The program prepares teachers to work with students from diverse backgrounds and develop responsive curricula that highlights inclusion practices. These 30-credit (minimum) degree programs use research-based intervention and instructional practices and can be combined with several areas of certification including early childhood, English as a second language, world language, health and physical education, middle level, music, reading specialist, secondary school, special education, educational technology specialist, principalship and supervision. School Counseling and School Psychology Masters, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) and Certification programs are offered through the School Counseling and School Psychology Department (within the College of Education). A Master of Education in School Health Services is also offered through the Nursing Department.

Master of Education in School Counseling

With a focus on training elementary and secondary counselors who function as advocates for their students and promote the best interests of children within the school and larger community, this 48-credit degree qualifies graduates for certification as school counselors with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (Successful completion of PRAXIS exam also required.) Individuals who already hold a master’s degree in another related field may also enter the school counseling program to complete a CAGS in school counseling. Individualized programs of study are approved when applicants are admitted to the CAGS program.

Master of Science and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology

Eastern University offers a Master of Science and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Psychology, training students to become competent, broadly educated school psychologists who use a scientist-practitioner model when delivering services within PK to grade 12 school settings. Completion of the program requires earning a 48-credit master’s degree in school psychology (16 Core Courses), including two semesters (6 credits) of practicum experiences, followed by a 15-credit CAGS in post-master’s graduate work in school psychology for a total of 63 graduate credits. The CAGS includes a two-semester (6-credit) internship. This degree and CAGS certificate qualifies the graduate for certification as a school psychologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (Successful completion of Praxis II exam also required). Individuals who already hold a Master’s Degree in another related field may also enter the school psychology program to complete a Re-Specialization CAGS in school psychology. Individualized programs of study are approved when applicants are admitted to the Re-Specialization CAGS program.

Master of Education (School Health Services)

The Master of Education in School Health Services is committed to preparing professionals to function effectively in settings in which children and youth are served. The mission of the program is to produce outstanding health professionals who are committed to meeting the needs of a diverse population and to their holistic development. This 30-credit program will prepare students to practice their profession from a Christian perspective; achieve professional competence and increase specialization in a discipline within school health services. Students will be able to develop and coordinate comprehensive school health service and educational programs through the utilization and implementation of appropriate research and educational theories pertaining to healthy, social, intellectual, moral, and physical development. Students will demonstrate sensitivity to ethnic, gender, and racial diversity.

Students enrolled in School Health Programs are required to obtain clearances and compliance documents prior to taking courses that have practicums and classroom observation. Clearances are valid for one year. All students are required to use and pay for a professional service that collects and reviews important documents and records. This service not only stores documents confidentially (FERPA compliant) but allows Eastern University coordinators electronic access to review documents.

Pennsylvania Department of Education Certifications Specialist Certification Programs

The minimum passing final grade for all graduate school nursing courses is a B. Any student who receives a grade below a B must repeat the course.

• School Nurse (PK-12)
• Supervisor of School Health Services (PK-12)

Pennsylvania Department of Education Certifications Teaching Certification Programs

• Early Childhood (Grades PK-4) 
  • Early Childhood Directors Coursework
• Middle Level (Grades 4-8):
  • English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies
• English as a Second Language (PK-12)
• World Language (French and Spanish PK-12)
• Health and Physical Education (PK-12)
• Music (PK-12)
• Reading Specialist (PK-12)
• Secondary Education (7-12):
  • Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics and Social Studies
• Special Education (PK-12) 

Educational Administration and Supervisory Certification Programs

• Supervisor of Early Childhood, Science, Math, Social Studies, Music and  Special Education (PK-12)
• Principal (PK-12)
• Instructional Technology Specialist
• Online Instruction Program Endorsement

For admission, candidates must submit an official transcript(s) from the institution granting the baccalaureate degree; a current resume; a completed program of study; the cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (with particular importance placed on the last two years of the undergraduate record); a copy of a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate or an equivalent certificate from a different state (if available); and PRAXIS scores (if taken).

Formal Application for Student Teaching

To formally apply, students must show evidence of:

• All coursework must be completed prior to student teaching coursework (EDUC610/620)
• All EDUC courses must be passed with grades of C or better
• Required cumulative GPA: 3.0 or above

Students must submit to the department a formal student teaching application a year before their student teaching semester. The application is located on the Eastern website as well as the College of Education Brightspace page.

Mandatory Clearances for Observations, Practicum and Internships

Once admitted to the Masters and Certification programs, students must submit the following clearances (clearances are valid for one year):

• Act 34 State Criminal History Clearance
• Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance
• Act 114 FBI Criminal History Clearance
• TB Test done within the last 9 months

For practicum and internship semesters:

• Professional Liability Insurance documentation via PSEA
• Field Placement Site Approval/Contract documentation if applicable
• Some courses may require students to obtain their own field placements for observations.

Please note: All students are required to use and pay for a professional service that collects and reviews important documents and records. This service not only stores documents confidentially (FERPA compliant) but allows Eastern University Field Placement coordinators electronic access to review documents.

U.S. Citizenship Requirement for Teacher Certification Candidates

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) currently requires teachers to be U.S. Citizens.

PDE will issue certificates to teacher candidates holding a resident alien (green card) visa if they have filed a “declaration of intent” to become citizens. This form can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.