M.Ed. Secondary Education: Teaching with Initial Certification

Turn your expertise into a teaching career

Kutztown University’s M.Ed. in Secondary Education: Teaching with Initial Certification helps aspiring educators earn an online master’s degree and initial teaching certification through one streamlined graduate program. Combining graduate coursework, faculty support, and flexible clinical pathways, this 36-credit program can be completed in as little as 15 months or extended up to five years, depending on the candidate’s pace and pathway.

Apply for the Master's of Secondary Education Program

To apply for Summer 2027, submit the graduate program application and provide:

• Official transcripts from all previous higher education institutions.
• Qualifying certification test scores for any test required for your certification area, or proof of registration for a scheduled test date. Being in the process of taking and passing the test is acceptable at the time of application. See details in the dropdown below.

Applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is February 1. To be considered for the 2027 cohort, submit all application materials by June 1.

Cohorts begin each July. Candidates who qualify for the Experience-Based Certification may be able to start in an earlier semester.

Candidates begin their program in the Golden Start, a cohort-based five-course sequence that runs from July through December. Designed to cultivate excellence in aspiring educators, this sequence prepares candidates to become confident, reflective, and effective educators.

• Integrated Team-Taught Courses: Delivered by instructors with diverse expertise and aligned with the skills and mindsets to hit the ground running as new educators.
• Dedicated Coaching: Candidates are grouped into small pods and assigned a coaching professor who provides personalized support & mentorship.
• Professional Learning Days: The most important teaching skills are taught in person over four Professional Learning Days throughout the Golden Start.

Master's in Secondary Education Clinical Experience Pathways

Experience-Based Certification
Qualified candidates may complete their clinical experience in a full-time paid teaching position in a partner school instead of traditional student teaching. Clinical experience is embedded in their daily teaching practice and supported by university supervision and coaching. The Golden Start supports their development of skills to hit the ground running in their first full-time teaching year. This option is ideal for career changers and can accelerate program completion to as little as 15 months or extended up to five years.

Traditional Pathway
Candidates may choose to complete traditional student teaching as the capstone clinical experience. This option offers a more gradual transition into the classroom and may be extended up to three years. The Golden Start supports their development as a school professional in these capacities.

Learn More About Kutztown's Master's in Secondary Education