Graduate Programs

Have you considered becoming a Reading Specialist? Literacy Coach? A leader in the content areas of Mathematics and Science? Our programs are designed to support your goal in achieving a graduate degree, certification, or endorsement while juggling the demands of life and work. All of our programs are offered 100% online by highly-qualified faculty with the experience to provide you with all of the knowledge and tools you need to specialize in areas of teaching that are of most interest to you.

All candidates completing K-12 Reading Specialist, M.ED. or K-12 Reading Specialist Certification & Instructional Coaching Endorsement: Literacy Emphasis, M.ED. are eligible to receive Pennsylvania certification after completing a practicum and achieving a passing or qualifying score on Pennsylvania Department of Education required exam(s). If you are interested in teaching in another state, please contact the Department of Education in that state.

K-12 Reading Specialist (M.ED.)

The Master of Education in K-12 Reading Specialist degree is designed to promote the development of reading professionals who are able to play a variety of roles from kindergarten through twelfth grade. These roles include classroom reading teacher, diagnostic remedial specialist, developmental study skills specialist, consultant, or resource specialist. All candidates completing this program are eligible to receive Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certification after achieving a passing score on the Praxis II test in Reading. This certification is required for all Title I teachers in the Commonwealth of PA.

Reading Specialist (PA Certification Only)

Candidates seeking only to receive Pennsylvania Reading Specialist Certification must complete 21 credits of graduate courses in reading. Candidates must also pass the Praxis II Specialty Test in reading. Should a candidate choose to continue his/her studies toward the attainment of a graduate degree, all of the core course work will count toward the Master of Education degree with a concentration in reading.

K-12 Reading Specialist Certification & Instructional Coaching Endorsement - Literacy Emphasis (M.ED.)

For teachers who are interested in preparing for roles as both reading specialists and instructional coaches, the K-12 Reading Specialist Certification & Instructional Coaching Endorsement--Literacy Emphasis provides additional preparation in instructional coaching with a literacy emphasis and leads to certification as a K-12 reading specialist and an instructional coaching endorsement from PDE.

K-8 Mathematics/Science (M.ED.)

The Master of Education in Elementary Education: K-8 Math and Science program is designed to assist certified teachers in becoming leaders in the instruction of mathematics and science through special emphasis on the integration of the two content areas. Graduate candidates in this program do not take courses in math and science content, but rather, take courses to improve their ability to teach math and science by utilizing the tools of technology and state/national standards, and by examining exemplary curricula in math and science.

Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership and Administration

Leadership is arguably the most critical factor in achieving excellence in higher education. Slippery Rock University's (SRU) Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration is designed to produce executive leaders that are capable of managing the growing complexities and demands that higher education institutions face today. The program addresses the development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to effectively lead an institution by establishing an organizational vision, creating and implementing a strategic plan, exercising shared governance, and engaging in effective decision making. The program will also focus on leading edge approaches in such areas as data analytics, finance, budgeting, enrollment management, management, marketing, fundraising, and the development of the inner strengths of leaders. This holistic approach will prepare leaders for career enhancements that most often entail moving from assistant provost or director to associate provost, associate provost to a dean or provost, and program director to associate vice-president.

Master of Education: English

The Basic Teaching Track in Secondary English is a degree designed for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree and appropriate coursework for English. Successful completion of the program will lead to a master's degree and can lead to state certification. It is anticipated that students would complete the 36-semester hour program in one calendar year of full-time study, beginning with the Summer Pre-Session.

The Advanced Teaching Track in Secondary English is a Master of Education degree for individuals who already possess teacher certification in English. In addition to core courses, these certified teachers will concentrate on individual professional development by electing 12 semester hours of coursework from the areas of English, foundations of education, instructional technology, or counseling. The GPA requirement for this program is 3.00 or greater.

Master of Education: Social Studies

The Basic Teaching Track in Secondary Social Studies is a degree designed for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree and appropriate coursework for social studies. Successful completion of the program will lead to a master's degree and can lead to state certification.

The Advanced Teaching Track in Social Studies Teaching is a Master of Education degree for individuals who already possess teacher certification in Social Studies. In addition to core courses, these certified teachers will concentrate on individual professional development by electing 12 semester hours of coursework from the areas of History, foundations of education, instructional technology, or counseling.

Master of Education: Math/Science

The Basic Teaching Track in Secondary Mathematics/Science is a degree designed for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree and appropriate coursework in mathematics or one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics). Successful completion of the program will lead to a master's degree and can lead to state certification.

The Advanced Teaching Track in Secondary Mathematics/Science (STEM Concentration) is a Master of Education degree for individuals who already possess teacher certification in mathematics or one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics).

Certificate: Applied Research, Statistics, and Measurement

Students in the online Applied Research, Statistics, and Measurement certificate program improve their understanding of data-driven decision-making methods and become familiar with contemporary tools for data-analysis, like SPSS and other software options.

This online program helps give individuals the tools and knowledge necessary to become researchers. These skills help to position leaders in the application of research, statistics, and measurement in the workplace.

Certificate: Principal

Leadership is arguably the most critical factor in achieving excellence in higher education. Slippery Rock University’s Principal Certification is designed to produce executive leaders that are capable of managing the growing complexities and demands that K-12 Schools in Pennsylvania need today. The program addresses the development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to effectively lead a school by establishing an organizational vision, creating and implementing a strategic plan, exercising shared governance, and engaging in effective decision making. The program will also focus on leading edge approaches in such areas as organization systems, finance, budgeting, enrollment management, marketing, management, fundraising, and the development of the inner strengths of leaders. This holistic approach will prepare principals for leadership roles in Pennsylvania’s schools.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership

Graduate Programs

Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership

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