The Master of Science in Secondary Education will prepare you for a rewarding career educating students in grades 7-12. In this 30-credit program, you will acquire the practical experience and tools necessary to meet the wide-ranging needs and learning levels of today’s diverse middle school and high school students.
The curriculum includes courses in adolescent psychology, assessment and evaluation and instructional techniques for middle and secondary schools. This program also includes a fieldwork component, offering the opportunity to apply your student teaching skills in the classroom.
Saint Joseph’s offers a wide range of master’s-level programs that prepare students for initial instructional certification (Level I). If you are interested in educating students in grades 7-12, Saint Joseph’s 30-credit master’s degree in secondary education will help you advance your career in education with new skills and create a network of like-minded individuals who will support you throughout your career.
If you are an undergraduate student, Saint Joseph's 4+1 program offers the opportunity for students to begin earning credits towards a master's in secondary education at an accelerated pace. If you're interested in this option, you'll need to apply to the graduate program in your junior year and be conditionally accepted before you complete your bachelor's degree.
Saint Joseph's offers six concentration options to help you customize your degree to fit your unique career focus and goals. Concentrations include:
All courses in the secondary education program can be taken online except for the required field experiences and student teaching. Field placement support, academic advising, individualized attention from expert faculty and lifelong career services are all part of your online master's in education experience at Saint Joseph's.
Philadelphia Regional Institute for STEM Educators (PRISE) is a scholarship program that aims to recruit and retain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers in high-need schools. Through a partnership with Saint Joseph’s and other universities in the Philadelphia region, PRISE will offer larger workshops and events, engage in widespread networking and submit grant applications for STEM teachers.
Saint Joseph’s has a rich and proud history of preparing highly qualified teachers in the Jesuit tradition. Graduates are prepared to be reflective, principled educators who are deeply committed to furthering student achievement as well as teacher performance. You will have the opportunity to put tradition and philosophy to work in your student teaching and fieldwork requirements for the program and to discuss and learn from other educators. This tradition reinforces ethical and moral leadership and teaching methods centered on values and principles, and advocates for social justice in education for underrepresented communities and students. You will have access to a variety of fieldwork experiences available in urban, suburban, Catholic and charter schools.
You will have the opportunity to work with a full-time advisor who will address questions throughout the program – something that isn’t typical of other programs.
With an increased focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice in education and leadership, Saint Joseph’s core mission provides credibility and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Graduates who pursue a Master of Science in Secondary Education have gone on to pursue successful careers as middle school and high school teachers in a wide array of specializations. Career options include:
View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
Affordable tuition options start at $845 per credit.*
*This rate applies to all students accepted by Saint Joseph's University after June 1, 2023. Tuition and fee rates for students accepted prior to June 1, 2023, differ. Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.
Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.
Discount Eligibility
Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.
Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs.
Note: discounts cannot be combined.
Saint Joseph’s University is approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, that assesses institutions for the highest available form of accreditation.
The Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a recognition that represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.
SJU is a yellow ribbon school that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Service can help you access and understand the benefits available to you and will support you during your educational career at SJU.
Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.
With 218 schools and 118,053 students, Philadelphia offers a wide range of schools seeking leaders in secondary education. The Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences helps you coordinate the three required field experiences or labs as well as your full-time, 14-week student-teaching placement. Participating in a field experience in a local Philadelphia school or a lab exposes you to a variety of classroom experiences and teaching styles.
To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.
Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This means applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Start Terms:
If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the graduate admission page for additional requirements.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, middle school and high school teachers earn an average salary of $61,820 per year.
In addition to a student support coordinator, we have a variety of other tools and resources that make it easy for you to get technical assistance, chart your course and focus on your career search. Check out our online learning resources.
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