Master's in Education at Cedar Crest College: Programs & Specializations

Pennsylvania school districts lose roughly 7,200 teachers each year, making advanced credentials a hiring advantage rather than a luxury. Cedar Crest College, a women-founded liberal arts institution in Allentown, has built its reputation on teacher preparation since its founding in 1867. The college’s online M.Ed. programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education blend asynchronous coursework with required in-person field experiences, directly addressing the state’s certification needs. For working educators, the program’s rolling admissions and no-GRE policy remove common barriers, and its alignment with Pennsylvania’s Level II certification requirements offers a clear path to higher pay scales.

Cedar Crest College’s Education Programs at a Glance

Some graduate programs are built for career changers who need initial teaching certification, while others are designed for experienced educators seeking advanced endorsements. Cedar Crest College’s School of Education serves both groups, with a focused array of master’s and certificate programs that prioritize flexibility, practical application, and a supportive community rooted in the liberal arts tradition.

Degree and Certification Pathways

The primary graduate degree is the Education: Art of Teaching (M.Ed.), a fully online, non-licensure program that emphasizes research-based instructional design and reflective practice. For those pursuing initial certification, Cedar Crest offers three M.Ed. paths that embed state-approved licensure preparation: Early Childhood Education Certification, Secondary Education Certification, and Special Education Certification. Each integrates coursework with student teaching experiences coordinated by the field placement office.

For current teachers holding a professional license, the college provides three standalone certification programs that can be stacked or completed individually. The Reading Specialist Certification (24 credits) prepares educators to diagnose and address literacy challenges. The English as a Second Language (ESL) Certification (12 credits) develops culturally responsive strategies for multilingual learners. The Instructional Coach Endorsement (12 credits) trains teacher-leaders to guide peer professional development. Because these endorsements require an existing teaching credential, they do not lead to initial certification but instead deepen expertise within a specialized area.

Meet the Faculty

The Department of Education is led by Chair Dr. Melissa Kamyab, with graduate programming directed by Dr. Ivonne Miranda. Faculty such as Dr. Jill Purdy, Professor of Education, bring classroom experience and scholarly engagement to online and on-campus courses. The department also includes a dedicated Coordinator of Field and Student Teaching, Sarah Fields, who oversees placement logistics and mentoring for students seeking certification.

Flexible Learning for Working Educators

All programs are administered through the School of Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE), which tailors schedules, advising, and resources to the needs of adult learners. The M.Ed. in Art of Teaching is delivered entirely online, while certification tracks may include hybrid or on-campus components to accommodate practicum requirements. Regardless of delivery mode, class sizes remain small, and students benefit from close faculty mentorship throughout their program.

Inside the Curriculum: Specializations and What You’ll Learn

A Master’s in Education curriculum is a structured sequence of courses, field experiences, and capstone projects that builds advanced teaching expertise. At Cedar Crest College, graduate education programs are organized around specific specializations, such as Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, Early Childhood, or Secondary Education, each designed to deepen your knowledge and meet Pennsylvania’s licensure or professional development requirements. Because course offerings and credit loads can evolve, the most up-to-date details live with the college itself. Below you’ll find a roadmap for uncovering exactly what you’ll study and how to evaluate whether the program aligns with your career goals.

How to Access Official Curriculum Details

Your primary source is the Cedar Crest College website. Navigate to the “Academics” menu, select “Graduate Programs,” then choose “Education.” There you can typically download PDF curriculum sheets, course rotation schedules, and the academic catalog for each specialization. If online materials feel incomplete, reach out directly to the Education Department. Program advisors can share unofficial but current curriculum maps, explain capstone or practicum requirements, and clarify any sequencing rules that aren’t published on the site.

What to Expect Across Specializations

Though each M.Ed. pathway has unique coursework, most programs share a common architecture: - Foundational courses: Classes in research methods, learning theory, and educational psychology set the stage for advanced study. - Specialization courses: The bulk of your credits focus on your chosen area. In Curriculum & Instruction, for instance, you’ll likely explore instructional design, assessment strategies, and curriculum development, often with a concentration such as literacy, STEM, or instructional technology. - Culminating experience: Many tracks require a capstone project, professional portfolio, action research paper, or comprehensive exam that synthesizes your learning. Field components like practica or internships are common when the program leads to initial or advanced licensure, giving you hands-on practice in real classrooms.

Connecting Curriculum to Certification and Career

To see how coursework aligns with state teaching standards, review the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website (education.pa.gov). Look for certification frameworks (e.g., PDE 430, PDE 440) that detail required competencies for each endorsement area. This crosswalk can help you confirm that the program covers everything needed for licensure. For broader career context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook provides employment projections and job descriptions for roles tied to your specialization, handy for understanding how curriculum choices translate into day-to-day teaching responsibilities.

Ultimately, the best way to grasp the full curriculum is to combine these resources: the college’s own materials, a conversation with an advisor, and state guidelines that shape the program. This three-pronged approach ensures you know exactly what you’ll learn and how it prepares you for the next step in your education career.

Choosing Your Format: Online Vs. On-Campus Vs. Hybrid

Cedar Crest College delivers its M.Ed. programs primarily online, offering asynchronous coursework that fits a working teacher's schedule. The hands on component, including multiple field experiences and a final full time student teaching placement, requires in person attendance in school settings.

How to Apply: Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Cedar Crest College maintains a straightforward application process with rolling admissions and no GRE requirement.

• Undergraduate GPA

  A minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited bachelor’s degree is required.
• Official Transcripts

  Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended.
• Letters of Recommendation

  Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references are needed.
• Personal Statement

  Include a personal statement explaining your career goals and interest in the program.
• Resume

  A current resume highlighting relevant education and work experience is required.
• Application Deadlines

  Rolling admissions with priority deadlines: Fall (August 7), Spring (January 8), and Winter (November 7).
• Standardized Tests

  No GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission.

Tuition and Costs: What You’ll Pay for Your M.ed.

Some M.Ed. programs at Cedar Crest streamline your coursework into 30 credits, while others integrate added specializations that bump the requirement to 36 credits, a difference that directly changes your total tuition bill.

Per-Credit Tuition and Fees

The current per-credit rate for Cedar Crest’s Master of Education programs is $516.¹ This rate applies to all specializations, whether you pursue an online master's in education, study on campus, or choose a hybrid format. In addition to tuition, each semester brings a modest activity fee of $25.¹ Technology fees vary by enrollment status: part-time students pay $75 per semester,¹ while full-time students pay $125 per semester.¹ That means a part-time student can expect roughly $100 in fees each term ($25 + $75), and a full-time student $150 ($25 + $125). These fees cover access to learning management systems, campus tech resources, and student support platforms.

Total Program Cost by Credit Track

Cedar Crest’s M.Ed. comes in two common credit lengths. A 30-credit track (such as the base Curriculum and Instruction program) leads to a tuition total of $15,480.¹ After factoring in fees across your enrollment, the overall program cost lands around $15,880.¹ A 36-credit track (which may include additional certification or endorsement coursework) totals $18,576 in tuition,¹ or about $19,176 including fees.¹ These figures use the 2024-2025 rate and assume continuous enrollment without course repeats. Tuition typically adjusts slightly each academic year, so entering students should budget for modest increases. Compared to many private graduate education programs, these costs remain competitive, especially for a program that offers small class sizes and personalized faculty attention.

Making It Affordable: Aid and Payment Options

Cedar Crest College participates in federal financial aid programs, and most graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized Direct Loans. The college also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships that can reduce tuition and provide a stipend. Additionally, external scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement can offset costs; the financial aid office can help you identify opportunities. Many students find that paying per course each semester, rather than a flat annual bill, makes the investment manageable while continuing to teach full-time. For precise, up-to-date figures and a personalized estimate, contact Cedar Crest’s graduate admissions team.

Questions to Ask Yourself

How to Navigate Teacher Licensure With Cedar Crest College

Earning your teaching license involves a clear sequence of steps, from understanding state regulations to selecting the right program and completing required assessments. Cedar Crest College supports you through this process with dedicated advisors and program-tailored guidance. Use the following pathway as a starting point to map out your licensure journey.

Career Outcomes: Salary and Employment for Graduates

Cedar Crest graduates who completed the Master of Education with Early Childhood certification report median earnings of $59,460 ten years after enrollment, according to federal data. This income level reflects the career growth common among experienced educators who move into leadership or specialized roles.

Employment Settings and Opportunities

Many graduates begin their careers in Pennsylvania public school districts, taking advantage of the program’s built-in student teaching that places them in local classrooms. Private and charter schools also recruit heavily from the program, attracted by the hybrid format that blends theory with extensive field experience. Beyond traditional K-12 settings, alumni find roles in curriculum development firms, educational publishing, and nonprofit organizations focused on early childhood advocacy. Some use the master’s credential to transition into instructional coaching, program coordination, or roles as a child development specialist.

Placement and Support Services

Cedar Crest’s Career Center offers resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search workshops tailored to educators. While specific employer partnership data is not publicly reported, student feedback on Niche indicates a 78% helpfulness rating for the Career Center and a 70% satisfaction score for the strength of the alumni network. The college’s location in the Lehigh Valley provides access to a range of districts, from urban Allentown to suburban and rural schools, broadening the job market for new education graduates.

Long-Term Career Trajectory

Early career employment rates are strong: 70% of Cedar Crest graduates are employed within six months, and 97% after one year. The program’s required 6-credit internship during the undergraduate Educational Studies program (for those pursuing the B.S. to M.Ed. pathway) builds a hiring pipeline; many students receive job offers from their placement sites. As professionals gain experience, earning potential rises, with master’s-level teachers in Pennsylvania often qualifying for salary lanes that boost pay well beyond the initial $41,000 median annual wage reported for early career graduates. Certification mobility also allows graduates to pursue teaching licenses in other states, widening their options over time.

The faculty support here is incredible. I felt fully prepared for my teaching career, and the program was worth every penny.

Accreditation: What It Means for Your Teaching Career

What does Cedar Crest College’s accreditation status mean for my teaching license and job prospects?

Accreditation is the quality-assurance mechanism that confirms an institution meets established standards for academic rigor, faculty qualifications, and student services. For educators, it directly affects licensure portability, employer trust, and eligibility for federal financial aid.

Institutional Accreditation: The Foundation

Cedar Crest College holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a status first granted in 1944 and reaffirmed most recently in March 2023. The next comprehensive review will occur during the 2030, 2031 academic year. This regional accreditation covers the entire institution, meaning all degree programs, including the Master of Education, operate under an umbrella of recognized academic quality. MSCHE accreditation is essential for federal student aid eligibility and is widely respected by school districts, state licensing boards, and other graduate programs.

Programmatic Accreditation in Education

While Cedar Crest’s education programs do not hold specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)¹, this is not unusual. CAEP accreditation is voluntary, and many high-quality teacher preparation programs operate solely under regional accreditation. That said, some states require CAEP-accredited degrees for full reciprocity in teacher licensure. Without that stamp, graduates seeking to transfer a Pennsylvania teaching credential to another state may need to submit additional documentation, such as course syllabi or passing scores on state-specific tests, to prove their program’s equivalency.

How Accreditation Affects Licensure Portability

Licensure portability, the ability to move a teaching license from one state to another, often hinges on accreditation. States that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement generally accept out-of-state credentials from regionally accredited institutions. However, individual states may impose extra requirements if the educator preparation program is not CAEP-accredited. Before enrolling, it is wise to review the specific teacher license reciprocity rules in the state where you plan to teach. Cedar Crest’s education faculty and admissions advisors can provide guidance on this, and the college’s long-standing reputation in Pennsylvania often works in favor of its graduates.

Employer Confidence and Your Career

Institutional accreditation signals to school districts and educational organizations that your degree reflects meaningful academic achievement. While CAEP accreditation can add a layer of assurance focused on teacher preparation, most employers prioritize regional accreditation and state licensure eligibility over specialized program accreditation. Cedar Crest’s MSCHE status, combined with its positive track record in the Allentown region, means graduates are regularly hired in local public and private schools. For those staying in Pennsylvania, the lack of CAEP accreditation poses little practical concern, as the state’s own program approval and licensure process governs teacher certification validity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Crest’s M.ed.

Prospective graduate students often have questions about program details, costs, and licensure. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive about Cedar Crest College’s Master’s in Education offerings.

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