Explore Holy Family University's M.Ed. Programs & Specializations

Earning a master’s degree can be a routine salary step or a deliberate investment in the specialized skills that urban classrooms demand. Holy Family University, founded in 1954 by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to serve first-generation students in Philadelphia, has built its School of Education around the second path.

The M.Ed. programs, available in curriculum and instruction, special education, and educational leadership, are designed for working teachers who need flexible delivery. Nearly all specializations are offered in online, on-campus, or hybrid formats, allowing educators to continue teaching while they study.

Philadelphia’s persistent teacher shortages in high-need areas turn this credential into more than a career milestone; it becomes a strategic advantage in a competitive licensing environment.

Philadelphia's Education Landscape: Why Holy Family M.ed. Graduates Thrive

The Philadelphia metropolitan area’s education workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, with schools across the region working to fill thousands of positions in special education, English language learning, and instructional leadership each year.

A Large and Diverse School System

As home to one of the largest public school districts in the nation, alongside a dense network of charter, private, and parochial schools, the Philadelphia region employs tens of thousands of teachers, administrators, and support staff. This expansive landscape creates a steady demand for qualified educators who can serve students from a wide array of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Holy Family University’s School of Education has long been a pipeline for these schools, equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in urban and suburban classrooms alike.

Persistent Demand in Specializations

Demand is especially acute in positions where specialized training matters most. School districts consistently report shortages of special education teachers, reading specialists, and instructional leaders capable of guiding curricula and mentoring colleagues. Holy Family’s Master’s in Education programs (like many M.Ed. programs in Pennsylvania) directly target these gaps by offering concentrations in special education, literacy, and educational leadership, ensuring that graduates step into roles where they can make an immediate impact.

Holy Family’s Role in Meeting Local Needs

The university’s deep ties to Philadelphia-area schools translate into meaningful clinical experiences. Students complete field placements and internships in real classrooms, often building relationships that lead to jobs with a masters in education upon graduation. Through partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia and surrounding districts, Holy Family places candidates in settings that mirror the communities they will serve, helping them develop culturally responsive practices and a network of professional contacts.

Aligned with Pennsylvania Certification

Holy Family’s curriculum is designed to meet Pennsylvania’s teacher certification standards and the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s requirements for advanced credentials. Coursework and performance assessments align with state content and pedagogy expectations, so graduates are prepared to apply for the appropriate Instructional I or II certificates, as well as add-on endorsements in reading or special education. The program’s structure also accommodates the experience-based pathway for educators seeking principal certification, a crucial need in the region.

Conveniently Located for Working Teachers

Situated in Northeast Philadelphia, the Holy Family campus offers convenient access for in-service teachers who live or work in the city and surrounding counties. Evening, weekend, and online course formats allow working educators to advance their credentials without sacrificing their jobs, making the university a practical choice for those balancing full-time teaching with graduate study.

Flexible Learning: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid M.ed. Options

Holy Family University's M.Ed. programs are designed with working educators in mind, offering flexible delivery formats that accommodate busy schedules. The School of Education understands that graduate students are often balancing full-time teaching jobs, family commitments, and professional development. To meet these diverse needs, the university typically provides a range of modalities (online, on-campus, and hybrid), allowing you to choose the path that best fits your life and learning style.

Understanding Delivery Format Options

The specifics of each delivery format can vary by specialization. Some M.Ed. tracks may be available fully online, with coursework that can be completed asynchronously, meaning you log in and complete assignments on your own schedule. Others might follow a synchronous virtual classroom model, requiring you to attend live sessions at set times. On-campus courses provide face-to-face interaction and access to campus resources, while hybrid options blend online convenience with periodic in-person meetings, often on evenings or weekends, to accommodate working professionals. Because program structures are updated periodically, the most reliable way to know your options is to review the official program pages on the Holy Family University website or contact the admissions office directly.

How to Confirm Your Program's Format

When you explore a particular M.Ed. specialization, look for a section labeled 'Delivery Format', 'Program Options', or 'How You'll Learn' on the program's webpage. If the information isn't immediately clear, reaching out by phone or email to the graduate admissions team can provide a definitive answer. They can tell you whether a given concentration is fully asynchronous, if it requires any campus visits, or if it follows a cohort model with set progression. It's also worth asking about technical requirements and the learning management system used, as these can affect your experience. While professional organizations like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) endorse quality standards for educator preparation, they do not prescribe specific delivery modes; those remain at the discretion of the institution.

Balancing Work, Life, and Graduate Study

Choosing a flexible format doesn't mean sacrificing rigor. Holy Family's M.Ed. curricula are designed to deliver the same quality of instruction, mentorship, and collaborative learning regardless of how you attend. Online and hybrid students often engage in discussion forums, group projects, and virtual office hours to build the same professional connections as on-campus peers. For practicing teachers, an asynchronous online specialization can make it possible to continue working full-time while earning a degree that leads to career advancement or new endorsements. If your schedule allows for occasional campus visits, a hybrid model can offer the best of both worlds: flexibility with valuable in-person networking.

Master's in Education Specializations at Holy Family University

Holy Family University's School of Education offers three focused M.Ed. specializations designed to advance your teaching career and expand your impact. All programs are available in online or hybrid formats², giving you the flexibility to balance graduate study with professional and personal commitments. Each pathway leads to a specific Pennsylvania certification and prepares you for in-demand roles in K-12 schools.

Educational & Teacher Leadership

The 30-credit³ M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, an in-depth teacher leadership degree, blends theory with practice through an integrated practicum sequence and a capstone project that emphasizes school-wide change. Coursework covers instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and school law, directly aligning with Pennsylvania Principal Certification¹ requirements. Graduates often step into roles such as department chair, instructional coach, assistant principal, or principal, leading curriculum improvement and teacher development across their buildings.

Special Education

Two tracks within the Special Education M.Ed. let you tailor your focus: a 39-credit³ Special Education Teacher Certification program and a 36-credit³ Inclusive Education concentration. Both tracks incorporate an applied behavior analysis (ABA) emphasis and coursework on transition planning for students with disabilities.³ The certification track qualifies you for Pennsylvania Special Education certification¹, while the inclusive education track prepares you to support diverse learners in general classrooms. Typical career outcomes include special education coordinator, inclusion specialist, or learning support teacher.

Reading & Literacy

The 30-credit³ Reading Specialist Teacher Certification M.Ed., a focused master's in reading and literacy, deepens your expertise in literacy assessment and instruction across elementary and secondary levels. You will examine research-based strategies for struggling readers and complete a supervised practicum that hones your diagnostic skills. This program prepares you to sit for the PRAXIS Reading Specialist exam³ and earn Pennsylvania Reading Specialist certification¹. Graduates often become reading specialists, literacy coaches, or interventionists, providing targeted support to students and professional development to colleagues.

Each specialization includes a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds toward a culminating clinical or project-based experience. For a full list of courses, credit breakdowns, and additional program features, please refer to the detailed program listings provided below.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid for Education Graduate Students

Holy Family University keeps graduate education financially within reach through transparent per-credit pricing and a suite of aid options designed for working educators.

Graduate Tuition and Fee Structure

The 2025-2026 per-credit rate for education graduate programs is $721¹. Most M.Ed. specializations require between 30 and 36 credit hours, placing total tuition between $21,630 and $25,956. A general university fee of $162 applies each term, and a graduation fee of $165 is assessed upon completion¹. Plan for roughly $1,150 annually for books and supplies⁵, and off-campus room and board is estimated at about $15,466 per year⁵.

Importantly, Holy Family offers a 40% tuition discount to eligible graduate students, which can dramatically reduce the overall cost². Under this discount, a 30-credit program could cost as little as $12,978 in tuition. Audited courses are charged at 50% of the per-credit rate, and challenge exams cost one-third of that rate¹.

Financial Aid Options for Educators

Federal financial aid is available. Graduate students can apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and those who need additional funds may consider the Graduate PLUS Loan⁴. Education students should also investigate the federal TEACH Grant, which awards up to $4,000 per year for candidates who commit to teaching in a high-need field for at least four years within eight years of graduation.

Holy Family offers its own merit scholarship for graduate students with a 3.5 GPA or higher³. Many students finance their education through employer tuition reimbursement; the university's payment plan lets you spread the balance over several months instead of paying a lump sum⁴. For personalized help, contact the Financial Aid Office at 267-341-3233 or [email protected], or Student Accounts at 267-341-3202 or [email protected]⁴.

Estimating Your Real Out-of-Pocket Cost

The sticker price rarely tells the full story. Use Holy Family's Net Price Calculator to plug in your financial information and see an estimate of grants, scholarships, and loan eligibility. By weighing tuition discounts, federal aid, and payment flexibility, most graduate students find an M.Ed. from Holy Family University is within their budget.

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

Holy Family University balances academic credentials and professional experience by not requiring the GRE or MAT for candidates with a strong undergraduate record.²

Minimum GPA and Test Requirements

A 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA is the baseline for regular admission.¹ Applicants whose GPA falls below this threshold must submit either GRE or MAT scores, with scores valid within the last five years.² The interview is a standard part of the evaluation, allowing faculty to assess communication skills and fit for the education field.¹

Application Materials

The complete application package includes:¹

• Official transcripts: from all previously attended colleges or universities.
• Personal statement: outlining your professional goals and reasons for pursuing the M.Ed. at Holy Family.
• Letters of recommendation: two letters, ideally from academic or professional references familiar with your teaching or leadership potential.
• Resume or CV: detailing your work history, especially any teaching or related experience.
• Teaching certificate: a copy is required if you hold one; some specializations mandate a current teaching license.²
• Interview: conducted with program faculty after an initial review of your materials.

Program-Specific Prerequisites

Many M.Ed. specializations at Holy Family expect applicants to possess a valid teaching certificate.² This is not uniform across all tracks, so you will need to check the requirements for your chosen program. For example, Curriculum and Instruction and certain reading specialist or special education pathways often require current classroom teaching experience.² If you are not yet licensed, some programs may offer an alternative route.

Deadlines and Timelines

Holy Family operates on a semester schedule with four entry points. Application deadlines are July 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, April 1 for summer, and January 1 for winter starts.³ These are firm deadlines, not rolling admissions. International applicants should submit all materials at least four months before the intended start date to allow for visa processing.³

Alternative Admission Pathway

If you do not meet the standard admission criteria, the School of Education offers an internal admission track. You may enroll in up to six credits of graduate coursework as a non-degree student. To qualify for full admission, you must earn a grade of B or better in each course, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and receive positive evaluations from two faculty members.¹

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations for Holy Family M.ed. Graduates

The demand for specialized educators continues to reshape hiring trends across Pennsylvania school districts, and Holy Family University’s Master of Education programs are structured to meet that demand head-on.

A Snapshot of Graduate Employment

According to a 2022-2023 survey of Holy Family University Master of Education alumni¹, 91.7% of graduates were employed, with nearly 90% working full-time. More importantly, 91% reported that their position was related to their field of study, and 97% felt their career aligned with their goals. These outcomes reflect the program’s tight integration with regional school needs.

Career Paths by Specialization

Holy Family’s M.Ed. specializations prepare graduates for distinct roles in education. - Teacher Leader and Curriculum Specialist: Graduates often become instructional coaches, department chairs, or district resource teachers, shaping curriculum and mentoring colleagues. - Special Education Coordinator: With Pennsylvania’s rising demand for inclusive classrooms, this track leads to roles like special education teacher, autism-support specialist, or case manager, often through the university’s special education certification concentration². - Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach: The reading specialist pathway, which leads to Pennsylvania Reading Specialist certification², prepares educators to design literacy interventions and lead school-wide reading programs. - Administration and Principal Certification: For those pursuing building-level leadership, the principal certification track combines coursework with field experiences to qualify for administrative roles².

Salary Insights and Regional Data

While individual salaries vary by district and role, Holy Family’s graduate survey reported an average annual salary of approximately $74,140 for the 2022-2023 cohort¹. To put that in context, instructional coordinators in the Philadelphia metro area often earn median wages in the mid-$70,000s, and special education teachers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on credentials and experience. Earning a master’s degree can also trigger automatic pay scale increases in many Pennsylvania public school districts, a pattern detailed in our master's in education salary guide.

Alumni Success and Employer Connections

Holy Family M.Ed. graduates have been hired by a wide range of local districts, including the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Neshaminy, Pennsbury, and the School District of Philadelphia, among others³. Common job titles include classroom teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and principal⁴. The university’s School of Education maintains partnerships with area schools, providing field placements and networking that help fuel a strong employment pipeline.

Certification and Career Advancement

Completing an M.Ed. at Holy Family can lead directly to advanced Pennsylvania educator credentials. The reading specialist track prepares candidates for the Reading Specialist certificate², while the special education concentration aligns with Special Education certification requirements². Graduates of the principal certification program meet the academic prerequisites for the Pennsylvania Administrative Certificate². By coupling a master’s degree with state-recognized endorsements, educators position themselves for leadership roles and higher earning potential.

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Accreditation and Teacher Licensure: Ensuring Quality and Compliance

How does Holy Family University’s accreditation status support your path to a Pennsylvania teaching credential? The university holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education¹, and its teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.¹ This combination confirms that your degree meets rigorous academic standards and aligns with the state’s certification requirements.

Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Holy Family University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)¹, an accrediting agency recognized by both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education⁴. The institution’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2021, with the next self-study evaluation scheduled for 2028, 2029.² Institutional accreditation ensures the university operates with sound governance, upholds academic quality, and meets financial stability benchmarks. It also qualifies the school to participate in federal financial aid programs. For education graduate students, MSCHE accreditation means your M.Ed. degree carries recognized value, which can be important for employment, salary advancement, and further graduate study.

Pennsylvania Department of Education Program Approval

Holy Family’s teacher preparation programs do not hold programmatic accreditation from CAEP (the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) or its predecessor, NCATE. Instead, the School of Education has earned approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).¹ This state-level approval is the gateway to teaching licensure in Pennsylvania. PDE examines curriculum, clinical experiences, and faculty qualifications to confirm that completers are ready to meet the commonwealth’s instructional standards. Because each program is tailored to PDE competencies, graduates emerge prepared to apply for Pennsylvania Instructional I certificates in areas such as elementary education, special education, or reading specialist.³

Certification Pathway for Advanced Credentials

Enrolling in an M.Ed. program at Holy Family puts you on a structured path to advanced certification. After completing coursework and required clinical experiences, you must pass the appropriate Praxis subject assessments or Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests. The university’s field placement office provides guidance on student teaching or internship hours, and the certification office helps you navigate the PDE application through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). Specific add-on certifications, such as Reading Specialist or Special Education, typically require a combination of core M.Ed. courses, specialized electives, and a supervised practicum. Throughout the process, faculty advisors monitor your progress to ensure you satisfy current PDE regulations.¹

Reciprocity and Interstate Agreements

While state approval does not automatically transfer certification to every other state, many states have reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. This means Holy Family graduates often qualify for comparable credentials through teacher license reciprocity, though additional testing or coursework may be required. The university’s accreditation by MSCHE also bolsters the portability of your degree. If you plan to teach in another state, you should review that state’s licensure requirements early, but a Holy Family M.Ed. provides a solid foundation for meeting them. Ultimately, the combination of institutional accreditation and PDE approval ensures you are well positioned to pursue licensure and career mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Family University's M.ed. Programs

Get quick answers to common questions about Holy Family University's Master of Education programs, from online flexibility and tuition costs to certification pathways. Whether you're exploring initial teaching credentials or advancing your career, these FAQs clarify key details to help you make informed decisions.