Advance Your Teaching Career with a Master's from Saint Joseph's

Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage reached 1,900 to 2,800 unfilled positions in 2025. Saint Joseph’s University, rooted in a 170-year-old Jesuit tradition of education and service, addresses this need from its Philadelphia campus through deep partnerships with area schools.

Its master’s in education programs combine flexible online delivery with practical, values-driven training. In a region where instructional coordinator roles are projected to grow 7% through 2032, an advanced degree from Saint Joseph’s is a concrete investment in lasting classroom impact.

Philadelphia: A Vibrant Education Hub for Graduate Study

Why pursue a master’s in education in the Philadelphia region? The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers one of the most robust education labor markets on the East Coast, combining a dense network of schools with a steady demand for advanced-degree professionals. For graduate students, this means both a rich learning environment and strong career prospects upon completion of a program like Saint Joseph’s University’s master’s in education.

A Diverse and Growing Education Sector

The region contains hundreds of public school districts alongside numerous charter networks, private schools, and education nonprofits. This variety creates persistent needs for curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators, and teacher leaders. Urban, suburban, and rural settings coexist, giving graduates flexibility to find a professional niche that suits their skills and interests. Major universities and research centers add further employment avenues in program evaluation, policy work, and professional development.

Ongoing Need for Advanced Credentials

Pennsylvania consistently identifies teacher shortage areas, particularly in special education, STEM, and English language learning. A master’s degree can unlock higher salary tiers and qualify you for instructional leadership roles. Many districts prioritize candidates with graduate-level expertise in curriculum design and data-driven instruction because these skills directly support student outcomes and compliance with evolving state standards.

How to Track the Local Job Market

Prospective students can check several authoritative sources for current employment and salary data instead of relying on guesswork:

• The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area provides up-to-date employment figures and wage ranges for education occupations.
• Pennsylvania Department of Education educator shortage reports highlight certification areas with the greatest hiring urgency, broken down by region and school year.
• Organizations like the Pennsylvania State Education Association and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers publish local workforce analyses and salary trend updates.
• Individual district websites list live job postings, pay scales, and any advanced-degree incentives directly.

These resources give you a clear, data-informed view of where a master’s degree lifts your career prospects the most, making Philadelphia a strategic choice for your graduate studies.

Master’s in Education Programs at Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Joseph's University offers a comprehensive suite of master's in education programs built to advance the careers of working educators. The graduate catalog includes focused specializations that respond to real classroom needs and evolving leadership demands in K-12 schools. A detailed list of degrees follows, with an overview to help you match each program to your career goals.

Specializations That Match Your Career Path

The university’s education portfolio includes several distinct master’s options, each with a clear professional audience:

• Curriculum & Instruction MS: Ideal for teachers who want to deepen their expertise in designing, implementing, and assessing curriculum across grade levels. Graduates often move into instructional coaching, department leadership, or curriculum development roles.
• Secondary Education M.Ed.: Designed for those pursuing initial teaching certification or adding a secondary content area, this program combines pedagogical training with supervised field experiences.
• Special Education M.Ed.: Focused on inclusive practices and individualized support for students with disabilities, this track prepares educators for roles as special education teachers or inclusion specialists.
• Educational Leadership M.Ed.: Geared toward aspiring principals, supervisors, and district-level administrators, the coursework emphasizes school law, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement.
• Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing M.Ed.: A specialized pathway for educators who want to work with deaf and hard of hearing students in a variety of instructional settings.

Additional concentrations and certificate options are available, allowing you to tailor your studies to specific grade bands, content areas, or leadership functions.

Built for the Working Educator

Every program at Saint Joseph’s is informed by the university’s Jesuit commitment to service, reflection, and social justice in education. Courses are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats so you can continue teaching while you learn. Faculty bring extensive K-12 experience, and coursework is designed to be immediately applicable in your classroom or school site. With multiple start dates per year and streamlined admissions, the university removes barriers so you can focus on the next step in your career.

Curriculum & Instruction MS: What You’ll Learn

Some graduate education programs emphasize theoretical frameworks; others take a hands-on, practical approach. Saint Joseph's University's master's in curriculum and instruction blends both, preparing educators to design, implement, and assess curricula in real classrooms. The fully online program is built for working teachers who want to deepen their instructional expertise without putting their careers on hold.

Core Curriculum: Building a Foundation

The 30-credit master’s program¹ rests on a set of core courses that establish a solid grounding in curriculum design and instructional leadership. While specific course titles may vary by cohort, the core typically includes: - Curriculum Theory: Exploring historical and contemporary models for shaping what students learn and how learning is sequenced. - Instructional Design: Techniques for creating effective lesson plans, units, and assessments that address diverse learner needs. - Assessment and Evaluation: Methods for measuring student progress, analyzing data, and using results to improve teaching. - Educational Research: Tools for critically reading research and applying evidence-based practices in your own classroom or district.

Elective Concentrations and the STEM Pathway

Beyond the core, electives allow you to tailor the degree to your professional goals. Saint Joseph’s offers a formal STEM Education concentration, ideal for teachers who want to lead science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives. Elective options often cover topics like technology integration, literacy across content areas, special education strategies, or cultural responsiveness. These choices let you build a specialist niche or broaden your generalist skills, depending on where you see your career heading.

Capstone Integration

Rather than a standalone thesis or practicum, this program embeds a culminating capstone experience within the coursework.¹ You will synthesize your learning by tackling a real-world curriculum challenge, often in your own school or district. This design means you do not need to step away from your teaching role to complete a separate project; instead, the capstone becomes an extension of your daily work, giving you something tangible to show for your investment.

Flexible Completion for Working Educators

The MS in Curriculum & Instruction is designed for K, 12 teachers, curriculum specialists, and aspiring instructional leaders who need a program that fits around a full-time job. Delivered entirely online, it can be completed in about 24 months of part-time study.¹ Full-time students may finish sooner, but the typical timeline respects the realities of a teaching career. With fall, spring, and summer start dates, you can begin when it suits you and immediately apply new skills in your classroom.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Educator Discounts

How much does a master's in Curriculum and Instruction cost at Saint Joseph's University, and what financial help can educators get?

Program Cost at a Glance

The Curriculum and Instruction MS program is priced at $879 per credit. Since the degree requires 30 credits, the estimated total tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $26,370. This figure covers coursework only; fees and materials may add a small amount, but the per-credit rate gives you a clear baseline for budgeting.

Discounts for Educators

Saint Joseph's offers several tuition reductions, though they cannot be combined. Choose the one that best fits your situation:

• Current K-12 educators: Receive a 20% discount² through partnerships with many school districts.
• Catholic school teachers and staff: Qualify for a 40% tuition reduction.²
• Alumni: Graduates of Saint Joseph's University get a 10% discount on graduate programs.²

A mission discount is also available,² and the university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans.² Additionally, if your employer partners with Edcor or Bright Horizons EdAssist, you may be able to use corporate tuition benefits to further lower your out-of-pocket cost.²

Additional Financial Aid Options

Beyond discounts, graduate students can explore federal student loans by filing the FAFSA, employer tuition reimbursement plans, and a limited number of graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and tuition remission. Contact the financial aid office to confirm your eligibility and to learn about payment plans that spread the cost across each term.

Admissions Requirements: Steps to Apply

Applying to the Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction at Saint Joseph's University is designed to be accessible and efficient for working educators. The program values your professional experience and academic background over standardized testing, eliminating many common barriers so you can focus on preparing a strong application. Below, we break down each requirement step by step.

GRE Policy: No Exam Required

Saint Joseph's University does not require the GRE for admission to the MS in Curriculum & Instruction.¹ You are not expected to submit GRE scores as part of your application, and your candidacy will be evaluated without them. This policy reflects the program’s commitment to recognizing the real‑world teaching experience you bring, rather than prioritizing a single test score, an approach shared by many no-GRE master's in education programs.

GPA and Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is the primary academic requirement. The university does not publish a strict minimum GPA; instead, the admissions committee conducts a holistic review of your transcripts.¹ Your overall academic record, any graduate coursework, and your professional accomplishments are considered together. No specific prerequisite coursework is required, and you do not need to hold a teaching license to apply.¹ Candidates from diverse educational backgrounds are encouraged to submit an application.

Application Materials

The online application asks you to gather a concise set of documents. You will need to supply:

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
• Personal statement: A written statement explaining your interest in curriculum and instruction, your professional goals, and how the program aligns with them.
• Résumé: A current résumé detailing your employment history, teaching experience, and relevant professional activities.
• Recommendation letter: One letter of recommendation from a supervisor, colleague, or academic contact who can speak to your readiness for graduate study.¹

All materials are submitted through the university’s online portal. Once your file is complete, it moves directly to review.

Rolling Deadlines and Start Terms

Admission to the program operates on a rolling basis,¹ meaning you can apply at any time. After your application is complete, you can expect a timely decision. The MS in Curriculum & Instruction offers three start terms: fall, spring, and summer.¹ This flexibility allows you to align your enrollment with your personal and professional schedule. Early application is recommended to secure a spot in your preferred term.

Interview and Additional Evaluations

No interview is required for admission.¹ The committee bases its decision solely on the materials you submit. There is no separate conditional admission track; once accepted, you enroll directly into the program. If you have questions about your eligibility, the graduate admissions team is available to discuss your background before you apply.

Online, Hybrid, and On‑campus: Flexible Learning for Working Educators

Saint Joseph’s University delivers its Curriculum & Instruction MS entirely online¹, eliminating the need for on-campus attendance and making advanced education accessible to working teachers across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Fully Online Delivery for Modern Educators

Since this program is offered exclusively in a 100% online format, there are no on-campus or hybrid options. That means you never have to commute to the Philadelphia campus, yet you still benefit from the same rigorous curriculum and expert faculty as on-ground students. The fully online design uses asynchronous coursework, so you can view lectures, complete readings, and participate in discussions on your own schedule, a critical advantage for teachers balancing teaching and grad school.

Flexible Scheduling to Fit Your Life

• Start anytime: Choose from fall, spring, or summer entry points to begin when it suits your calendar.¹
• Asynchronous structure: No required login times or live class sessions; deadlines are clearly communicated each week, letting you plan around lesson planning, grading, and family commitments.
• Accredited for distance education: The program holds approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education², ensuring quality and transferability.

Choose Your Pace: Full-Time vs. Part-Time

Full-time students typically finish the 30-credit curriculum in 18-24 months.¹ The part-time pathway is available for educators who need a lighter load; although a specific part-time timeline isn’t published, most part-time students spread the program over two to three years. Part-time enrollment lowers per-term costs and allows you to immediately apply what you learn to your own classroom without overwhelming your schedule.

Career Paths and Salary Outcomes for Curriculum & Instruction Graduates

A master's in curriculum and instruction equips you to design, evaluate, and improve educational programs across a range of settings. Graduates move into roles that influence what and how students learn, often stepping into leadership positions within schools, districts, or organizations that support education.

Common Career Paths for Graduates

• Instructional Coordinator: Oversee curriculum standards, select teaching materials, and coach teachers to improve classroom outcomes. This is the most direct role for C&I graduates.
• Curriculum Specialist or Designer: Develop subject-specific curricula as a curriculum developer, align courses with state standards, and integrate educational technology into lesson plans.
• Instructional Coach: Provide one-on-one mentoring and professional development for teachers, often within a single school or across a district.
• Department Head or Assistant Principal: Combine curriculum leadership with administrative duties, supervising faculty and managing school-wide academic initiatives.
• Training and Development Specialist: Apply curriculum design skills in corporate, nonprofit, or government settings outside of K-12 education.

Salary Expectations in the Philadelphia Area

Salaries for curriculum and instruction leaders in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area reflect the added expertise and responsibility that come with a master's degree. According to federal data for 2026, instructional coordinators in the region earn a median annual wage between $78,000 and $82,000¹. Education administrators, including assistant principals and other school-based leaders with curriculum oversight, typically earn between $110,000 and $120,000 per year¹.

National trends provide additional context: the top 10 percent of instructional coordinators nationally earn over $100,000², and education administrators command six-figure median salaries across the country¹. While job growth for instructional coordination roles is projected to be modest (around 2 percent from 2023 to 2033)³, steady demand persists as schools continuously update academic programs and embrace new teaching methods.

Career Support and Alumni Outcomes

Saint Joseph's University offers career resources through its wider alumni network and career services, though the institution does not publish program-specific employment rates or salary data for curriculum and instruction graduates. The program's page highlights the roles listed above and references national median wages for instructional coordinators, indicating the degree aligns with market needs. Prospective students can contact the program office to learn about internship opportunities, school-district partnerships, and recent graduate placements.

A Rewarding Career Move: Instructional Coordinator Salaries in Philly

Pennsylvania Certification: Your Pathway to Leadership

Does earning a Curriculum & Instruction MS at Saint Joseph's University lead to Pennsylvania teaching certification? The short answer: the program is non-certification and does not lead to a teaching license or PDE endorsement.¹ However, it can advance your credentials, especially if you hold a Pennsylvania Level I certificate and aim for Level II.

Instructional II Certification: Credits Without the Exam

Pennsylvania's Instructional II certification requires 24 post-baccalaureate credits, with at least six related to your certification area or professional practice.² The Curriculum & Instruction MS delivers 30 graduate credits, well above that threshold.³ Because coursework centers on curriculum design, instructional leadership, and assessment, most courses align with the area-related requirement. There is no Praxis exam for Instructional II; credit accumulation is your primary pathway.² After meeting the credit and teaching requirements, your employer submits a recommendation via TIMS, and the PDE issues the Level II.² The university does not directly recommend for this certificate, but the SJU master's credits satisfy the academic component.¹

Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction: A Separate Leadership Track

If you aim for the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction certificate, which authorizes curriculum oversight across a school or district, the C&I MS alone does not suffice. This certificate is part of the Educational Leadership master's, in the concentration including Principal PK-12 and Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor PK-12 certifications.⁴ The 39-credit program includes leadership courses and two internships (EDL 695 and 696) for administrative experience.⁴ Upon completion, Saint Joseph's University recommends you for the Supervisor certificate.⁴ No Praxis is required; the internship and institutional recommendation are mandatory.⁴

Institutional Support and Internships

For administrative roles, the Educational Leadership pathway offers faculty guidance and internship placement. The non-certification C&I MS is a flexible, fully online option for teachers needing credits for salary advancement or Instructional II without additional exams.³ Matching the credential to your career stage and SJU degree avoids detours and reaches your leadership destination efficiently.

The Saint Joseph’s Difference: Expert Faculty and Jesuit Values

Many graduate education programs deliver a transactional experience: you complete credits, earn a grade, and receive a credential. The Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction at Saint Joseph’s University is different.² Here, rigorous academic work is woven into a supportive, values-driven community that prioritizes your growth as an educator and a leader.

Faculty Who Are Practitioners and Scholars

Saint Joseph’s education faculty are known for their deep expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and equity. Many have published widely on instructional techniques and adolescent development, and they bring years of K-12 and higher education experience into the classroom.¹ Rather than simply lecturing, they engage students in critical conversations about real-world challenges, such as closing achievement gaps or designing culturally responsive curricula. Small class sizes mean you work directly with these scholar-practitioners, benefiting from their research and mentorship in every discussion.

The Jesuit Tradition of Cura Personalis

At the heart of the Saint Joseph’s approach is *cura personalis*, or care for the whole person. This Jesuit value shapes every aspect of the program. Faculty take time to know your background, your professional goals, and the communities you serve. In a learning environment where class sizes are intentionally limited, you are not a number. Mentorship extends beyond office hours: professors help you reflect on ethical dilemmas in education and prepare you to lead with integrity. This focus on holistic development sets Saint Joseph’s apart, producing graduates who aren’t just skilled curriculum specialists but principled change agents.

From Mentorship to Career Momentum

This close-knit academic community has a lasting impact. Faculty connections often lead to project collaborations, recommendation letters that carry weight, and introductions to a robust alumni network across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Graduates of the Curriculum & Instruction program are well positioned for roles like instructional coordinator, curriculum director, or department lead, especially given that the faculty’s reputation for quality is recognized by local school districts and education organizations. By the time you complete your degree, you aren’t just finishing a master’s; you are joining a professional family dedicated to your long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the Curriculum and Instruction master's program at Saint Joseph's University. For the most up-to-date information, always check the university's official website or speak with an admissions advisor.

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