Master's in Education at DeSales University: Programs & Specializations

Pennsylvania school districts now commonly require a master’s degree for instructional leadership roles and principal certification, making graduate education a practical career move rather than an optional credential.

DeSales University draws on a century-old commitment to values-based teaching, offering M.Ed. specializations in early childhood education, special education, and higher education leadership. Flexible online, hybrid, and on-campus delivery options let working educators continue their full-time roles while earning the degree.

The university’s regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education assures that credits transfer and qualify for state licensure. Graduates consistently gain employment in Lehigh Valley school districts and beyond, where a master’s degree corresponds to a measurable salary lift.

Desales University College of Education and M.ed. Offerings

Whether you aim to lead a PreK-12 classroom or shape higher education administration, DeSales University’s College of Education structures its M.Ed. degrees around two distinct professional tracks. One path focuses on teacher preparation with state certification, while the other prepares you for roles in college and university settings.

Mission-Centered Preparation

The College of Education roots its graduate work in the university’s Salesian, Catholic tradition, emphasizing personal attention, ethical practice, and service. Classes stay deliberately small, with an average student-faculty ratio that allows professors, many of whom are current or former practitioners, to mentor students individually. Coursework weaves together research-based methods, reflective practice, and hands-on clinical experiences, so you graduate ready to meet the real demands of today’s classrooms and institutions.

M.Ed. Specializations and Pathways

DeSales currently offers two primary Master of Education degrees. The M.Ed. in Teacher Education is a 30-credit¹ program available both online and on campus. Within that degree, you can pursue a concentration in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (PreK-4)¹, which leads to Pennsylvania certification. For those drawn to inclusive classrooms, DeSales hosts the first approved Special Education PreK-12 Teacher Intern Program in Pennsylvania¹, a pathway that integrates intensive fieldwork with licensure preparation. A separate online² M.Ed. in Higher Education is designed for professionals already working in or aspiring to roles in academic affairs, student services, or enrollment management. While not a teacher-certification track, it combines theory with immediate application to college and university contexts. The university also offers a 12-credit Graduate Certificate in STEM Education for educators seeking focused expertise without a full master’s commitment.

The DeSales Difference

Several features set DeSales graduate education apart. The Teacher Intern Program allows career-changing professionals to earn certification while employed in a school setting, blending job-embedded learning with graduate coursework. All M.Ed. programs share a rolling admission policy, allowing you to start in fall, spring, or summer, and a built-in capstone project replaces a traditional thesis. The faith-informed perspective encourages you to view education as both a profession and a vocation, while the blend of online and face-to-face delivery gives working adults the flexibility they need. Program lengths range from 12 to 36 months, depending on your pace and prior credits.

Desales University M.ed. Specializations: Course Sequences and Curriculum

A master's in education specialization is a focused pathway that shapes the courses you take, the projects you complete, and the expertise you build. At DeSales University, M.Ed. programs offer distinct sequences of study designed to help you deepen your skills in areas such as curriculum and instruction, instructional leadership, or special education. Understanding how these sequences are structured is the first step toward choosing the right program for your career goals.

How to Explore Program Requirements

The most reliable starting point is DeSales University’s official graduate education page. It provides overviews of each M.Ed. concentration, including the philosophy behind the curriculum and the types of learners each track serves. For a deeper dive, the university’s academic catalog or program handbook lays out every required core course, elective option, and credit-hour total. These documents are typically updated annually and reflect the most recent curriculum changes.

Typical Curriculum Components

While DeSales tailors its M.Ed. programs to meet Pennsylvania educator standards, most concentrations share a common structure. A foundational core may cover topics like educational psychology, research methods, and contemporary issues in teaching. From there, specialization courses allow you to focus on your chosen area, whether that means advanced literacy instruction, inclusive classroom practices, or technology integration. Elective credits offer additional flexibility, letting you tailor the degree to niche interests or emerging trends in education.

Practicum and Internship Expectations

Many M.Ed. paths include a practicum or internship component that bridges theory and practice. These field experiences might involve supervised teaching, curriculum development projects, or administrative shadowing. The number of required hours varies by specialization and is often tied to licensure requirements. DeSales program coordinators can clarify whether your chosen track includes a culminating capstone, action-research project, or portfolio submission.

Getting the Most Current Information

Curricula evolve to reflect new research and state mandates. To ensure you have the latest details, contact the DeSales admissions office or the program coordinator directly. They can provide a sample degree plan, discuss transfer credit policies, and confirm any prerequisite coursework. Additionally, outside bodies like the Pennsylvania Department of Education and CAEP (the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) set curriculum standards that M.Ed. programs must meet, offering a useful benchmark as you evaluate your options.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Delivery: How Desales Makes It Work

Trying to decide whether an online, on-campus, or hybrid M.Ed. at DeSales University is the best fit for your schedule? DeSales structures its delivery formats to serve both working educators and full-time students, with clear distinctions among specializations.

Delivery Options for M.Ed. Specializations

Not every M.Ed. path comes in every format. The M.Ed. in Special Education is offered fully online¹, making it a practical choice for teachers who need a flexible schedule or live outside the Lehigh Valley. The M.Ed. in Teacher Education² and the M.Ed. in Higher Education³ are on-campus day programs held face-to-face in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Some graduate education courses outside the M.Ed. may be available in a hybrid format³, but for these three M.Ed. programs, you will commit fully to either online or in-person learning.

What to Expect from Synchronous Online Classes

Online courses at DeSales are synchronous⁴, meaning you log in at set class times, just as you would for an on-ground section, and participate in live discussions, group work, and direct instruction. This real-time engagement helps build a cohort feel and keeps you accountable. All online course activity runs through the Blackboard learning management system³, where you access materials, submit assignments, and connect with instructors.

Technology and Support for Online Learners

DeSales has specific technical requirements to ensure a smooth online experience: - Device: A laptop is required; Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones are not sufficient.⁴ - Operating system: Windows 10 (Version 20H2) or newer, or macOS 13.x (Ventura) or newer.⁴ - Browser: Chrome 80+ or Firefox 72+ on Windows; Safari 16+, Chrome 108+, or Firefox 102.2+ on Mac.⁴ - Peripherals: A headset with microphone and a webcam are mandatory.⁴ - Internet: Any connection above dial-up speeds will work.³ - Software: Microsoft Office 2010 or higher is needed for assignments.³ The Distance Education and Instructional Technology (DEIT) team offers a Blackboard Basics training³ to help you navigate the system. For broader questions, you can reach graduate admissions at [email protected]² or 610-282-1100 x1277⁵.

Comparing On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid Formats

Your daily realities will likely dictate the right mode. Working professionals often value the online M.Ed. because it eliminates commuting and lets them manage full-time jobs alongside evening or weekend synchronous sessions. Full-time students may prefer the on-campus experience for face-to-face mentorship, library access, and immediate peer collaboration. While the M.Ed. specializations themselves are either fully online or fully on campus, DeSales does run some hybrid education programs³ that combine periodic in-person meetings with online coursework, an appealing middle ground for those who can occasionally travel to campus.

Desales Graduate Education Tuition: Costs, Fees, and Financial Aid

The total cost of your graduate education is one of the most important factors in choosing a program, and DeSales University provides clear pricing for its Master of Education degrees. Understanding the per-credit rate, additional fees, and the financial aid resources that can reduce your out-of-pocket expense helps you plan realistically and avoid surprises.

Tuition Rates and Program Costs

DeSales uses a two-tier graduate tuition structure for education students. The online Master of Education programs, such as the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, are billed at a flat rate of $570 per credit hour for the 2026-2027 academic year, according to its online education profile. Because those programs typically require 30 credits to complete, total tuition comes to $17,100. By contrast, standard graduate education courses, which include most on-campus and hybrid offerings like the M.Ed. in Teacher Education, carry a per-credit rate of $900¹. With a standard 36-credit requirement, the tuition for these programs reaches $27,000. Keep in mind that individual specializations may have slightly different credit loads; always confirm the exact number of credits with the Graduate Education office.

Additional Fees and Expenses

Tuition is the largest line item, but other costs should be factored into your budget. All graduate students pay a one-time graduation fee of $125¹. The university provides estimates for books and supplies costs; students should budget accordingly.¹ If you have prior learning that might qualify for assessment, DeSales charges a fee equal to 30% of the course tuition for each prior-learning assessment¹. While not a direct fee for most students, a returned check incurs a $30 charge¹, so electronic payments are recommended. To help manage cash flow, DeSales offers payment plans that break each semester’s charges into monthly installments.¹

Financial Aid Options

Several forms of financial aid are available specifically to education master’s students. You can apply for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans by completing the FAFSA; these programs are not need-based for graduate students. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school; service obligations apply, so review the terms carefully. DeSales also maintains a list of education-specific scholarships, including awards for those entering high-demand subject areas or serving underrepresented communities. Graduate assistantships that include a stipend and tuition remission may be available within the College of Education; interested applicants should inquire directly. Additionally, DeSales matches military tuition assistance up to $250 per credit hour for eligible service members¹.

Net Price and Debt Outcomes

While program-level earnings and debt data for DeSales M.Ed. completers are not yet published through federal sources, the university’s overall graduate net price remains competitive. Prospective students can use the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to view median debt levels for education graduates at comparable institutions. Checking these benchmarks alongside the total cost estimates here gives you a fuller picture of the return on your investment. When comparing DeSales to other affordable online M.Ed. programs, also consider the value of DeSales’ flexible delivery formats and the career support services that can accelerate your earning potential after graduation.

Admissions Requirements for Desales M.ed. Programs

Applying to a DeSales M.Ed. program can take two different forms depending on the specialization you choose. The Teacher Education track welcomes career changers and new educators with no minimum teaching experience, while the Higher Education Leadership track expects at least two years of professional work and a current résumé. Other paths, like the ESL/TESOL concentration, fall closer to the Teacher Education model. Understanding these distinctions early helps you assemble the right materials and meet the correct deadlines.

GPA and Test Score Policies

DeSales sets a baseline undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for full admission to any M.Ed. program.¹ Candidates whose cumulative GPA falls between 2.5 and 2.99 may still qualify through provisional admission, which typically requires strong supporting credentials or a successful interview.² The university does not require the GRE, MAT, or any other standardized exam for domestic applicants; a no-testing waiver is standard across all M.Ed. specializations.¹ International applicants, however, must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 90, an equivalent IELTS or Cambridge CAE result, or proof of a degree earned in an English-medium institution.²

Application Materials

The materials you submit depend largely on the specialization. All M.Ed. applicants must provide official transcripts from every college attended. Beyond that, requirements diverge:

• Higher Education Leadership: a current résumé and an interview with program faculty are mandatory.¹
• Teacher Education, ESL/TESOL, and most other concentrations: no résumé or interview is required.¹

Across the board, letters of recommendation³ and a personal statement¹ are not part of the standard M.Ed. application. This streamlined approach means you can often complete your file quickly, especially if you are applying to a track that does not request a résumé. It also places added weight on your transcript and, where relevant, your professional background.

Experience and Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is the universal prerequisite. However, work experience requirements vary:

• Teacher Education and related med tracks: no prior teaching experience or certification is needed, making these paths accessible to those entering the field for the first time.³
• Higher Education Leadership: applicants should have at least two years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a college, university, or adjacent educational setting. This ensures that cohort discussions draw on real-world administrative contexts.²

Some programs may have additional content-area prerequisites, but the core admission threshold remains the undergraduate degree and GPA.

Deadlines and Rolling Admissions

DeSales operates on a rolling admissions basis for M.Ed. programs, meaning you can submit an application at any time for fall, spring, or summer entry.¹ While there are no firm cut-off dates, the university encourages applying at least six to eight weeks before your intended start term to allow for processing, document review, and financial aid packaging. Early applications also improve your chances of securing a seat in high-demand specializations.

International Applicants

In addition to the standard materials, international candidates must submit an official credential evaluation (if the bachelor’s degree was earned outside the U.S.) and English proficiency scores. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 90, with no individual section falling below 20.² IELTS and Cambridge CAE scores are accepted on a case-by-case basis. DeSales may also request a telephone or video interview for international applicants whose first language is not English, especially for programs with an onsite or hybrid component.

Licensure and Certification Pathways at Desales

The M.Ed. programs at DeSales University include dedicated certification tracks that culminate in Pennsylvania Instructional I credentials, giving graduates the credentials required for public school teaching positions in the state.¹

Certification Tracks and Endorsements

• Early Childhood Elementary Education (PreK, 4): This initial certification track leads to Pennsylvania Instructional I certification, preparing students for pre-kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms.
• Secondary Education (7, 12): Candidates earn Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for teaching in grades 7, 12. Before enrolling in more than six credits of certification coursework, students must pass the required Praxis II exam.¹
• Special Education (PreK, 12): DeSales was the first institution in Pennsylvania to offer a Special Education PreK, 12 Intern Certification Program.³ Graduates receive Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for special education across all grade levels.

Beyond initial certifications, the university offers advanced endorsements for educators who already hold an instructional certificate. The ESL Program Specialist Certification requires an existing Pennsylvania teaching license. The Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement is available to holders of Instructional I or II, supervisory, specialist, or administrative certificates. Additionally, the Teacher Intern Certification provides a 36-month pathway for individuals seeking to earn certification while teaching under a mentor.³

Accelerated Special Education Pathway

For 2026, 2027, DeSales offers an Accelerated PK, 12 Special Education Certification, allowing qualified candidates to earn Pennsylvania PK-12 Special Education certification in an expedited format. This program is designed for professionals seeking to transition into special education teaching quickly.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Considerations

Pennsylvania certification is widely recognized, and DeSales advises that its teaching credentials are generally transferable to other states.² However, teacher license reciprocity policies vary, and online students residing outside Pennsylvania should verify requirements with their home state's education department before enrolling. The M.Ed. office and program advisors can assist with understanding interstate agreements, but ultimate approval rests with each state's licensing board.

Exam Preparation and Support

DeSales provides structured support for teacher certification exams through its M.Ed. office and program advising. For Secondary Education candidates, early planning for the Praxis II is critical, as passage is required before undertaking most certification coursework.¹ The institution also offers guidance for the EdTPA portfolio assessment, a component of Pennsylvania's certification process, helping students compile evidence of teaching effectiveness.

Fieldwork and Student Teaching Requirements

All initial certification tracks incorporate extensive clinical experiences. Student teaching placements are arranged in local schools, requiring candidates to demonstrate instructional competencies under supervision. The Accelerated Special Education track may feature condensed fieldwork timelines, but it maintains the same rigorous standards for practice teaching. Program advisors help students navigate placement requirements and ensure they meet Pennsylvania's mandated hours for licensure.

Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for Desales M.ed. Graduates

The master's degree has become a decisive lever for career advancement in education, and DeSales University M.Ed. graduates are well positioned to meet the growing demand for skilled leaders in schools and higher education institutions. Understanding the career outcomes and salary potential of DeSales alumni helps prospective students gauge the return on their investment in graduate education.

Employment Outcomes from Institutional Surveys

DeSales University tracks career outcomes through annual first-destination surveys. The most recent data, from the Class of 2022, shows that across all majors, 62% of graduates were employed, 18% were continuing their education, and the median annual wage was $54,700.¹ While education-specific data is not yet broken out, these institutional figures offer a helpful context for evaluating the broader employment landscape. For M.Ed. graduates, the professional focus often leads to roles that align directly with their training, frequently within school districts, colleges, and nonprofit educational organizations.

Typical Career Paths for DeSales M.Ed. Alumni

The M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership, a signature program at DeSales, prepares graduates for career tracks in postsecondary administration. Alumni commonly move into positions such as academic advisor, residence life director, enrollment management specialist, and student affairs coordinator. Those in the curriculum and instruction or teacher leadership specializations often stay in K-12 settings, stepping into roles like instructional coach, curriculum specialist, department chair, or lead teacher. These positions usually offer greater responsibility and the opportunity to influence school-wide practice.

Salary Potential and the Master's Pay Bump

In education, a master's degree consistently translates to higher earning potential. National data indicates that teachers with a master's degree earn between 10% and 20% more than their counterparts with only a bachelor's, a differential that widens with experience and additional credentials. While DeSales has not yet published program-level salary outcomes for M.Ed. graduates, the university's overall median starting wage of $54,700¹ suggests a solid foundation. With time, many M.Ed. alumni see their salaries climb, especially if they move into administrative or district-level leadership roles, where six-figure incomes are not uncommon after ten or more years of service.

Career Support and Alumni Network

DeSales offers dedicated career services to all education students, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and access to an expanding alumni network. These resources, combined with the university's strong ties to local school districts and higher education institutions, help M.Ed. graduates translate their credentials into meaningful employment. The Career Development Center also maintains partnerships that facilitate internship and job placement, ensuring that students have support well beyond graduation.

Salary Insight: Desales M.ed. Earnings at a Glance

DeSales M.Ed. alumni see strong returns on their investment.

Doctoral Programs in Education at Desales University

DeSales University does not currently offer a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education.¹ The institution’s graduate education portfolio is focused on master’s-level credentials, while its only doctoral degree is in a separate health-science discipline.

No Standalone Education Doctorate

As of 2026, DeSales has no enrollment track for students seeking a terminal degree specifically in education. The university’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program includes a Medical Education concentration, but that track is designed for licensed healthcare professionals who want to teach in clinical or academic medical settings. It is not an education degree and does not fulfill requirements for K‑12 administrative licensure, tenure-track faculty appointments in schools of education, or district-level leadership roles.

Advancing Without a Doctorate

For educators who want to deepen their expertise, DeSales University’s graduate studies show that the Master of Education (M.Ed.) remains the highest degree offered by the College of Education. DeSales provides several specialized M.Ed. tracks that can lead to salary lane changes, teacher leadership positions, and expanded career options: - Higher Education Leadership: for those moving into academic administration or student affairs. - Early Childhood and Elementary Education: for classroom teachers seeking advanced pedagogy. - Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Education: specializations designed for practicing teachers who want to refine their instructional design skills.²

These programs are available online and in hybrid formats, making them accessible to working professionals. For educators whose long-term goals require a doctorate (such as superintendency, professorship, or top-level policy roles), the M.Ed. can serve as a foundation for future doctoral study at other institutions. DeSales advisors can recommend external Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs that align with a candidate’s career path.

Professional Development and Additional Endorsements

DeSales also offers continuing education opportunities and may provide post-master’s coursework for teacher certification add-ons. Information on specific endorsements, such as reading specialist or principal certification, can be obtained directly from the College of Education. While these are not doctoral programs, they allow experienced educators to gain new credentials that often translate into higher pay or leadership responsibilities.

In summary, DeSales University does not award education doctorates, but its M.Ed. programs and potential certification offerings give teachers and administrators meaningful routes to career advancement.

Accreditation and Institutional Rankings

Is DeSales University properly accredited for an education master's degree, and does it meet state licensure requirements? The short answer is yes: DeSales holds the necessary regional accreditation to ensure your degree is widely recognized by employers and licensing bodies, and its teacher preparation programs carry specific state-level approvals for aspiring Pennsylvania educators.

Regional Accreditation Foundation

DeSales University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the same regional body that oversees institutions like Penn State, NYU, and Johns Hopkins. Regional accreditation is the gold standard for academic quality in the United States and is what makes your credits transferable and your degree eligible for federal financial aid. MSCHE re-accredited DeSales in 2021, with its next evaluation scheduled for 2030 to 2031, signaling a stable, compliant institution.

Program-Level Recognition

While DeSales does not currently hold discipline-specific accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for its M.Ed. programs, this does not diminish the program's value for career advancement. Specialized accreditation for education programs is voluntary and not required for licensure; many respected private universities operate successfully without it. Instead, DeSales prioritizes close alignment with Pennsylvania certification standards and continuous curriculum updates informed by practitioner advisory boards.

State Approval for Licensure

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has formally approved DeSales' initial teacher certification programs, including the M.Ed. pathways that lead to Instructional I certification. This approval is what matters for anyone seeking teaching licensure in Pennsylvania. The university's certification officer maintains current PDE program code approvals and transition points, ensuring graduates meet all state testing and fieldwork requirements before recommendation for licensure.

National Rankings and Reputation

DeSales consistently appears in respected college rankings. U.S. News & World Report includes it among the top tier of Regional Universities North, and The Princeton Review annually names DeSales a "Best in the Northeast" college. While these rankings evaluate the entire institution rather than graduate education alone, they reflect a broader institutional commitment to teaching quality, student satisfaction, and career outcomes that benefits M.Ed. students. Independent sites like Niche also give DeSales strong marks for its education department based on student reviews and alumni earnings data.

For working educators advancing into leadership or instructional specialization, the combination of MSCHE accreditation, PDE program approval, and solid national recognition means a DeSales master's in education is a portable, respected credential both inside and outside Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions About Desales M.ed. Programs

Find quick answers to common questions about DeSales University’s master’s in education programs, including online options, tuition costs, admission criteria, and doctoral pathways.

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