Advance Your Teaching Career with an M.Ed. at Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College has anchored teacher preparation in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County since its 1899 founding. More than a century later, the School of Education remains a primary pipeline for classroom-ready professionals across the state.

The college's Master of Education program offers three distinct specializations: Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, and Music Education. Each path aligns with Pennsylvania certification requirements and the practical needs of working educators.

Nationally, teachers with a master's degree earn a starting salary premium of over $3,300. In Pennsylvania, where graduate credits directly accelerate salary schedule advancement, that margin compounds quickly.

Master's in Education Programs at Elizabethtown College

How does Elizabethtown College's graduate education program equip practicing teachers for career advancement and impactful classroom leadership?

Elizabethtown College's School of Education builds on a legacy that dates back to the institution's founding in 1899. As the second-oldest teacher preparation program in Pennsylvania¹, it has spent more than a century refining a model that blends rigorous academic study with deep community engagement. The College's historical ties to the Church of the Brethren inform its mission, which emphasizes peace, non-violence, human dignity, and social justice. These values are not abstract concepts here; they are woven into coursework, field experiences, and the way faculty mentor graduate students.

A Curriculum Tailored for Practicing Educators

The Master of Education at Elizabethtown is designed specifically for teachers who already hold initial certification and want to strengthen their practice or move into leadership roles. The flagship M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, as outlined in the graduate catalog, offers multiple concentrations allowing educators to specialize in areas such as literacy, technology integration, or inclusive classroom strategies. A fifth-year master's option lets recent graduates of Elizabethtown's undergraduate teacher education program transition seamlessly into advanced study¹, often while completing their first years in the classroom. Graduate certificate pathways are also available for those seeking focused credentials without committing to a full degree.

Personalized Learning in a Tight-Knit Community

With a total undergraduate enrollment of around 1,800 students¹, Elizabethtown College maintains small cohorts in its graduate programs. This means master's candidates benefit from close faculty mentorship and a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The student-to-faculty ratio allows for substantive dialogue and individualized feedback: a contrast to the large, anonymized online programs that have become common elsewhere. Whether taking courses online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, students interact with instructors who are practitioners first, bringing current classroom insight into every discussion.

Service and Real-World Application

Elizabethtown distinguishes its M.Ed. through a strong emphasis on experiential and service learning. Graduate students often complete capstone projects in partnership with local schools, designing curriculum units or intervention plans that address genuine community needs. Study abroad options for education graduate students further broaden perspectives on teaching and learning¹. The College places student teachers and interns in a wide network of districts each year¹, ensuring that the theory examined in seminar rooms gets tested in real classrooms. For educators who want a master's program that connects head, heart, and hands, Elizabethtown's approach offers a compelling path.

Curriculum & Instruction M.ed. Specialization

Many graduate students face a choice between a broad M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and a focused concentration that deepens expertise in one area. Elizabethtown College structures its program to accommodate both paths, allowing educators to tailor their studies to specific classroom or leadership goals while building a strong foundation in instructional design and assessment.

Core Components of a Curriculum & Instruction M.Ed.

An M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction typically covers how to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs. At Elizabethtown College, the curriculum likely includes courses on curriculum theory, research methods, and data-driven decision making. Graduates learn to align instruction with state standards, integrate technology effectively, and address diverse learner needs. These core elements prepare teachers for roles as curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, or department heads.

Concentrations and Elective Options

The program may offer specializations such as literacy, STEM education, or inclusive practices. By selecting electives strategically, students can shape their degree to match career aspirations. For example, an educator interested in reading intervention might take additional coursework in literacy assessment and remediation. A teacher leader aiming for an administrative role could focus on educational policy and school improvement. Because offerings evolve, the most accurate list of current concentrations is found in the official academic catalog or by speaking with a graduate advisor.

Culminating Experience: Thesis or Capstone?

Many Curriculum and Instruction programs culminate in either a research thesis or a practical capstone project. A thesis suits those considering doctoral study or a deep dive into a scholarly question. A capstone, on the other hand, often involves designing a curriculum unit or conducting action research within one’s own classroom. Elizabethtown College’s catalog describes the required culminating experience, including credit allocation and any portfolio or presentation components. Prospective students should review this carefully to ensure the final project aligns with their professional development needs.

Finding the Latest Program Details

Because program requirements can change, the best way to confirm current courses, credit hours, and focus areas is through Elizabethtown College’s official website. The School of Graduate and Professional Studies can be contacted directly for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, authoritative sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development offer insights into career pathways and professional standards relevant to curriculum and instruction roles. By combining institutional details with broader career data, educators can make an informed decision about pursuing this specialization.

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Special Education and Music Education Specializations

What sets apart the Special Education and Music Education M.Ed. paths at Elizabethtown College? While both graduate programs deepen your expertise, they lead to distinct certifications and career outcomes. The Special Education M.Ed. prepares you for Pennsylvania Special Education PK, 12 certification, while the Master of Music Education (M.M.E.) is designed for current music teachers seeking advanced pedagogy and performance skills without an initial certification track.

Special Education M.Ed.

This 34-credit program builds the knowledge and clinical skills needed to support diverse learners across grade levels. Coursework emphasizes inclusive practices, behavior management, and data-driven assessment, all aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Education standards.¹ You’ll complete a 16-week practicum and a 12-credit student teaching experience, giving you hands-on classroom practice before graduation.¹ A capstone Graduate Research Seminar (4 credits) requires a formal thesis, encouraging you to investigate a relevant topic in special education.¹

• Total credits: 34
• Minimum GPA: 3.3
• Practicum: 16 weeks
• Student teaching: 12 credits
• Capstone: Graduate Research Seminar (thesis, 4 credits)
• Certification: Pennsylvania Special Education PK, 12

After completing the program and passing required state exams, graduates are eligible for special education certification in Pennsylvania, opening roles as special education teachers, inclusion specialists, or behavior interventionists in public and private K, 12 schools.¹

Master of Music Education (M.M.E.)

Unlike the Special Education track, Elizabethtown’s Master of Music Education does not lead to initial teacher certification.² Instead, it advances the skills of educators who already hold a teaching certificate and want to refine their craft. The curriculum balances performance, scholarship, and pedagogy. You’ll take courses in music theory, conducting, and rehearsal techniques, paired with ensemble participation, an on-campus requirement that enriches collaboration and artistry.² Field experiences may include supervised teaching in local school music programs or community arts organizations.²

• Specialization: Music education (no certification)
• Format: On-campus with ensemble requirements
• Career outcomes: Music teacher (advancement), band/orchestra director, arts administrator

Whether you pursue the certification-focused Special Education path or the master’s in music education to elevate your performance and leadership, both specializations position you for meaningful roles in education. Graduates often become special education teachers, music teachers, or arts administrators, depending on their chosen concentration.

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Learning Formats

Balancing the convenience of online learning with the immersive value of face-to-face instruction is a central consideration for working teachers choosing a master’s program. Elizabethtown College offers multiple delivery formats across its M.Ed. specializations, giving you the flexibility to align your studies with your professional and personal commitments.

Curriculum & Instruction: A Hybrid Approach

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is delivered in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with on-campus sessions in Elizabethtown, PA.¹ While a significant portion of the curriculum is available through EC Online, Elizabethtown’s exclusively asynchronous and fully online modality, the program is not 100% remote.¹ The hybrid design requires some in-person attendance, which allows you to engage directly with faculty and peers while still accommodating a full-time teaching schedule. You can plan around the on-campus components, as they are typically scheduled to minimize disruption to a working educator’s calendar.

Special Education: Mixed Modalities for Maximum Reach

The M.Ed. in Special Education uses a mixture of traditional, online, hybrid, and accelerated formats for its fifth-year courses.² This mixed delivery approach gives you options to choose the learning style that best fits your circumstances each term. Whether you thrive in a structured, face-to-face environment or need the autonomy of asynchronous online modules, the program’s design acknowledges that special education professionals often juggle unpredictable workloads and benefit from varied instructional methods.

Music Education: Low-Residency with In-Person Immersion

The Master of Music Education program operates as a low-residency degree, with over 90% of coursework online.¹ It combines synchronous and asynchronous activities so you can collaborate in real time and complete self-paced assignments on your own schedule. The remaining in-person component is a single one-week intensive on campus, designed to build ensemble skills and professional connections that are difficult to replicate virtually. This hybrid model minimizes travel and time away from work while preserving the hands-on, community-focused aspects of music teaching.

Flexibility for Full-Time Teachers

Each delivery format is built around the realities of a teaching career. Asynchronous online work lets you study early in the morning or late at night, synchronous sessions create accountability and peer interaction without a commute, and the limited in-person requirements are concentrated into manageable blocks. Whether you are advancing in your current district or transitioning to a new specialty, Elizabethtown’s blend of online and on-campus learning gives you the structure to earn a graduate degree without stepping out of the classroom.

Admissions and Application Requirements

What do you need to apply to Elizabethtown College's M.Ed. programs, and are there any test or experience prerequisites? Here is a clear breakdown of the requirements, from GPA thresholds to application materials.

Minimum GPA and Testing Policy

Elizabethtown College sets a baseline GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission to its M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (both the principal and non-principal tracks) and the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction. For the accelerated 4+1 MSE pathway, which allows Elizabethtown undergraduates to earn a master's in just one additional year, the minimum rises to 3.3. If your undergraduate GPA falls below the threshold, you are not automatically disqualified; the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) may grant a GPA waiver based on significant professional experience, allowing you to make your case through strong letters of recommendation and a compelling statement of objectives.

The GRE is not required for any of these graduate education programs. The college has formally waived the exam for all applicants, so you can skip test prep and focus your energy on assembling a purposeful application package.

Application Materials

Applications to Elizabethtown's M.Ed. programs are processed through GradCAS, a centralized portal. A $38 nonrefundable fee must accompany your submission. The following documents round out a complete file:

• Official transcripts: Request them from every college or university you attended, even if you did not complete a degree there.
• Letters of recommendation: Provide two to three letters from individuals who can attest to your academic ability, professional aptitude, or leadership potential. Current or former supervisors, professors, and colleagues in education make strong recommenders.
• Statement of objectives: This is your chance to articulate why you want to pursue a master's in education at Elizabethtown, how the degree aligns with your career goals, and what you hope to contribute to the field.
• Current resume: Highlight your educational background, teaching or professional roles, and any relevant certifications or volunteer work.

The admissions committee reviews files on a rolling basis, so you can submit your application at any time. However, applying early, ideally several months before your desired start term, increases your odds of securing financial aid and ensures you have ample time to resolve any transcript or document issues.

Deadlines and Start Dates

For most M.Ed. programs through SGPS, there is no single hard deadline because of the rolling model. You may begin your studies in either the fall or spring semester. The 4+1 MSE track follows a different timeline: current Elizabethtown College undergraduates must apply during the spring semester of their junior year to lock in the integrated pathway. If you are a post-baccalaureate student aiming for a fall start, submitting your full application by early summer is a sensible target, while spring hopefuls should plan to complete everything by late fall.

Work Experience and Certification Prerequisites

Whether you need prior classroom experience or a teaching certificate depends on the specialization you choose. The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction requires that you hold a valid teaching certification from any state, though it need not be Pennsylvania-specific. The Principal Certificate track within Educational Leadership has the most stringent prerequisites: you must possess a current Pennsylvania teacher certification and at least two years of professional experience in an educational setting. The Non-Principal Educational Leadership track and other offerings typically do not mandate certification or a set number of years in the classroom, making them accessible to aspiring educators, career changers, and those in non-teaching roles who still want to advance in education-related fields.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Total Cost

Comparing a program's sticker price against its long-term return on investment is often the first step for prospective graduate students. At Elizabethtown College, the Master's in Education is designed to balance an affordable M.Ed. with career advancement, but understanding the full financial picture requires looking beyond per-credit rates.

Understanding the Cost Structure

Graduate tuition at Elizabethtown College is typically charged per credit hour, and rates are subject to annual review. Because the M.Ed. curriculum spans approximately 30 to 36 credits, the total program cost can vary depending on the number of credits required for your chosen specialization. Mandatory fees, such as technology, student services, or course-specific materials, may also apply each semester. The most reliable way to see current per-credit-hour rates and fees is to visit the official graduate tuition page on the college's website, where updates are posted for each academic year.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Elizabethtown College offers several avenues to help offset the cost of your degree. Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis and typically provide a tuition stipend in exchange for research or administrative work within an academic department. Additionally, the college maintains a portfolio of departmental scholarships. These may be merit-based or tied to specific areas of study, such as special education or curriculum and instruction. Prospective students should contact the Financial Aid office directly to inquire about current eligibility criteria and application deadlines for these internal funding sources.

Federal aid programs can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses. The TEACH Grant, for example, is designed for graduate students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school. Because eligibility depends on meeting service obligations and maintaining satisfactory academic progress, it is important to review the current requirements on the U.S. Department of Education's TEACH Grant page. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also a prerequisite for many forms of assistance, including federal loans and work-study opportunities.

Estimating Your Return on Investment

A graduate degree is a significant financial commitment, so evaluating potential career earnings is a sensible step. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median salary data for teachers and instructional coordinators, which can serve as a benchmark. Keep in mind that salaries vary widely based on location, years of experience, and the specific role. For example, educators who move into curriculum development or special education leadership often see a meaningful pay increase, but individual results depend on local market conditions and the level of responsibility assumed.

Getting Personalized Information

Because tuition and fee schedules are updated annually, and because financial aid packages are tailored to each applicant's circumstances, the best source of a detailed cost estimate is a conversation with the M.Ed. program coordinator. This person can provide a sample budget for your intended specialization and point you toward department-specific awards that may not be widely advertised. Reaching out early in your decision-making process can help you compare the true net cost of Elizabethtown College against other programs you may be considering.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Career Paths, Salaries, and Alumni Outcomes

An advanced degree in education remains one of the most reliable paths to higher pay and expanded career options in Pennsylvania, where school districts reward graduate credentials with salary schedule bumps and administrative opportunities. Elizabethtown College’s M.Ed. specializations prepare graduates for roles that significantly out-earn those with only a bachelor’s degree, and alumni consistently land positions in high-performing districts across the region.

Earnings and Career Growth by Specialization

For M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction graduates, the credential unlocks the PDE Instructional II certificate, which boosts annual earnings to a typical range of $55,000 to $65,000 for classroom teachers. This represents a substantial increase over the $45,000 to $55,000 often earned by bachelor’s-only educators, underscoring the masters in education salary advantage in Pennsylvania.¹

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership leads directly into school administration. Assistant principals in Pennsylvania earn $80,000 to $100,000, while principals can command $95,000 to $120,000.²

Typical Job Titles and Professional Roles

Graduates pursue a variety of careers for masters in education matched to their specialization: - Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional Coach, Lead Teacher, or Subject Specialist. These positions often involve mentoring colleagues, designing professional development, and aligning classroom practice with state standards. - Educational Leadership: Assistant Principal, Principal, or Program Director. Leaders manage school operations, evaluate teachers, and drive student achievement. - Music Education: Music Educator or Fine Arts Department Chair. These certified specialists direct bands, choirs, and orchestras, often earning competitive teacher-scale salaries with graduate degree increments. - Special Education: Special Education Teacher or Case Manager. Pennsylvania’s high demand for certified special educators ensures strong job placement in inclusive settings.

Instructional Coaches and Curriculum Specialists, in particular, benefit from the M.Ed.’s emphasis on data-driven instruction and equitable practices, earning $60,000 to $90,000 depending on district and experience.¹

Pennsylvania Certification and Licensing

The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction is designed to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for the Instructional II (Level II) certificate. Candidates must hold a valid Instructional I certificate, complete 24 post-baccalaureate credits in an approved program, accrue three years of satisfactory teaching, finish an induction program, and apply through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS).¹

Educational Leadership programs prepare candidates for administrative certificates required for principal or supervisory roles. All pathways align with PDE standards, ensuring graduates are eligible for hiring in any Pennsylvania public school.

Employment Outcomes and School District Placements

Elizabethtown’s education department maintains strong district partnerships, with graduates regularly placed in Lancaster County hubs like Manheim Township, Hempfield, and Conestoga Valley, as well as out-of-state systems such as Frederick County (Maryland) and Caesar Rodney (Delaware).³ While comprehensive employment rate data is not published at the specialization level, the program’s reputation and alumni network foster consistent hiring outcomes. Graduates often advance into leadership positions within five years of completing their M.Ed., reflecting the degree’s tangible return on investment for working educators.

Accreditation: Ensuring Quality in Graduate Education

Accreditation is the bedrock of a credible graduate program, directly shaping your eligibility for federal financial aid, the transferability of credits, and your hiring prospects in public school systems. Elizabethtown College maintains robust institutional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which was last reaffirmed in 2019¹ and remains in good standing through the current cycle.

Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

MSCHE accreditation signals that the college meets rigorous, peer-reviewed standards for faculty qualifications, student services, financial stability, and academic quality. This regional accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and allows students to access federal grants and loans. Elizabethtown’s next full evaluation visit is scheduled for the 2027-2028 academic year², with a commission action anticipated in spring 2028. The ongoing self-study process (2025-2028)³ ensures continuous improvement across all programs, including education.

Programmatic Accreditation and Teacher Preparation

While Elizabethtown’s education programs do not currently hold specialized accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), this does not diminish the value of the degree in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Education approves the teacher preparation programs.⁴ MSCHE accreditation provides a comprehensive quality assurance framework that covers all graduate offerings. For many hiring districts, regional accreditation is the primary requirement; CAEP recognition, though valued nationally, is not a universal mandate for licensure or employment.

Why Accreditation Matters for Your Career

Understanding accreditation’s practical impact helps you make an informed decision:

• Financial aid: Only students enrolled at accredited institutions can receive federal Title IV funds, including Direct Loans and TEACH Grants.
• Credit transfer: Most graduate schools accept credits only from regionally accredited colleges, safeguarding your investment if you later pursue a doctorate or additional licensure.
• Employment: Public school districts typically require a master’s degree from an accredited institution for salary lane advancement and administrative roles. Elizabethtown’s MSCHE status meets these district prerequisites without question.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabethtown College's M.ed.

Prospective students often have questions about Elizabethtown College’s Master of Education programs. Below are answers to common inquiries about formats, specializations, and practical details.