M.S. Ed. Elementary Education: Leading Teacher Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will be changing certification levels beginning January 1, 2013, and this has caused us to change the programs we offer.  Currently, we are offering Early Level (PreK-4) and working towards other degrees that will meet PDE requirements.  What will be eliminated are our degrees in Early Childhood (Grades N-3), Elementary Education (K-6) and the dual degree of Elementary Education and Early Childhood.

We will continue to update this section of the website with information regarding the change, but please continue to contact Dr. Julia Williams, williamsj@duq.edu, for the most up-to-date program information.

Graduate Study Scholarships available! Click for information (link)

The Graduate Elementary Leading Teacher Program (GELP) is guided by the mission of Duquesne University, the conceptual framework of the School of Education, and state/national standards. It is designed to prepare teacher candidates for elementary classrooms in our nation’s schools by providing a caring and supportive learning environment that promotes academic excellence. This program satisfies the requirements for a Master of Science in Education Degree (M.S. Ed.) and initial certification (Instructional I) to teach at the elementary level in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (grades K-6). Candidates have the opportunity to develop professional and personal competence by participating in experiences that are both theoretical and applied. They also have options to distinguish themselves through independent research and/or international study and teaching opportunities. This program consists of 12 academic courses (36 credits), a field-based experience (one credit), a student teaching experience (six credits), and three gateways (one credit each).