Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 104
EDUCATION
Early Education Early Education and Special Education Education Studies( No Certification) Degree: Bachelor of Science Program Modality: On Ground Program Director: Deborah Schadler
Program Approval: PDE-approved Teacher Preparation Certification Programs are the purview of the Pennsylvania Department of Education: Jamal K. Wakeem, Higher Education Associate II; Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality; Division of Professional Education and Teacher Quality; Pennsylvania Department of Education; 333 Market Street | Harrisburg PA 17126; Phone: 717.772.3566 | Fax: 717.783.6736; jwakeem @ pa. gov | www. education. pa. us
Program Description: Gwynedd Mercy University prepares teachers to meet the educational challenges of the 21st Century. The undergraduate programs offer a variety of courses to prepare candidates for professions in education. These courses are developed using best practices and current trends in education in response to the needs of the profession.
Programs Leading to Certificates / Certification Professional Educator Certification Programs of study leading to teacher certification are available in:
• Early Education, PreK – 4
• Early Education PreK – 4 / Special Education PreK – 12
• Special Education PreK – 12
• Secondary education( 7 – 12) in the area of social studies with or without Special Education
Upon completion of the program requirements, the student is eligible to receive an Instructional I Provisional certificate, which permits the holder to teach in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in those states which carry reciprocity. Those seeking their Instructional I certificate must demonstrate that they have successfully completed a teacher preparation program and pass Pennsylvania certification exams( Praxis, PECTs).
U. S. citizenship or permanent residency is a requirement for licensure within certain academic programs. International students and students who are under DACA status or are undocumented should carefully review the licensure requirements for their state before enrolling in a degree program that leads to licensure. Additional information can be found on the National Conference of State Legislatures website.
Bachelor of Science in Education Studies( non-certification) The Education Studies major provides students with the option of completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in education without completing the requirements for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification. Students in Education Studies must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better. Any grade below a C in a course within the major must be repeated.