Gwynedd Mercy University
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Recommendation for state certification is predicated upon fulfillment of the academic requirements and upon the following considerations :
• Physical fitness for teaching
• Disposition for the teaching profession
• Professional attitude and performance
Periodically , with special attention at the end of the sophomore and junior years , standings are reviewed with respect to these criteria . Students whose standings are not satisfactory will not be admitted to more advanced professional courses .
Program Learning Outcomes : PLO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical , philosophical , and ethical perspectives that reflect current educational trends in the United States . PLO2 Demonstrate professional competence in the use of a variety of research-based best practices incorporating technology . PLO3 Actively engage in meaningful , sequential , and developmental field experiences in which learning of content is integrated with the application of pedagogy .
PLO4 Demonstrate mastery of PDE professional competencies through course requirements / products , lesson presentations , and field experiences . PLO5 Demonstrate compassion , integrity , moral and social responsibility in all interactions , respecting the uniqueness , dignity , and diversity of the individual . PLO6 Engage in co-curricular / extracurricular activities and service-learning opportunities that support program curriculum .
( revised : 3 / 3 / 2021 ) For Major Requirements , see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets
Academic Criteria for Admission , Progression and Retention Academic Requirements for Certification Programs : By the 45-60 credit mark :
• The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• The student must have completed at least six semester credits in college level mathematics and at least three semester credits in college level composition and three credits in English .
• The student must meet the Basic Skills Requirement through one of the assessment means detailed below . ( Act 55 of 2022 : Basic Skills waived until July 7 , 2025 )
• Secondary education students must apply to the School of their discipline , as well as the School of Business and Education ( certification ) at the 48-credit mark .
If students reach the 48-60 credit mark and have not achieved all of the above requirements , they cannot continue in the Professional Core coursework toward PA Certification . Students will then remain in the Education Studies program or explore a new major if they choose to do so .
Initial Acceptance : All education students entering the University will follow the curriculum for the Bachelor of Education Studies . For those students desiring Pennsylvania Teacher Certification , students must qualify in a set of ** Basic Skills ( Math , Reading , Writing ) by the 48-60 credit mark . Students who successfully meet this requirement will be admitted to a certification program of their choice .
* As per Act 168 of 2014 , “ Candidates for certification must take and successfully pass a basic skills 100