Gwynedd Mercy University
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Program Description : Gwynedd Mercy University prepares teachers to meet the educational challenges of the 21st Century . The Education Studies program offers a variety of courses and field work to prepare students for various professions in Education including para-professionals and other assistant type careers . These courses are developed using best practices and current trends in Education in response to the needs of the Education profession . The Education Studies major provides students 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 . Students in this program also have the option of adding a minor in Special Education or any other minor area offered within the University .
Preparation for Professional Licensure : Program does not lead to certification .
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 / extra- curricular 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
Moving from Education Studies into Certification : Students in the Education Studies program have the option of moving into a certification area by meeting the following criteria : 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 .
• Complete the Basic Skills ’ requirement as outlined . ( Act 55 of 2022 : Basic Skills waived until July 7 , 2025 ).
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 , by the 45- 60 credit mark , students who have successfully passed a required Basic Skills Assessment Test will be admitted to a certification program of their choice . Education Studies Students wishing to enroll in a Teacher Certification program should review the information related to eligibility for certification in the section above titled Academic Criteria for Admission .
Progression and Retention Academic Requirements for Certification Programs and the Testing Requirements for Admission to Certification Programs
Academic Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education Studies : The Education Studies major 106