Program Overview

At Chestnut Hill College the education division seeks to foster a deep commitment to teaching and lifelong learning. The overall objective of our programs is to contribute significantly to the improvement of instruction in the classroom, the leadership in schools, and support services to meet the needs of all children. The Masters in Education (M.Ed.) programs are designed to meet the professional needs of individuals seeking initial or advanced degree and/or certification(s) programs in education and leadership.

Program Accreditation

The Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) and Certification Preparation Programs meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements. The Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs are affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).

In addition, all Education Programs satisfy the College’s mission by providing the individualized advising and high-quality instruction that is critical to a holistic education.

Chestnut Hill College (CHC) is accredited as an institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and authorized by the Commonwealth of PA to offer graduate programs and confer the Master of Education Degree. For additional information about CHC’s accreditations and memberships.

Curriculum, Requirements and Courses

Download the Education section of the Graduate catalog.  Please note that CHC’s curriculum must adhere to everchanging Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements. Students should stay informed of changes in requirements for certification in PA (or other states, if applicable).

Master's of Education Degrees

• Early Education (PreK-Grade 4)
• Early Education with Montessori Early Childhood Education Certificate Preparation
• Educational Leadership
• Reading (prior certification required)
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Educational Studies (no certification)
  Formerly listed as M.Ed. without certification/ M.Ed. without completing a PDE certification program

The following Pennsylvania Department of Education certification preparation programs may be earned as post-bachelor’s or post-master’s certificate programs or in conjunction with the M.Ed. degrees listed above:

Certification Programs

• Early Education: PreK-Grade 4, with or without Special Education (Grades PreK-8)
• Principal Certification: Grades K-12 (prior Instructional I or II certification required)
• Reading Specialist: Grades K-12 (prior Instructional I or II certification required)
• Reading Specialist: Grades K-12 & Special Education PreK-8 (prior Instructional I or II certification required)
• Reading Specialist: Grades K-12 & Special Education 7-12 (prior Instructional I or II certification required)
• Secondary Education Programs: Grades 7-12, with or without Special Education (Grades 7-12)
  • Content Areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, Foreign Languages (French, Spanish: Grades K-12), Mathematics and Social Studies
• Special Education: Grades PreK-8 (prior Instructional I or II certification required)
• Special Education: Grades 7-12 (prior Instructional I or II certification required)

GE Disclosure

Montessori Early Childhood Education Certificate

Download the brochure about the certificate  |  GE disclosure

Application Process

To begin the admissions process and/or to request an application packet, contact the Graduate Admissions Staff at GradAdmissions@chc.edu or 215.248.7170

How to Apply