Chestnut Hill College’s dual graduate program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4)and Special Education (PreK-12) integrates theory and practice concerning the cognitive, social, and educational development of students in grades PreK-4 as well as students in grades PreK-12 with disabilities. The program reflects contemporary research and scholarship in early education and incorporates strategies to meet the needs of special populations, such as students with disabilities and diverse cultures. The course of study also takes into consideration the strengths, needs, and interests of individual candidates. This is a dual-certification preparation program and thus integrates the requirements for both PreK-4 and PreK-12special education. This dual program integrates a special education student teaching component.
| Master’s Degree | Certification Only |
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| Total Credits: 36 | Total Credits: 33 |
Montessori Early Childhood Credential
- designing an environment in which young children may live, learn, and develop at their own pace;
- developing a curriculum that adapts to the individual needs of young children while fostering creativity, personal responsibility, and community participation;
- preparing teachers to gain specific insights and sensitivities toward a child’s total development: mind, body, and spirit.
Secondary Education
Chestnut Hill College’s graduate program in Secondary Education integrates theory and practice concerning the cognitive, social, and educational development of students in secondary education programs. The program reflects contemporary research and scholarship in education and incorporates strategies to meet the needs of special populations, such as students with disabilities and diverse cultures. The course of study also takes into consideration the strengths, needs, and interests of individual candidates.
Teacher candidates in the Secondary Education program select a content area of concentration.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
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World Languages (Spanish or French PreK-12)
Prerequisite course evaluations are conducted upon the receipt of an application for admission into the Secondary Education teacher certification program. All official transcripts from institutions attended are reviewed for course content appropriate to the desired certification area. Applicants missing prerequisite coursework will be given course recommendations required for admission into Secondary Education teacher certification programs.
| Master’s Degree | Certification Only |
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| Total Credits: 30 | Total Credits: 27 |
Special Education
The graduate program in Special Education is for individuals who are interested in learning theory and practice concerning the cognitive, social, and educational development of students in grades PreK-12 who have disabilities. The program reflects contemporary research and scholarship and incorporates strategies to meet the needs of special populations, such as students with disabilities and diverse cultures. The course of study also takes into consideration the strengths, needs, and interests of individual candidates.
| Master’s Degree | Certification Only |
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| Total Credits: 33 | Total Credits: 30 |
Educational Leadership/Principal Certification
Requirements
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Holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university.
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Satisfies the requirements set forth in section 24 P.S. § 12-1209 relating to good moral character.
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Provides verification of three years of relevant professional experience. For the purpose of this section, relevant professional experience is “professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process” (for more details: Admin Supervisory-Superintendent, 2025).
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Completes a Pennsylvania-approved, graduate-level principal certification program that includes an internship/practicum or an equivalent out-of-state program. A 3.0 program Grade Point Average (GPA) is required.
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Provides evidence of satisfactory achievement on the Pennsylvania required test.
Accelerated and Intensive Summer Program Format
This program will be offered in an accelerated format across fall, spring, and summer semesters allowing candidates to complete the certification program in 12-months and the master’s degree in 18 months. Students who begin in the program must take courses during each semester in order to complete the required courses. If students skip a course or semester, the course(s) missed will not be offered again until the next year, same semester. All candidates should consult their advisor for any changes in their program.
Practicum and Internship
This program is designed to be experiential with an emphasis on practicum experiences and the principal internship. A three-credit internship at the candidate’s school, supervised by a certified principal at that school, is required. Candidates will also complete 180 hours of practicum experiences embedded within certification courses. For the internship, the candidate, with the internship supervisor, will define a program improvement and/or problem-solving project that will be carried out in the candidate’s school. The candidate’s Chestnut Hill College supervisor must approve the project. The candidate’s Principal/Mentor must agree in writing to allow the internship and project to take place in her/his school. The candidate’s Principal/Supervisor will be an integral part of the internship.
| Master’s Degree | Certification Only |
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Pre-requisite: Special Education Law and/or Assessment graduate-level course within 5 years of starting this program
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| Total Credits: 30 | Total Credits: 18 |
Dual: Secondary Education & Special Education (PreK-4)
Chestnut Hill College’s graduate program in Secondary Education & Special Education PreK-12 integrates theory and practice concerning the cognitive, social, and educational development of students in secondary education programs as well as students in grades PreK-12 with disabilities. The program reflects contemporary research and scholarship in education and incorporates strategies to meet the needs of special populations, such as students with disabilities and diverse cultures. The course of study also takes into consideration the strengths, needs, and interests of individual candidates. This is a dual-certification preparation program and thus integrates the requirements for secondary education and PreK-12 special education. Teacher candidates in this dual program select a secondary content concentration in English, Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or World Language (Spanish or French PreK-12). Prerequisite course evaluations are conducted upon the receipt of an application for admission. All official transcripts from institutions attended are reviewed for course content appropriate to the desired secondary certification area. Applicants missing prerequisite coursework will be given course recommendations required for admission into the Dual Secondary Education teacher certification programs.
| Master’s Degree | Certification Only |
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| Total Credits: 36 | Total Credits: 33 |
