Master of Education in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning

 

Become a Classroom Leader in Education

There are teachers in every school who stand out for their knowledge, their empathy, and their ability to think on their feet. They’re experienced, yet innovative and respected. A teacher who students and families recognize as an experienced, passionate, and effective educator. A true teacher leader.

If you’d like to be that teacher in your school, West Chester University can help.

WCU’s Master of Education in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning program gives educators like you an opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills to be a teacher-leader within your area of expertise. This program recognizes the value of experience; it has been developed to strengthen and deepen the practice of educators through course work designed to emphasize reflection, collaboration, and classroom-based inquiry.

The M.Ed. in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning is a 30-credit program comprised of an 18-credit core requirement with a focus on curriculum and instruction, a 6-credit area of focused inquiry, and a 6-credit capstone course in teacher research.

 

Benefits of Earning Your Graduate Degree at West Chester University

Flexible Coursework

WCU’s M.Ed. in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning was created with working professionals in mind. The program is offered through evening and summer classes with both in-person, hybrid, and fully online components.

Accomplished Faculty and Small Classes

WCU has an outstanding faculty with decades of experience in classrooms from preschool through middle school. Our professors bring their own expertise and research interests to the classroom, are frequent presenters at home and abroad, and have published studies, chapters, and books based on their areas of interest.

At WCU, our small graduate classes mean you’ll receive personalized attention and an individualized program experience with faculty who are deeply committed to providing mentorship and support to each student.

Area of Focused Inquiry

An essential part of our M.Ed. program includes an area of focused inquiry. Students are encouraged to propose their own focus areas based on personal interests and needs as well as available graduate-level offerings at West Chester University. These areas are developed with faculty in the student’s area of interest and approved by the M.Ed. in Applied Studies graduate coordinator including:

• Teacher Leadership
• Technology
• Culturally responsive education 
• Education for sustainability 
• Literacy 

Teacher Leadership Certificate

As an option within your area of focused inquiry, you may use your elective credits to earn your graduate certificate in teacher leadership concurrently with your M.Ed. The certificate in teacher leadership will build your mentoring and leadership skills while helping you advocate for students, colleagues, and school communities. As a student in the certificate program, you’ll complete field experiences and a teacher leadership portfolio and be eligible to apply for PDE endorsement upon successful completion of each component.

Personalized Career Advising

As a graduate student at WCU, you will have full access to the Twardowski Career Development Center (CDC). The experts at the CDC will help you explore career options, write your résumé, perfect your interviewing skills, and create a job search strategy. The CDC also hosts employment fairs on campus throughout the year.

 

What Can You Do with a Master of Education in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning?

Most of our graduates choose to remain PK-12th grade classroom teachers who are engaged in self-reflection and continued professional learning. According to the BLS, K and elementary school teachers can expect to earn $62,000 on average while high school teachers can expect to earn around $64,000 annually. Many of our graduates continue to pursue additional certifications, second master’s degrees, administrative certifications or doctoral degrees.

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as a Student in the Master of Education in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning?

This 30-credit program follows National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Core Propositions and CAEP Standards for Accreditation at the Advanced Level.