Program Overview

Master's Degree in Middle-Level Teaching with Certification Track

The Master's Degree in Middle-Level Teaching with Certification Track is a program designed for educators looking to teach grades 4-8. The program takes a holistic look at the role of an educator, focusing on skills such as creating an inclusive classroom, crafting a curriculum based on state competencies, and evaluation and assessment.

Program Overview

Drexel University's online MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Teacher Certification - Middle-Level Education is designed specifically for educators looking to teach grades 4-8. The program will prepare students for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate, which can be converted to the analogous teaching certificate in most states.

What is a Master's Middle-Level Education, Teaching, and Curriculum with Certification Track?

Drexel's online MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track Middle Level Education is designed for educators interested in teaching grades 4-8 in one of the following subject areas:

• English
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies

Master's in Middle-Grade Education Program Features

• Completely online courses the only face-to-face requirements are student teaching and field experiences
• Receive access to two years of post-program support, including classroom-based coaching, professional development programs, and notifications of job openings, along with resume, networking, and interviewing help
• Work with Drexel's field placement office to help secure appropriate school placements, no matter where you're based
• Your academic advisor will assist you throughout your studies with tasks such as creating a plan of study
• Drexel's teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education

CAEP Accredited Provider

The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Education Requirements for Middle-Level Teachers

To become a middle-level teacher in Pennsylvania, you need to earn a teaching certificate. The education requirements to qualify to earn a certificate include a bachelor's degree (in education or another field) and completion of a teacher education program (if not part of your bachelor's degree).

Master's in Teaching Middle-Level Salary Expectations

While the salaries for middle school teachers vary by state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2018 median salary is $58,600.

The Robert Noyce Scholarship

The Drexel University Middle School Robert Noyce program is a prestigious funded program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the goal of recruiting and preparing STEM teachers for schools in high need. To be eligible for the scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in a STEM field, such as Mathematics, Science, or Engineering
• For every $10,000 in scholarship funds received, you must commit to teach for 2 years in a high-need school
• You must work toward completing your degree or certificate program within 14 months

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. The curriculum includes:

Middle Level Teacher Education Core Pedagogy (18.0 credits)

Middle Level Education Grades 4 - 8 Concentration in Math, English, Social Studies or Science (15.0 credits)

• EDUC 515: Adolescent Learners
• EDUC 522: Evaluation of Instruction
• EDUC 540: Field Experience (12 week full time student teaching)
• EDUC 562: Middle Years Social Studies Methods (Field Experience Required)
• EDUC 564: English/Language Arts Teaching Methods for the Middle Years (Field Experience Required)
• EDUC 567: Middle Years Science Methods (Field Experience Required)
• MTED 563: Middle Years Mathematical Methods (4-8) (Field Experience Required)

Professional Electives (12.0 credits)

• Various courses available

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
• If you're pursuing Teacher Education Certification, you must meet the PA State content course requirements for your specific area of certification

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Resume
• Personal Essay
• Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1030 per credit. For the academic year, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

Field Experience

There are four types of field experiences in K-12 classrooms required for certification embedded throughout the program:

• Observing
• Participating & Assisting
• Pre-Student Teaching
• Graduate Student Teaching

Clearances

Drexel University policy requires that School of Education Faculty, Staff, and Students who may come into contact with minors, either through field-based supervision or research experience in school settings, to obtain and present to the Field Placement Office (FPO) the following clearances prior to entering a PK-12 school setting:

• FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
• Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training (Act 126)
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check (Act 34)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
• Arrest / Conviction Report and Certification Form (Act 24)

International Students

If you wish to complete the field experience requirement outside of the United States, you must contact the School of Education's Field Placement Office to be aware of the international deadline and procedures to submit your field placement application.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes the following terms:

• Fall 2025: September 22, 2025 - December 6, 2025
• Winter 2026: January 5, 2026 - March 14, 2026
• Spring 2026: March 30, 2026 - June 6, 2026
• Summer 2026: June 22, 2026 - August 29, 2026