NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College’s School of Education is launching three new Master of Education programs with Instructional I Certification.
The newly established M.Ed. programs are:
- M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (grades PK-4).
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education (grades PK-12/7-12).
- M.Ed. in Special Education (grades PK-12).
The programs will launch in May 2026, with additional entry points in fall 2026 and spring 2027.
“The flexible structure enables candidates to start their academic journey at a time that best suits their personal and professional schedules, while also benefiting from the collaborative and supportive environment of a cohort-based model,” said René Pico, chair of the School of Education and associate professor of education.
This move aligns with recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Education that Westminster transition its post-baccalaureate certification program into a master’s degree program to strengthen teacher preparation and elevate the profession.
The shift also includes the latest teacher preparation requirements from Pennsylvania’s Chapter 49 – Structured Literacy, Professional Ethics, Cultural Awareness, Trauma-Aware Mental Health and Wellness and Technological and Virtual Engagement – and offers clear, accessible pathways for bachelor’s degree-holding professionals who want to become teachers.
“These new certification pathways are an exciting and necessary evolution of Westminster’s commitment to preparing effective and compassionate educators,” Pico said.
The Early Childhood Education master’s program prepares candidates to teach young learners in grades pre-K to fourth grade, while the Special Education master’s program equips candidates to support students with special needs across all grade levels.
The Secondary Education master’s program offers certification in grades seven to 12 for biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics and social studies and pre-K to 12th grade certification for French and Spanish.