Carlow’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership will prepare you for advanced leadership positions in public, private or nonprofit educational institutions. You’ll be prepared to become a leader with the knowledge, skills and disposition needed to respond to educational challenges with an equity lens.
Carlow’s collaboration with area schools gives students access to meaningful internship experiences alongside mentor principals as they lead schools, design strategic plans, use data to make informed decisions and engage with stakeholders to implement initiatives that best serve a diverse student body.
The curriculum uses project-based applications of skills and competencies and includes specialized coursework in improvement science, systems thinking and building networked communities. We have a 100% pass rate on the principal certification for the past 10 years.
Quick facts
Experience a yearlong internship with a mentor principal
Pursue extensive professional development opportunities
Continue to work while completing your degree
100% pass rate on the Principal Certification exam for the past 10 years
Principal Certification Prep option
Principal Certification Prep
If you have already earned an MEd and are looking to add a principal certification we offer an 18-credit preparation pathway.
Career opportunities for Master’s in Education Leadership
Leadership skills are always in demand, making the career outlook for education management bright. A Carlow master’s degree will help you achieve your goals as a principal, program director or administrator.
Employment of training and development specialists is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects are best for those with experience developing online and mobile training programs. BLS projects employment of elementary, middle and high school principals to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.
Testimonials #1
Meet our Alumni
RACHEL OWENS, 2010
Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School
"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."
ANTWAN CARTER, 2018
Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare
"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."
MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020
Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District
"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. You’ll also need to have three years of successful classroom or educational experience prior to program admission
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
Devoted to the Future of Education: Master’s in Secondary Education
With a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Carlow University you’ll be ready to thrive as a middle or high school teacher and to meet the unique needs of today’s students.
Carlow University’s Secondary Certification Program prepares prospective teachers of grades 7 through 12 in the content areas of biology, chemistry, English, general science, mathematics, and social studies.
Carlow’s Scholar-Practitioner Framework emphasizes reflection in promoting teachers’ awareness of their own developing pedagogy and curricular insights to create positive learning environments for adolescent learners. The program aims to prepare culturally responsive and antiracist educators who are aware of the psychological, sociological, and political aspects of teaching and learning. This is all done through a purposeful progression of courses and field work that prepares future teachers to enter the classroom to meet the needs of today’s students.
Quick facts
Our program prepares just and merciful educators who are committed to removing barriers for students
This program prepares students for Pennsylvania Department of Education teaching certification in Secondary Education
Partnerships with area school districts allow for immersive and meaningful field work and student teaching
Career opportunities for Masters in Secondary Education
With an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Carlow University, you will be positioned to assume a middle school or high school teaching position in public, private, charter or parochial schools. You may elect to work in nonprofit or out-of-school learning envioments supportng adolescents or young adults
Testimonials #1
Meet our Alumni
RACHEL OWENS, 2010
Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School
"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."
ANTWAN CARTER, 2018
Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare
"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."
MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020
Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District
"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Certification requirements
Upon completion of the course requirements in the program, you must successfully pass:
Student teaching with a combined score of 4 or higher on both PDE 430 evaluation forms
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
Carlow’s Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification Prep will prepare you to become a highly effective visionary leader. You will enhance the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to create academic programs that optimize each student’s potential for academic success in a safe, supportive, equitable, and culturally responsive school environment. You will be eminently prepared to take the School Leaders’ Licensure Assessment for PA principal certification at the conclusion of the program.
Carlow’s collaboration with area schools will give you access to meaningful internship experiences alongside mentor principals.
The curriculum includes specialized coursework in improvement science, systems thinking and building networked communities. Test-prep resources and seminars are aligned to the licensure exam. Principal certification in Pennsylvania requires a master’s degree. If you already have a master’s degree, completion of these 18 credits and the state licensure exam results in certification. The 18 credits may also be completed as part of the full master’s degree in educational leadership.
Completion of courses results in graduate credits that can either be transferred into a full educational program or account for required licensure continuing education units.
Quick facts
Be prepared for Pennsylvania licensure exam
Complete internships with mentor principals
Learn through innovative coursework
Career opportunities for certified principals
The career outlook for education management is bright. With your state license, you can become a K-12 principal, program director, or administrator. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of elementary, middle and high school principals is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online and must submit the following materials:
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply by
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Improve opportunities: Graduate certificate in Autism Teaching
Carlow’s graduate certificate in Autism Teaching is a four-course sequence that will prepare you in the competencies set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement. The program faculty will teach you to design effective programs for students identified with an autism spectrum disorder. Parents, counselors and others can take these courses, but they are not eligible for the endorsement.
The evidence-based practices you’ll learn include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), TEACCH, Early Start Denver Model, Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Verbal Behavioral Intervention (VBI), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT). You will have opportunities to conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develop resulting Behavior Interventions. Assistive technologies including augmentative communication systems are part of the program.
Quick Facts
Earn Pennsylvania Department of Education endorsement
Enhance your skill in a high-demand field
beautiful mother teaches her son at home at the table, real interior
Career opportunities for graduate certificate in autism teaching
It’s estimated that more than 1% of U.S. children are diagnosed with autism, which has contributed to a high demand for qualified professionals in the field. Carlow’s graduate certificate program in Autism Teaching will prepare you for such positions as special education teacher, behavior analyst, autism spectrum disorder specialist, behavioral interventionist and child advocate.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Improve opportunities: Graduate certificate in Dyslexia Teaching
With Carlow’s Dyslexia Teaching certificate, you will be prepared to strengthen student’s literacy achievement, support children with language based learning disabiities and support effective tiered intervention. Carlow’s four-course dyslexia certificate equips practitioners with the skillset to plan and implement systematic, explicit, multi-modal, diagnostic, and intensive instruction. The Dyslexia Certificate courses are rigoroulsy aligned to the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for teachers of reading. Nonformal educators, parents and community members are welcome as well. The program has long-standing community partnerships in the Pittsburgh area that result in meanigful workshops, activities and guest speakers.
The four course Dyslexia Certificate is comprised of 12 credits:
READ 721 Dyslexia and Structured Literacy
READ722 Critical Components of Phonological Awareness
READ723 Structures of Language & Linguistics I
READ 724 Data Integration and Instruction
Quick facts
Take courses aligned with International Dyslexia Association standards
Practitioner oriented equipping teachers of reading and writing with a deep understanding of Structured Literacy and evidenced-aligned teaching practices
Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers, Certified Orton-Gillingham Fellows, and literacy leaders and practitioners in the field
Connected to Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School where Dyslexia Certificate candidates have the unique opportunity of working directly with students with dyslexia in the school’s multi-sensory learning lab
Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development
Career opportunities for Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia Teaching
With Carlow’s Dyslexia Teaching certificate, you’ll be prepared for advanced positions in education in public, private and nonprofit settings. Highly qualified literacy practitioners who possess a deep knowledge in the body of research known as the Science of Reading are in high demand. As NAEP, National Assessment of Educational Progress continues to report, nearly two-thirds of our nation’s 4th and 8th graders are reading below proficiency. Teacher knowledge is key in resolving this literacy crisis. Carlow’s rigorous coursework equips literacy practitioners with the essential knowledge and critical skills needed to support students, systems, and stakeholders in closing literacy achievment gaps for students across our county.
Work as a Literacy Coach, Interventionist, Consultant, Specialized Dyslexia Tutor, or Independent Literacy Contractor in a variety of settings!
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Accreditation
At Carlow all of our coursework is aligned to IDA and Structured Literacy, and we are proud to have been awarded IDA accreditation for our MEd in Reading Specialist program!
Unique options exist, that meet various needs:
1. Four Course Dyslexia Certificate, 12 credits
READ 721 Dyslexia and Structured Literacy
READ722 Critical Components of Phonological Awareness
READ723 Structures of Language & Linguistics I
READ 724 Data Integration and Instruction
2. Reading Specialist Certificate, 25 credits
The four courses in the Dyslexia Certificate, plus:
READ 725 Teachers as Writers
READ 726 Critical Analysis of Text
SE 711 Disciplinary and Digital Literacy
READ 729 Structures of Language & Linguistics II
READ 740 Evaluating Literacy Curriculum
3. MEd in Reading Specialist, 31 credits
All courses in the Dyslexia Certificate and the Reading Specialist Certificate, plus:
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.
Make an immediate impact
MEd and Certificate graduate Samantha Onstott ’20 uses what she learned from her dyslexia classes daily. “The dyslexia program is broken down so you learn about dyslexia first, then how to work with students who have dyslexia based on scientific research. The smaller class sizes really let you experiment with multiple materials and learn at your own pace.”
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps.
“Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate is exceptional! The knowledge gained throughout my experience has helped me to better support and understand evidence based practices that are beneficial for all students and vital for students with dyslexia. In addition to the coursework and learning, I found valuable relationships in the Carlow faculty! The professors were excellent in their knowledge base, course structures, and accessibility. Knowing that all our students deserve instruction rooted in what the collective science says about how the brain learns to read, working through Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate program was a must for me!”
Tanya Lewis is a principal in the Butler Area School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s Educational Leadership Program and Dylslexia Teaching Certificate track
“I recently completed the accelerated, one-year MEd Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Certification program at Carlow University. I was initially attracted to Carlow because of the IDA accreditation, course offerings, and virtual instruction. Each course in the MEd Reading Specialist program and accompanying texts expanded my knowledge of reading science and structured literacy. The practicum experiences allowed me to put my new learning into practice. My fondest memories of Carlow are the classes taught by enthusiastic, expert instructors in the field of literacy. I am proud to be a Carlow graduate, reading specialist, and a CERI Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist!”
Laurie Gibbons is a Reading Specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate
“I highly recommend Carlow University’s MEd Reading Specialist program to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy. The professors are knowledgeable educators who have a wealth of experience in the field of education. The coursework helped me dive deeper into how children learn to read, the difficulties they may experience, and how to facilitate learning for students who struggle with reading. The embedded practicum allowed me to use the skills I was learning and provided opportunities for feedback and discussion with my professors and peers.”
Sarah Seyler is a Reading Coach in Sussex County Public Schools, Virginia and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate
“My courses in the Reading Specialist program at Carlow have been career-changing. I have been an elementary teacher for 17 years and have learned more about teaching reading in courses I’ve taken than I have in my previous combined eight years of higher education. Already having an MEd, obtaining another was not my original plan. Being introduced to the Science of Reading and getting a taste of the research changed my mind. I want to keep learning and growing as a teacher and soak up as much knowledge as I can from the amazing professors and education department at Carlow.”
Samantha Buterbaugh is a teacher in South Butler County School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate
Explore the field of early childhood leadership
Studying for Carlow’s Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership, you’ll learn skills needed to plan and evaluate early learning programs and will explore curriculum development, staff supervision, and educational coaching. This program is a four-course sequence which may lead to a Director’s Credential, and the courses could easily transfer to the full MEd in Early Childhood Supervision program, if desired. The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership is an excellent means of broadening professional knowledge in the field of early learning. Upon completion of the program, a Carlow certificate of completion will be issued.
Courses focus on developmentally appropriate supervisory practices for each age group; trends and challenges in the field, as well as various types of programs designed for children in child care, Head Start, preschool and early intervention programs; and a case study of an operating early childhood program. An internship is required.
Quick facts
Complete 3 online courses plus internship
May lead to a Director’s Credential, if all other criteria for the credential are met
Female Teacher With Two Elementary School Pupils Wearing Uniform Using Digital Tablet At Desk
Career opportunities for Early Childhood Leadership certificate
The program will lead to a deeper understanding of the roles of center director, supervisor of Head Start/Early Head Start programs, classroom coaches and early childhood mentors.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Carlow’s graduate certificate in STEM Teaching program will teach you what you need to know for the 21st-century classroom. Because Carlow is a CREATE Lab satellite (Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment), education faculty have access to the latest STEM technologies. The program embraces constructivism and progressivism while preparing you for STEM based programs or classrooms. Pennsylvania licensed teachers can obtain a Pennsylvania Department of Education STEM endorsement.
The curriculum examines ethical issues, current research, and inquiry models of learning and teaching, and finishes with an action-based research STEM project in a classroom or field site. You’ll design an integrated STEM curriculum and be introduced to coding using the latest applications and software. You will experience an accelerated program with eight-week online courses.
Quick facts
Stay up to date with current technology
Learn with an emphasis on computational thinking
Blonde boy with big black glasses sitting in classroom, studing, smiling. Education on elementary school, first day at school.
Career opportunities for graduate certificate in STEM Teaching
After completing the certificate program’s four-course sequence, you’ll return to your classroom or other educational setting prepared to take on leadership roles and contribute in STEM education research and teaching, whether it be with a public, private or nonprofit organization. Pennsylvania licensed teachers can obtain a Pennsylvania Department of Education STEM endorsement.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Empower learners in a digital world: Online Teaching certificate
Carlow’s 100% online graduate certificate program in Online Teaching will give you the hands-on experience you’ll need to succeed, preparing you to design, develop and implement instructional tools, programs and materials. You’ll receive real-world training from e-learning experts.
The Online Teaching certificate program includes four online courses. Introduction to Instructional Design addresses the primary concepts and structures of effective online instruction. In the Online Teaching and Facilitation course, you’ll find the best way to structure an online learning experience that meets the needs of the learner. Assessment and Evaluation of Online Learning teaches an understanding of the design and implementation of appropriate assessment techniques for online learning. The capstone course focuses on effective approaches to implementation and change management.
Quick facts
Learn with an emphasis on structural design
Earn endorsement in online teaching through the state Department of Education (for Pennsylvania licensed teachers)
Female teacher are using computer laptop for online teaching students or online elearning ormeetings with webex or zoom program application.
Career opportunities for graduate certificate in Online Teaching
Colleges, K-12 schools and companies are increasingly seeking instructional designers who can improve learning across environments, whether it be in person, online or a combination. With the Online Teaching graduate certificate, you will be prepared for positions in teaching or industry, including business development manager, instructional consultant, content designer, multimedia designer, IT training manager, learning coordinator and learning services manager.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Make a difference: Minor in Public Policy & Leadership
A minor in Public Policy and Leadership can help you become a change agent. This program will help you learn how to analyze, evaluate and implement policy decisions.
You will gain understanding of the political constraints faced by policymakers, how to critically evaluate the effectiveness of policies and how to measure the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation.
