Potential Careers
- Early Childhood teacher
- Elementary Education teacher
- Preschool owner or director
- Teacher leader
Master’s Degree & Certification
Elementary Education: The Early Years (Pre-K-4) (MEd)
Whether you are a practicing teacher, working in the community, or right out of a bachelor’s program, the master of education in Elementary Education: The Early Years may be the right fit for you.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Master's
Certification
Format
On Campus
Credits
45
Avg. Time to Completion
3 years
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Graduate Elementary Education Program
The early elementary education graduate program prepares you to use innovative practice to meet the demands of today’s diverse, inclusive, and technology-driven schools. You'll receive individualized instruction and be prepared to serve and value diverse children and families in a variety of educational settings.
Through hands-on graduate work, Widener challenges educators and encourages learning through civic engagement, scholarship, and cultural diversity. You'll receive personalized attention through small class size, expert faculty, and individualized program counseling.
Elementary Education (MEd) Program Information
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You may earn your teaching certification in Elementary Education: The Early Years (PreK-4) in addition to the master's degree.
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Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, the University recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.
To view Widener’s licensure eligibility by state/jurisdiction, please visit the Center for Education: Program Licensure page.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Elementary Educators
Why Study Elementary Education at Widener?
A Flexible Program Fit For You
Students learn through a combination of class time, fieldwork, and one-on-one advising. This multi-faceted approach fosters confidence and experience and prepares students to become compassionate educators. Most of our students are working professionals and can easily fit this program into their schedules because classes are held during the week and in the evening.
Engaged Field Experiences
Students in the program spend time working in the field to develop their skills and gain personal experience interacting with students and teachers. Field experience asserts the importance of collaboration among students, faculty, seasoned teachers, administrators, and supportive educational specialists.
Mentoring Relationships & Individualized Attention
Faculty are committed to excellence, scholarship, and service and will work closely with you on research projects that transform theory into practice. Small class sizes mean you’ll receive individual attention from well-qualified and respected faculty who will help you construct a foundation for career enrichment and success in elementary education.
Clubs & Organizations
Education majors have the opportunity to join various clubs & organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including Kappa Delta Pi, and many more.
Our Faculty
"Learning to be a teacher requires discipline and hard work. Learning to be great teacher requires passion and a deep dedication to the many and diverse children that we serve."
It takes someone special to teach someone special. Our pre-service educators are dedicated to learning, growing, and teaching the next generation.
"My interests include brain development, literacy development, and applications of technology in research and instruction. My greatest excitement in teaching comes from the way that working with graduate students spills over to my teaching of undergraduates and vice versa."
Recent News
New Jersey Superintendent of the Year Says Widener Provided Him with a Foundation for Success
New Jersey's 2021 Superintendent of the Year Joseph Meloche attributes his success in the field of education to his experiences at Widener University.
Widener Teacher Candidates Help Elementary Student “Scientists” Shine at Virtual STEM Fair
A series of science fairs hosted by Widener elementary teacher candidates shows the creativity and resiliency of the students, their teachers, and a community-focused program.
Widener Prepares Student Teachers to Thrive in a Digital Classroom
When COVID-19 forced the closure of K-12 schools in mid-March, Widener student teachers found themselves embarking on a new partnership with Agora Cyber Charter School.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Complete the online application
- Copy of your resume.
- Personal Statement.
- Have an official transcript sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors.
- Complete a writing sample. Contact the Writing Center at 610-499-4332 to schedule an appointment. The writing sample can be waived if you have an acceptable undergraduate GPA.
- You'll also have an admissions interview with a faculty advisor.
We have rolling admissions, so you may enter the program in any semester.
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Teacher Education & Certification
-
503 E. 13th Street
Room # 113 - (610) 499-4373
- cfed@widener.edu
Daniel J. Kiers
Assistant Dean, School of Engineering
-
Kirkbride Hall
Room 109 - (610) 499-4187
- djkiers@widener.edu
Patricia A. Newman
Director of Teacher Education and Certification
-
503 E. 13th Street
Chester, PA 19061
Room 113
- (610) 499-4630
- panewman@widener.edu