Graduate Education FAQ

All applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application packet to the Graduate Education Office for consideration and admission to the Graduate Education program.  View the application for a list of requirements.

Graduate Education Application

The Master of Special Education program is completely online. Candidates interested in this program must possess an Instructional I or Instructional II certification in special education (prek-8, 7-12 or prek-12).

Students may apply at any time; applications are accepted and processed by the department year-round. A student may enroll in up to six credits while his/her application is being completed and processed.

No, only official transcripts sent directly from the outside institutions will be accepted.

No. However, you will not receive a teaching certificate at the completion of the Master of Education program. You can apply to the post-baccalaureate secondary education certification program.

With the approval of the Graduate Education department, students may transfer up to six hours of graduate credits from another college or university. Students must submit this request in writing and forward a course description and an official transcript from the respective college or university to the Education Department. Saint Francis University WILL NOT accept course transfers or substitutions that are of a workshop nature. Courses taken seven years prior to the request for transfer will not be considered. Credit for graduate work completed at other institutions will be given only for courses in which the student received a "B" grade or better.

Yes. At the student’s request and upon his/her successful completion of the course(s), the Saint Francis University Graduate Education department will report Act 48 credits to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Student must complete a Request to Report Act 48 credits form and return to the office. 

Read more about Graduate Tuition and Fees for each semester. 

For information regarding student loans,  visit the Financial Aid web page.

No, the Saint Francis University degree programs and certification programs are separate programs. For instance, if you wish to enroll in the post-baccalaureate certification program to teach secondary education, you will be taking a combination of both undergraduate and graduate courses. Some courses are available at the graduate level and the credits may count towards a master's degree. See the Graduate Education link on the left menu. 

Yes. Your school district will need to submit your request for Instructional II certification to PDE. You can obtain your official transcripts from the Registrar's Office at Saint Francis University. You can make your transcript request online. Keep in mind that you will also need 3 credits in Inclusion (EDUC560 Successful Inclusion for Educational Leaders), 3 credits in SAS (EDUC515 Curriculum Development and Management), and 3 years teaching experience to apply for your Instructional II certification.