Online Graduate Education
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Preparation
Graduate Education: Teacher Certification Preparation at Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University offers a wide range of subject areas approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to prepare students to apply for Pennsylvania teaching certification.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Preparation Programs offered at SFU:
Accreditation Statement: These are PDE-approved programs that lead to certification. Certification is granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Exams are required in addition to program completion at the university. Candidates would apply through the Teacher Information Management System for certification.
Highlights
- PDE-Approved Programs: Delivered by caring, compassionate faculty who are passionate about education.
- Online Delivery: Complete coursework from anywhere, with flexible scheduling for working professionals.
- Rolling Admission: Spring, Summer, & Fall Start Dates
- Affordable Tuition: $735 per credit (25/26 graduate tuition)
- No Thesis, No GREs, No Admissions Test
- Affordable Cost with Tuition Deferment Available
Discounts/Scholarships:
Ask us about our affordability initiatives, including scholarships/discounts for REAL Institute member schools!
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to help you succeed. Our team is happy to answer your questions, walk you through the application process, or just chat about your goals
Reach out today — we’d love to hear from you!
Director of the Graduate Education Department
Dr. Melissa Peppetti, Ph.D.
Email: mpeppetti@francis.edu
Call: 814-472-3068
Ms. Morgan Shumaker
Enrollment Advisor
Email mshumaker@francis.edu
Call/Text: 814.395.6095
Post-Baccalaureate Grades PK-4
Post-Baccalaureate Grades PK-4- Students may apply for a PDE Instructional Certificate in Grades PK-4 Education that qualifies them to teach all Early Childhood subjects.
Program Snapshot
- Delivery Format: Online
- Total Credits: 48 Credits
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: 1-3 Years
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Post-Baccalaureate 7-12 Secondary Education
Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, & Social Studies
The post-baccalaureate teacher certification program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek to qualify for Pennsylvania state teacher certification at the secondary level (grades 7-12).
Program Snapshot
- Online Format (clinical observation and field work may be required)
- PDE-Approved Content Areas
- Total Credits: Varies by Content Area
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: Typically 2+ years of part-time study
Biology 7-12 Plan of Study
Chemistry 7-12 Plan of Study
English 7-12 Plan of Study
Math 7-12 Plan of Study
Social Studies 7-12 Plan of Study
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Post-Baccalaureate 7-12 Secondary Intern
Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, & Social Studies
Alternative pathway to teacher certification:Teacher intern certification programs provide an alternate route to certification through an approved Pennsylvania education program provider (EPP). Graduate Education (EPP) currently is approved to facilitate the Post Baccalaureate 7-12 Secondary Education program in the following areas; English, mathematics, social studies, chemistry, and biology.
An Intern certificate issued in accordance with 22 Pa. Code § 49.91 and §49.92 is a type of certificate (Type 51) qualifying a person to teach (Section 1201 and 1203. Candidates may teach in the area for which they have passed a content test prior to admission into the intern certification preparation program.
Program Snapshot
- Online Format
- PDE-Approved Content Areas
- Total Credits: 27
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Admission Requirements:
- Estimated Completion Time: 1-2 years
Admission Requirements:
- Step 1: Complete the content exam (passing score).
- Step 2: Secure employment in an approved district.
- Step 3: Apply for an Intern Certificate through PDE.
- Step 4: Enroll in the Intern program at SFU.
- For complete admissions requirements, licensure information, and course descriptions, see the course catalog.
Post-Baccalaureate Special Education PK-12
Post-Baccalaureate Special Education PK-12 students may apply for a PDE Instructional Certificate in Special Education PK-12.
Program Snapshot
- Delivery Format: Online (+ Field Experiences)
- Total Credits: 33-48 Credits
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: 1-3 Years
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Graduate Education
Benefit from our Experienced Faculty
We take great pride in giving students the individual attention needed to make earning a graduate education degree online a successful and meaningful journey. Our faculty promote student development through active participation and making connections between theory- and research-based practice.