Online Graduate Education
Endorsements and Graduate Certificates
Graduate Education: Endorsements and Graduate Certificates 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.
Endorsements and Graduate Certificate Programs offered at SFU:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement PK-12
- Principal PK-12
- Reading Specialist PK-12
- Superintendent/IU Executive Director Letter of Eligibility
- Supervisor of Special Education
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 special education.
- Online Delivery: Complete coursework from anywhere, with flexible scheduling for working professionals.
- Rolling Admission: Spring, Summer, & Fall Start Dates
- Timeline: Complete a Post-Bac Certificate in 2 years full-time plus teaching experience.
- Affordable Tuition: $735 per credit (25/26 graduate tuition) 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
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.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement PK-12 (Post-Baccalaureate)
This endorsement provides an additional level of specific training and experiences for professionals who provide educational services for the population of students presenting with various autism spectrum disorders.
Program Snapshot
- Delivery Format: Online (+ clinical observation hours upon completion)
- Total Credits: 12 Credits
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: Typically 1 year of full-time study or 2 years part-time
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Principal PK-12 (Post-Baccalaureate)
The Principal PK-12 program provides advanced professional study and the opportunity to pursue certification as a school principal to candidates with an Instructional II certificate. The program is designed to develop school leaders who can respond to the changing needs of the community they serve by providing visionary, instructional and administrative leadership.
Program Snapshot
- Online Format (clinical observation required)
- PDE-Approved
- Total Credits: 25
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: Typically 2+ years of part-time study
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Reading Specialist PK-12 (Post-Baccalaureate)
The Reading Specialist PK-12 program is designed for teachers interested in pursuing advanced skills in literacy education.
Program Snapshot
- Online Format
- Clinical hours upon completion
- PDE-Approved
- Total Credits: 24 + 100 hours of clinical observations
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: 2 years of part-time study
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Superintendent/IU Executive Director Letter Of Eligibility PK-12
Candidates seeking admission to the Superintendent PK-12/IU Executive Director PK-12 program must have successfully completed a master’s degree and an administrative certification program.
Program Snapshot
- Online + Clinical Observations
- Total Credits: 20 Credits
- Estimated Completion Time: Typically 2 years part-time
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.
Supervisor of Special Education (Post-Baccalaurate)
The Post-Baccalaureate Supervisor Special Education program is designed for teachers and other individuals interested in pursuing an advanced degree in special education. The program seeks to facilitate students’ ability to be analytical, reflective decision-makers of special education content, theory, practice, and pedagogy.
Program Snapshot
- Online Format + Clinical Observations
- PDE-Approved
- Total Credits: 18
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Estimated Completion Time: 2 years part-time study
For course descriptions, licensure information, and admissions requirements, see the course catalog.