Department of Graduate Education --
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where are courses held?
Since most of our students are already balancing work and family responsibilities, we schedule many of our classes in the evenings or on weekends, and at multiple off-campus locations, in addition to the Saint Francis University campus, in order to provide students with a greater degree of flexibility. Evening classes are offered in fall and spring. Day and evening classes are offered in the summer.
Since most of our students are already balancing work and family responsibilities, we schedule many of our classes in the evenings or on weekends, and at multiple off-campus locations, in addition to the Saint Francis University campus, in order to provide students with a greater degree of flexibility. Evening classes are offered in fall and spring. Day and evening classes are offered in the summer.
When are applications accepted for the upcoming semester?
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.
How do I apply for the program?
For admission requirements and application forms, please visit the Admissions link at the left.
May I submit my own copies of transcripts with my application?
No, only official transcripts sent directly from the outside institutions will be accepted.
In order to apply to the Master of Education degree program, must my Bachelor’s degree have been in education?
No. However, you will not receive a teaching certificate at the completing of the Master of Education degree program.
Will graduate courses I have taken at other institutions count toward my program requirements?
With the approval of the Education Department Chair, 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.
Will Saint Francis University Graduate Education courses count toward my Act 48 credits?
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.
Is financial aid available to graduate students?
For information regarding financial aid, visit the financial information page.
Will completion of the Saint Francis University Master of Education or Master of Education/Leadership program certify me to teach?
No, the Saint Francis University degree programs and certification programs are separate and one does not lead to the other. For instance, if you wish to enroll in a non-degree certification program to teach elementary/special education or a secondary education area, you will be taking undergraduate courses which do not lead to a Master’s degree.
I already hold a teaching certificate. Will my graduate education (M.Ed. or M.Ed./L) courses count toward my permanent certificate?
Yes. Your current school district will need to submit your request for Title II certification to PDE. You can obtain your official transcripts from the Registrar's Office at Saint Francis University.