Teaching English, Master of Education (MEd) - Basic Concentration Leading to Certification
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Standard 1 — Knowledge of Language (G: 1,2,3)
Candidates demonstrate knowledge of:
- Language structure (grammar, syntax, semantics)
- Language acquisition and development
- Language variation, dialects, and linguistics
- How language affects communication and learning
Standard 2 — Knowledge of Literature (G: 1,2,3)
Candidates understand:
- Major literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama)
- Diverse, multicultural, and global texts
- Literary theory and analysis
- How literature supports student identity and engagement
Standard 3 — Knowledge of Reading (G: 1,2,3)
Candidates demonstrate understanding of:
- Reading processes and comprehension strategies
- Vocabulary development
- Fluency and word recognition
- Reading theory and research-based practices
Standard 4 — Knowledge of Writing (G: 1,2,3)
Candidates understand and can teach:
- Writing processes (planning, drafting, revising, editing)
- Multiple genres of writing
- Writing for authentic purposes and audiences
- Assessment of writing using clear criteria and feedback
Standard 5 — Knowledge of Research and Inquiry (G: 1,2,3)
Candidates:
- Engage students in inquiry-based learning
- Teach research skills and information literacy
- Integrate media and digital literacies
- Support critical evaluation of sources
Standard 6 — Knowledge of Literacy Instruction and Assessment (G: 1,2,3)
Candidates can:
- Plan instruction aligned to standards
- Differentiate for diverse learners
- Use formative and summative assessments
- Integrate technology meaningfully
- Reflect on teaching effectiveness
The Basic Teaching Concentration
The Basic Teaching Concentration in Secondary Education Teaching - English is a degree designed for individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree and appropriate coursework in English. Successful completion of the program will lead to a master’s degree and can lead to state certification. It is anticipated that students would complete the 36-semester hour program in one calendar year of full-time study, beginning with the summer pre-session. However, students may begin the program during the fall or spring semesters.
Admission Requirements
Basic concentration
All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with appropriate course work in English with an overall GPA of 2.80 or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
Prerequisite Undergraduate Courses
Students should provide evidence of meeting outcomes in special needs instruction (Slippery Rock University’s SEFE 338, Standards-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Inclusionary Classroom and SEFE 342, Educational Psychology for Diverse Learners meet this requirement).
Although the vast majority of accepted students exceed the minimum GPA requirements, students not meeting these criteria may be considered for conditional admission. Conditionally admitted students, however, must meet all of the prescribed program requirements before conferral of degree candidacy.
Basic Concentration Undergraduate Competencies
Students in the basic concentration who meet admission requirements and have more than three undergraduate competencies will be offered conditional admission. While completing these competencies, students will be registered as post-baccalaureate students.
Degree Completion Process
There are five steps to completing a master’s degree at Slippery
Rock University. Students must:
- Obtain unconditional admission status.
- Be approved for degree candidacy (students must successfully complete between 6 and 12 credit hours in a declared program of study).
- Pass appropriate comprehensive examinations.
- Complete research requirements.
- Complete requisite credit hours.
All candidates completing this program and student teaching are eligible to receive Pennsylvania certification after achieving a passing or qualifying score on Pennsylvania Department of Education required exam(s). If you are interested in teaching in another state, please contact the Department of Education in that state.
Related Links
Teaching English Leading to Certification - Basic Concentration, MEd Program Page
Curriculum Guide
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Pedagogy | ||
| SEFE 522 | Teaching of Middle Level and Secondary Social Studies and the Engl Language Arts for the Humanities | 3 |
| SEFE 607 | The Theories and Teaching of English Language Learners | 3 |
| SEFE 677 | Directed Field Experience in Secondary Schools | 3 |
| Technology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Technology-Based Inquiry in Middle & Secondary Schools | ||
| Emerging Web Technologies and Learning | ||
| Education Measurement | ||
| SEFE 671 | Measurement, Testing, and Assessment | 3 |
| Educational Foundations | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| History of Western Education | ||
| Crucial Issues in Education | ||
| Research And Statistics | ||
| SEFE 602 | Univariate Statistical Methods | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Research Methods for Teacher | ||
| Elements of Qualitative Educational Research | ||
| Elements of Quantitative Educational Research | ||
| Special Education | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Psychology of Learning and Instruction for Diverse Learners | ||
SPED Course at 600, 700, or 800 level | ||
| Supervised Student Teaching | ||
| SEFE 701 | Seminar and Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School | 9 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
If a student would like to substitute/transfer another course, the course must meet the Chapter 49 Accommodations and Adaptations Standards as covered in SPED 601.
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
Major Code: 927O
UCC 01.17.2026
Revised: 02.17.2026