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Graduate Certificate in the Science of Reading, Certificate

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in the Science of Reading is designed for teachers with teaching certifications seeking more expertise in literacy without necessarily pursuing an entire Master's degree. 

The four-course sequence can provide continuing education credits in the form of Act 48 credits and can count towards teachers' Instructional II certification requirements. 

The four-course sequence is stackable and can be applied to a future M.Ed. degree in Elementary Education or Special Education, if desired.

This entire certificate can be completed online.

Elementary Education Student at DeSales University

Admissions Requirements

Admissions to the M.Ed. programs are evaluated on a rolling basis. 

Application Checklist Items

  • Standardized Exam Required: No
  • Official Transcripts Required: Yes
  • Personal Statement Required: No
  • Letters of Recommendation: None
  • Resume Required: Graduate Program in Higher Education only
  • Copy of teaching certificate: No

International Students

  • English Competency Exam Required: TOEFL
  • Transcript Evaluation Required: Yes
  • Certificate of Finances Required: Yes

Curriculum

Courses in the Science of Reading Certificate are offered throughout the year to accommodate teaching practitioners working during the school year.

This may include week-long intensive courses during the summer semester(s).

Courses for this certificate include

  • EE512: Emergent Language and Literature
  • EE514: Literacy for Early Elementary
  • EE516: Reading Assessment and Differentiated Instruction
  • EE518: Literacy Interventions

Academic Catalog

Facilities

Value-Added Teacher Education

Enriching Field Experience: Students begin field experiences in the first semester of sophomore year, always under the guidance of a university professor. To arrange placements, we employ a former principal with important contacts in local districts. Students benefit from excellent field placements with great local teachers.

Study Abroad: Our Teacher Education students gain global perspectives, studying in Rome, London, and Limerick, Ireland with Spain and other destinations on the horizon.

Teach Abroad: Education students can take their global perspectives even further. In recent years, they have taught in primary and secondary schools in Capetown, South Africa and India through DeSales-sponsored faculty-led trips. Recent graduates are teaching throughout Asia and other countries in full time positions.

Technology-Rich Curriculum: DeSales University Teacher Education has received a special designation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for industry-leading technology integration in our teacher education programs.

Transferable Certification to Other States: Pennsylvania mandates rigorous, clear, teacher certification standards that make Pennsylvania certification easily transferable to other states. For additional detail on individual state certification requirements, refer to the state of choice.

Education Resource Lab

Students of DeSales education programs benefit from having access to the Department of Education's Resource Lab. The Lab is a convenient space where students gather to discuss topics, research, study, and work together on group projects. All the resources needed -- computers, art supplies, research library texts, and more -- are available to assist education students with their academic pursuits

Tuition & Fees

Program Costs
  • Tuition/credit hour: $590*
  • Instructional Technology Fee: $10/credit included in tuition
  • Student Teaching Fee: $260
  • Graduation Fee: $120
  • Returned Check Service: $30 

*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.

View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets

Tuition Deferment

DeSales University offers graduate students the opportunity to defer payment of their tuition when they will be receiving reimbursement from their employer or when they are eligible to receive financial aid. A copy of your employer's tuition reimbursement policy must be forwarded to the Treasurer's Office and/or all necessary financial aid paperwork must be filed with the Financial Aid Office before tuition deferment is granted. 

Tuition deferment is a privilege given to graduate students at DeSales and can be revoked if this privilege is abused. Please note that you, as the student, are responsible for payment of your tuition balance in the event that your financial aid/loans or employer reimbursement is not received by the Treasurer's Office.

Tuition Reimbursement

When a student is eligible for tuition reimbursement from his/her employer, written evidence of eligibility is required. The student is responsible for requesting this reimbursement from his/her employer. In cases where reimbursement is contingent upon successful completion of the course(s) and the student either withdraws or does not achieve a grade sufficient to warrant maximum reimbursement, the student is ultimately responsible for payment for the course(s).

Refund on Withdrawal

A refund of tuition payments will be made to a student who withdraws from a course. In all cases, credits will be calculated from the date the student completed the official withdrawal form, and the rebate will be based on the schedule shown listed below. 

Refunds apply to tuition only. If a student is allowed to enroll by use of the deferred payment procedure, any funds due the University are immediately due and payable upon withdrawal.

Withdrawal during the add/drop period is 100% of tuition refunded. The schedule below is for withdrawal after the first class after the close of the add/drop period. 

Three-Credit Courses

  • Withdrawal after 1st class: 80% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 2nd class: 65% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 3rd class: 50% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 4th class: 25% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 5th class: No refund

Weekend and Accelerated Courses

  • No refund is made after the course has begun.

One-Credit Courses

  • No refund is made after the course has begun.
teacher internship program

Accelerated Teacher Intern Programs

If you already have a bachelor's degree, the DeSales Teacher Intern Certification Program can help you fast-track your teaching career.

Teacher Intern Certification Programs
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Online Learning at DeSales

Attending classes from an off-campus location can be an excellent option for many busy students. Distance education at DeSales encompasses everything from video conference courses to hybrid (a combination of in-class and online) to online courses. 


Brightspace by D2LTM is our online learning system.

Learn About Online Learning at DeSales

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Master of Education (M.Ed.)