5 Year (4+1) BS/MsEd: Fast-Track Master of Science in Education Program

Interested in teaching secondary school? In just five years, you can earn your bachelor’s degree in biology or history and your master’s degree in education. During your senior year, you will take graduate level courses – as part of your undergraduate tuition. This prepares you for your fifth year, where you will complete your MsEd degree with online courses and a student teaching requirement.

Are you a current student interested in the 4+1 MsEd?
Join us in person at our Graduate Open House!
Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. 
Talk to faculty and get all of your questions answered.
Please RSVP here

MsEd

The GMercyU Difference

As a 4+1 student, you’ll develop your teaching skills while working with other students and faculty who will challenge you and prepare you for the field of education.

As a student in GMercyU's 4+1 MsEd Program, you will:

  • Take 12 graduate-level credits as a senior as part of your undergraduate tuition
  • Put yourself on a faster path to your graduate degree in education
  • Skip the need to take a graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE
  • Learn from faculty members who have professional education experience 
  • Be ready to share your love of biology or history with secondary students in just five years

Curriculum

To be posted soon!

Credit Requirements
A minimum of 125 credits is required for the bachelor’s degree in biology and history. An additional 30-credits are necessary to complete the 4+1 MsEd degree. To review course descriptions, please refer to the graduate catalog.

Undergraduate Minors
Increase the value of your BS/MsEd degree by adding an undergraduate minor that best meets your personal and professional goals.

Career Outcomes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school teachers made an average annual salary of $61,820, with the top 10% of teachers earning more than $100,310.

And, there is opportunity in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the number of new teacher certificates issued in Pennsylvania dropped by 74 percent between 2012-13 and 2018-19, with the number of college students completing Pennsylvania teacher prep programs dropping by 32 percent between 2013-14 and 2017-18.

Thinking beyond Pennsylvania? Assistant Dean of the School of Business and Education Deb Schadler, PhD, reports that these states have been aggressive in recruiting GMercyU students:

  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Maryland
  • North Carolina
  • Oregon
  • Texas
  • Washington
  • West Virginia

Interested in the 4+1 MsEd?

Juniors in GMercyU's Biology or History programs can apply for the 4+1 MsEd. Please speak with your faculty advisor before the end of your junior year — the earlier, the better.