Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Pre-K-12 Dance Education Certification
Program Highlights & Benefits
Flexible, online course format
2 year completion time, including holiday breaks
Complete one course every 8 weeks
Courses blend dance and education content knowledge
For
Students eligible for the M.Ed. in PreK-12 Dance Education Certification include Point Park dance alumni and any student who has earned a B.F.A. or B.A. in dance from other institutions.
A baccalaureate degree in dance is strongly preferred. However, applicants with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline may be considered for admission if they can demonstrate extensive professional investment in the field, such as professional performance or dance pedagogy experience.
What You Learn
Point Park University’s innovative School of Education and world-renowned Conservatory of Performing Arts are proud to be the first in Pennsylvania to offer a Master of Education in PreK-12 Dance Education Certification program, an opportunity for dance professionals to broaden their skillset in teaching the art of dance. With this in-depth, relevant and content-specific certification, dancers who envision a career outside of performance will be well-prepared and competitive in the workforce.
This program offers a distinctive blend of dance pedagogy and educator core competencies, taught by experienced professors who are skilled at supporting students’ needs, career-readiness and quest for artistic excellence. Students will strengthen their understanding of child development, diverse learning styles, assessment, communication and differentiated learning practices.
How You Learn
Point Park’s online programs are offered in a cohort format with courses being 8 weeks long in a predetermined course sequence and are asynchronous for your convenience. Observation and field experience requirements are built into many of the courses, so students should expect to spend time in classrooms for this initial certification.
Online students have access to the same great benefits as those on campus, including Point Park faculty with real-world experience, small online class sizes for individualized attention, a full spectrum of University resources, and a student success advisor offering support from application to graduation, who will guide you to successfully complete your degree.
Every student teacher will satisfy the PDE requirement of a student teaching experience, including at least 30 instructional days in a PA school, during the final term of the program (15-week full time school hours).
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be certified to teach dance in public and private schools in Pennsylvania. PA teaching certification carries reciprocity with 45 states through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Students may also find employment in any dance organization that requires working with and teaching students.
Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
| EDUC 582 | Dance Pedagogy | 3 |
| EDUC 583 | Dance Aesthetics & Criticism | 3 |
| EDUC 584 | Dance History | 3 |
| EDUC 585 | Production and Technology | 3 |
| EDUC 586 | Choreography and Composition | 3 |
| EDUC 587 | Teaching Dance Methods PK-12 | 3 |
| EDUC 541 | Culturally Responsive Schools | 3 |
| SPED 533 | Special Education & Inclusive Practices | 3 |
| SPED 534 | Differentiated Instructional Practices | 3 |
| SPED 535 | Positive Behavioral Interventions | 3 |
| EDUC 567 | Methods of Teaching English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 588 | Student Teaching Seminar – Dance Education | 3 |
| EDUC 625 | Student Teaching Practicum | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 42 |
Please Note:
Program and course requirements are subject to change to comply with university and PDE policies.
Field Work:
As part of your course work, you will be observing and completing field experience hours with students. The majority of these hours will be tied to course assignments.
For a detailed breakdown, see Field Work Guidelines here: https://www.pointpark.edu/academics/schools/education/resourcesforstudents/media/point-park-field-experience-guidelines.pdf
Download a Field Experience Log sheet here:
https://www.pointpark.edu/academics/schools/education/resourcesforstudents/index
Please track your hours on your Log sheet throughout the program.
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