MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Teach anyone, anywhere.
Mercyhurst's Department of Education has graduated prepared and passionate education leaders ready to impact young minds in classrooms around the world for decades. As future role models for our youth, we create teachers who are committed to helping their students grow and develop; our students become effective educators, equipped with knowledge of the world, an understanding of human relationships, and a wide perspective encompassing the humanities, arts, and sciences. Our world has seen educators rise above unforeseen challenges as true advocates for students and champions for education in one of the most in-demand and respected careers of the modern era. Mercyhurst ensures these aspiring teachers are prepared for the workforce as soon as they graduate, guided each step of the way by our experienced faculty.
Nine Excellent Education Programs
B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Mercyhurst’s PreK-4 Early Childhood Education program equips our graduates with evidence-based practice and hands-on classroom experience. Advance your career goals with our Dual Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education PreK-4/Special Education.
B.A. in Special Education
Meet the needs of diverse learners with the hands-on clinical experience provided by Mercyhurst’s PreK-12 Special Education program. Advance your career goals with our Dual Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education PreK-4/Special Education.
B.A. in Music Education
Promote a lifelong love of music in your students with Mercyhurst’s Music Education program. Learn instructional techniques and classroom management skills for your chosen instrument while performing with a variety of ensembles similar to those found in schools.
B.A. in Art Education
Foster creativity and inspire passion in young artists with a degree in Art Education from Mercyhurst. Our graduates are supported in their own artistic abilities as they gain a comprehensive foundation in the best practices for education of future art students.
B.A. in Spanish Education
Graduate with strong language skills and deep understanding of best practices in world language education with a degree in Spanish Education. Our international student body and faculty allows students to practice language in real-world settings without leaving campus.
B.A. in French Education
Instill an appreciation for world cultures and customs in generations of future students as a French language educator. As the only university in the Erie region to certify French Education students, our graduates are highly sought-after by school districts nationwide.
M.S. in Secondary Education
Cultivate lifelong learners at the high school level by earning your master’s in Secondary Education from Mercyhurst. With a focus on pedagogy and practice, this graduate degree program provides an excellent way to develop and hone hands-on learning skills.
M.S. in Special Education
Transform the lives of students with disabilities with a master’s in Special Education and Applied Disability Studies. Backed by some of the nation’s leading special education curriculum, students develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in today’s classrooms.
M.S. in Teaching Excellence
Improve teaching practices (and salaries!) with Mercyhurst’s Teaching Excellence master’s program. Core courses focus on evidence-based pedagogy, professional development, and educational scholarship to prepare graduates for both classrooms and careers.
Certificate in Principal Leadership
Pursue a passion for leadership with the expedited, customizable curriculum in our Principal Leadership program. Designed for working K-12 educators, the program positions graduates to achieve the Pennsylvania Department of Education Principal Certification.

Carpe Diem Academy
The Carpe Diem Academy is a nationally recognized K-2 extended-day learning program for children living in the city of Erie. Mercyhurst Education students support at-risk learners by offering classroom instruction and encouraging ongoing social and emotional development.

MELIA
The Mercyhurst Early Learning Innovation Academy is an after-school academy for rural, economically disadvantaged students. Our Education students plan and conduct lessons that cover progressive and intentional arts, wellness, and academically rich activities.
Want to Learn More?
Education B.A. Programs
Contact us about our traditional, four-year Education B.A. programs by reaching out to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-2202.
All Other Education Programs
Learn more about all other Education programs by reaching out to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions at gpadmissions@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-2202.
Contact Us
Amy Burniston, Ph.D., Ed.D.
Chair, Department of Education
Office: Hirt 300D
Phone: 814-824-2437
Email: aburniston@mercyhurst.edu
Meet the Faculty
Education
Dean, Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Interim Dean, Walker College of Business
Associate Dean, Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Professor
Chair, Department of Education, Assistant Professor
Program Director, Graduate Special Education, Professor