Graduate Courses for Teachers

Postbaccalaureate Credit Courses for Educators

Does your school district require you to pursue professional development or a graduate degree? Are you looking for Act 48 credits in your particular educational focus

Penn State University serves teachers and educators across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with diverse graduate course options ranging from workshops to online and in-class instruction.

Penn State is an approved provider for both credit and noncredit programs for educators. Our diverse offerings, locations, and delivery modes can help you meet Act 48 requirements.

Many of our graduate courses transfer into Penn State Harrisburg’s online Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum program.

CI 400: Introduction to Research Literature

This course introduces participants to educational research by exploring research language, ethics, and approaches. Students will examine quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs, and critically analyze published studies. The course culminates with a literature review that connects research findings to professional practice in local and global contexts.

EDUC 470W: Higher Order Thinking for Educators (H.O.T.S)

This foundational Education Program course for K–12 educators focuses on three main objectives:

1. Develop Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Build metacognitive, critical, creative, problem-solving, decision-making, and reflective thinking skills.
2. Support Classroom Application: Learn ways to foster higher-order thinking in K–12 students.
3. Strengthen Writing Proficiency: Write and refine critical thinking/reflection papers on educational issues.

CI 497: Authentic Instruction in the Classroom & Facilitating Learning in the Classroom

The face of education is changing for the 21st-century teacher. Shifts in demographics, technology, accountability, and other societal forces place greater emphasis on opportunities for deep learning. This course emphasizes an authentic, learning-centered approach to teaching, where instruction is seen as facilitation of learning.

We will ground our work in theory and research, focusing on principles rather than “tips,” so that teaching strategies are adaptable to diverse contexts. The course also balances your immediate needs as a teacher candidate with long-term professional development goals.

EDUC 418: Positive Classroom Climate: Developing Positive Attitudes to Learning

A positive classroom climate is essential for effective teaching and learning. Research shows that supportive environments improve achievement, motivation, behavior, morale, and relationships. In this course, we will examine theory, research, and strategies for cultivating classrooms where students feel safe to take risks, collaborate, and grow as learners.

Essential Questions:

1. In light of Pennsylvania Academic Core Standards, why should teachers invest time and effort in building a positive classroom climate?
2. How can a teacher create a classroom climate in which all students develop a positive attitude toward learning?

How to Apply:

Non-degree seeking applicants who want to take graduate-level courses for personal enrichment, professional development, or later want to apply for graduate degree status, can seek admission as a non-degree student in order to register for these classes.

Apply as a non-degree student

Note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.