Middle Grades Education Master of Education

The Master of Education (MEd) in Middle Grades trains graduate students to guide learners through grades 4 through 8 and prepare them for the demands of high school. Certification prepares graduates to teach in both upper elementary and middle grades classrooms.

Students graduate with a solid foundation in learning and teaching and a strong commitment to serving pre-adolescent learners from diverse economic, ethnic and geographic backgrounds. The Middle Grades MEd program focuses on building deep, content-specific pedagogical knowledge aligned to the wide-ranging academic standards and developmental needs of middle grades students.

Applicants to the Middle Grades Education MEd who are interested in earning certification through a full-time, urban-focused STEM teacher residency may also explore Temple’s Teacher Residency program.

Concentrations

In addition to becoming certified to teach all elementary subjects in grades four to six, you must pursue single or dual certification for seventh and eighth grades in one of the following concentrations.

  • Language Arts

    Develop an in-depth understanding of language arts as well as the skills necessary to effectively manage a classroom and the development of various learners. Nurture active learning, critical thinking and real-world connections in an environment open to all populations. Through cultivated competency, you’ll gain increased awareness and understanding of educator professionalism.

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  • Mathematics

    Acquire comprehensive knowledge of social studies and mathematics and the most impactful ways in which your students might form a deep content understanding. Develop, create and execute lessons that foster coherence and continuity, active learning, and reflective thinking.

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  • Mathematics and Language Arts

    Gain a deep understanding of social studies and language arts and develop the skills to effectively manage a classroom. Foster critical and reflective thinking and an understanding of real-world connections in your students. Develop professional approaches to education and acquire the tools to create and execute lessons that promote and encourage active learning.

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  • Mathematics and Science

    Pursue dual certification in mathematics and science teaching. This program emphasizes teaching math and science to students in grades 7 and 8. Study the fundamentals of education theory, natural and empirical science education, and the basis of algebra, calculus and geometry.

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  • Science

    Form an in-depth understanding of the field of science and cultivate competency in enacting lesson plans that foster deep content understanding, coherence and continuity, critical thinking, real- world connections, active learning, and reflective thinking in your future student populations. Increase your awareness and understanding of educator professionalism and acquire the skills needed to lead a classroom.

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  • Science and Language Arts

    Earn certification to teach all subjects to students in grades 4 through 6, plus certification to teach science and language arts to students in grades 7 and 8. Focus on teaching and learning literacy, scientific principles, and historical and modern literature.

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  • Social Studies

    Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form a comprehensive understanding of social studies and lead a diverse classroom of learners. Develop an approach that fosters deep understanding of the subject matter as well as skills in active learning, critical thinking and making connections to the real world. Gain professional expertise and increase your own awareness and coherence.

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  • Social Studies and Language Arts

    Gain a deep understanding of social studies and language arts and develop the skills to effectively manage a classroom. Foster critical and reflective thinking and an understanding of real-world connections in your students. Develop professional approaches to education and acquire the tools to create and execute lessons that promote and encourage active learning.

    View Concentration Details

  • Social Studies and Mathematics

    Acquire comprehensive knowledge of social studies and mathematics and the most impactful ways in which your students might form a deep content understanding. Develop, create and execute lessons that foster coherence and continuity, active learning, and reflective thinking.

    View Concentration Details

  • Social Studies and Science

    Form an in-depth understanding of the field of science and cultivate competency in enacting lesson plans that foster deep content understanding, coherence and continuity, critical thinking, real- world connections, active learning, and reflective thinking in your future student populations. Increase your awareness and understanding of educator professionalism and acquire the skills needed to lead a classroom.

    View Concentration Details

Teacher Certification

This program prepares you to successfully complete state certification exams, allowing you to apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Learn more about certification.

Fieldwork 

In addition to state certification exams and student teaching, you must complete field experiences as part of your coursework. Field placements are designed to give you teaching experience working with children in educational and non-educational settings. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.

Middle grades education students discussing in class

Classes & Curriculum

Choose to complete the Middle Grades MEd program on a full- or part-time basis. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Review the full list of the College of Education and Human Development’s graduate degree and graduate certificate programs.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Education offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program. You'll also find opportunities to give back to the community, either locally or globally. Students can join the 

  • Temple University Graduate Students Association, a student employee union that maintains positive working lives and conditions for graduate student assistants.
  • Temple Student Pennsylvania State Education Association, which hosts events to share effective classroom techniques and other resources for developing teachers.

Search for additional College of Education and Human Development and education-related student organizations.

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission, and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu

ED-MGRE-MED

Additional Program Information

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