Overview

The Alternative Education programme at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive framework for professionals dedicated to supporting at-risk students in diverse learning environments. This Master of Education degree is delivered entirely online to offer maximum flexibility for working teachers, social workers, and school administrators across the country.

The curriculum is specifically designed to bridge the gap between educational theory and classroom practice, ensuring that graduates can immediately apply new strategies to help challenging students succeed. By focusing on innovative instruction and leadership, the course prepares individuals to manage non-traditional settings, including correctional facilities and urban schools, with professional expertise and empathy.

Why Alternative Education at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?

This programme is a recognised leader in the field, featuring a curriculum aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the National Alternative Education Association’s exemplary practices. It holds national accreditation through CAEP/NCATE, ensuring the highest standards of academic quality and professional preparation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 801 per credit
National fee: USD 801 per credit
Local fee: USD 534 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 30 credit hours focused on data-driven decision-making and specialised instruction for at-risk populations. Modules may include:

Data Driven Decisions
School Law and Finance
Curriculum Theory and Design
Education Research Writing
Classroom Environment
Alternative Education: Theory and Practice
Cognition, Motivation, & Social Skills
Projects, Readings, and Case Studies
Topics in Alternative Education

Careers with Alternative Education

Graduates are equipped for advanced roles in school districts, alternative learning centres, and correctional education departments. The programme prepares students for positions as lead teachers, programme coordinators, and administrators who specialise in at-risk student populations. By mastering differentiated instruction and classroom management based on Choice Theory, alumni are well-positioned to provide school-wide leadership on critical educational issues.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Inquiry and Educational Change

Designing Assessments Using Performance Standards

Classroom Environments/Helping Skills

Alternative Education: Theory & Practice

Curriculum Issues

The Role of Cognition and Social Skills in the Classroom

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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PTE Academic

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OTE

111

IELTS

5.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Bloomsburg, United States
Lock Haven, United States
Mansfield, United States

Disciplines

Education View 1298 other Masters in Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

111

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An online application

Three letters of recommendation

A writing sample

Official college transcripts

A copy of PA teaching certification (Optional)

Students must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher be accepted into the Alternative Education Program.

Review a pertinent scholarly journal article or report published in a recent professional journal. Include the problem or issue, the author's viewpoint and supporting ideas. Also include your professional opinion in the final paragraphs of the essay. Your essay should not exceed 300 words. (You must submit a copy of the full text of the article along with your essay.)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28836 USD / full

≈ 28836 USD / full
Out-of-State

28836 USD / full

≈ 28836 USD / full
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19224 USD / full

≈ 19224 USD / full

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Alternative Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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