Temple University's Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades Education provides a non-degree pathway to initial teacher certification for individuals who want to teach students in grades 4 through 8. Designed for career changers or individuals teaching on emergency permits, this program prepares future educators to teach upper elementary and middle grades students across one or more academic content areas.

The program combines coursework in adolescent development, inclusive practices and instructional design with field-based experiences in Pennsylvania classrooms. Students graduate ready to support the diverse cognitive, social, and academic needs of pre-adolescent learners and to foster equitable, engaging classroom environments.

This graduate certificate program allows students to select one or two certification areas—language arts, mathematics, science or social studies—in consultation with their faculty academic advisor. The selected certification area(s) are formally tracked in the student’s record for Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) compliance.

This flexible, cost-competitive program can be completed part-time and is structured to support working professionals, including those currently serving as classroom assistants or temporary/emergency-certified teachers.

Middle Grades Education 

In this program, you will:

• Develop instructional strategies tailored to the academic, cognitive and social needs of students in grades 4 through 8.
• Build inclusive, student-centered learning environments that support collaboration, engagement and equity.
• Learn to differentiate instruction across content areas for multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
• Apply principles of adolescent development, classroom management and assessment to support diverse learners.

This program leads to recommendation to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for level I certification. Graduates are well-prepared to teach in upper elementary and middle grades classrooms and to foster inclusive, developmentally responsive learning environments that promote student growth and achievement.

Classes & Curriculum

The Middle Grades Education graduate certificate program consists of 22 credits. Courses are held on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia, though some online and hybrid options are available. Most classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. You can attend full- or part-time, and you have up to four years to complete the program.

Required Courses (22 credits)

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. Students must complete required clearances and prerequisite coursework before beginning fieldwork. The majority of field experiences require students to spend seven full days over the course of a semester in the classroom. EDUC 5888 – Supervised Teaching involves a full-time teaching placement in a middle grades classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor.  During the student teaching semester, students are required to spend every day in the classroom for 14 weeks.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Design and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction for grades 4–8 learners.
• Demonstrate content-specific pedagogy in one or more academic subjects (language arts, mathematics, science or social studies).
• Implement inclusive, culturally responsive teaching strategies that support diverse learners.
• Manage classroom environments that foster active learning, reflection and collaboration.
• Demonstrate readiness for Pennsylvania teacher certification in selected middle grades content area(s).

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.

Tuition & Fees

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

Tuition rates are set annually by the university. They 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.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Current résumé or CV
• Official transcripts
• Statement of goals
• Two letters of reference
• Standardized test scores
• Prerequisite Coursework: Significant coursework (i.e., the equivalent of a minor or better) and/or professional experience related to the intended certification area are preferred.
• View a complete list of application requirements, visit the Bulletin.

How to Apply

Complete your application online at apply.temple.edu/cehd.

Application Submission Dates

For fall enrollment, apply by Mar. 1.
For spring enrollment, apply by Nov. 1.
For summer enrollment, apply by Mar. 1.

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: [click-for-email]