Gwynedd Mercy University Launches Affordable Three-Year Education Degree Program – Discover How You Can Save!

Gwynedd Valley, PA — Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) is excited to introduce a new three-year Bachelor of Science degree program. This program offers certification in Early Education or Special Education and will start in the fall of 2025. It aims to tackle Pennsylvania’s urgent teacher shortage while helping future educators save time and money.

Students in this program will complete their degrees in just three years, which is a full year shorter than traditional programs. This change can save them about $26,000 in tuition costs. Plus, with federal financial aid available for summer courses, graduates can enter the job market sooner and with less debt. Teachers in Pennsylvania earn an average starting salary of $49,539, providing a financial boost as they begin their careers.

Dr. Deb Schadler, Coordinator of Undergraduate Education at GMercyU, highlighted the commitment to finding solutions for the teacher shortage. She said, “Our new three-year program reimagines educator preparation by balancing efficiency with quality. Aspiring teachers now have a flexible and affordable path to meet their needs while preparing to tackle the challenges in today’s schools.”

The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania is significant. The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) reports a 96% rise in emergency teaching certifications over the past ten years. During the same time, enrollment in teacher preparation programs has fallen by half, and the number of newly certified teachers has dropped by 73%.

GMercyU has been proactive in addressing this gap. In the last five years, the university has awarded over 725 education-related degrees and certifications. These graduates have gone on to become teachers, special education professionals, school counselors, and administrators.

Additionally, GMercyU partners with local organizations like the Wissahickon School District to offer a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for aspiring PreK-4 education majors. Students who receive this scholarship commit to teaching in the Wissahickon district after graduation, ensuring that local schools benefit directly from these new educators. The university has also recently secured a $20,000 grant aimed at encouraging high school students to consider careers in special education.

With this new program, GMercyU takes a significant step in preparing the next generation of educators. By making it easier for students to enter the teaching profession, this initiative could greatly impact Pennsylvania’s educational system, helping both aspiring teachers and the schools they will serve.