Urban Teaching Residency, MSEd

Urban Teaching Residency (UTR)

The Urban Teaching Residency program provides solid academic training and professional mentoring necessary to create effective urban educators. The curriculum is set around four core principles: unwavering focus on children; teacher inquiry and reflection; broad understanding of education and commitment to equity and social justice.

To meet the needs of people working full time, the Urban Teaching Residency program is an executive-style format program with a hybrid of online and in-person coursework.

For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/urban-teaching-residency-teacher-education-masters

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Urban Teaching Residency Core Requirements 

Select a an area of study to supplement the Urban Teaching Residency Core Requirements:

Elementary

World Languages

English Middle Years

English Secondary

Mathematics Middle Years

Mathematics Secondary

Sciences Middle Years

General Sciences

Biology

Physics

Chemistry

Social Studies Secondary 

Social Studies Middle Years

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Every Teacher Certified (ETC) M.S.Ed. with Dual Certification

M.S.Ed. in Urban Education with dual certification in PA Instructional I and Special Education

Certification tracks are assigned based on the content area and grade level placement in which you work in your school. Our program ensures that your coursework and mentoring aligns with requirements for earning teaching certification.

General Education Tracks

• Pre-K-4^th grade
• Middle Years with concentration in
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • English
• Secondary Mathematics
• Secondary English
• Secondary General Science
• Secondary Physics
• Secondary Biology
• Secondary Chemistry
• Secondary World Languages

Special Education (Dual) Certification

Along with a general education certification, individuals working in special education classrooms may have the opportunity to earn either a Pre-K-8^th or a 7^th-12^th grade special education certification through our dual certification program. A stand-alone special education certification is not an option in the State of Pennsylvania.

Dual certification requires completion of one of the General Education certification tracks above combined with either:

• Elementary Special Education (Pre-K-8^th grade)
• Secondary Special Education (7^th-12^th grade)

Teachers who have earned PA certification and wish to add the special education certification can enroll in the Special Education Certification only track, which is a 5-course, 1-year hybrid model.

For more information: https://utrp.gse.upenn.edu/program/certification

Required Courses:

Required Milestone

Comprehensive Examination (or Portfolio or Thesis) 

Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a comprehensive examination in their area of study. The examination/portfolio/thesis serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and fieldwork. Comprehensive formats vary.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Special Education Only Certification

For educators already holding a general education certification that would like to obtain a Special Education certification. Students may choose to earn either a Pre-K-8^th or a 7^th-12^th grade special education certification. A stand-alone special education certification is not an option in the State of Pennsylvania. This is a one-year, online hybrid program.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.