Features

School of Education and Human Development

Cultivating change agents to shape future generations.

Two college students talking to each other inside a classroom at Saint Joseph's University

By Diane Holliday   |    June 2022

The School of Education and Human Development is where students who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities thrive as caring educators and clinicians.

Featuring programs in educational leadership, teacher and special education, and counseling and human development, the school prepares students to be thought leaders through research, service and professional training opportunities.

In a commitment to Jesuit ideals and cura personalis, students are introduced to social justice content through innovative school-wide themed syllabi, with topics ranging from “Lifting the Mask of Institutional Bias: From Discussion to Disruption,” to “Social and Emotional Wellness: Considering Access and Equity.”

Students also complete student-teaching and clinical training experiences, while benefiting from interdisciplinary opportunities within the school and across the University.

For students in the School of Health Professions’ occupational therapy program, there will be opportunities for collaboration within the School of Education and Human Development’s Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. The School is also collaborating with the College of Arts and Sciences to establish programs in art, history, foreign language and STEM education, as well as with the Haub School to offer continuing education certification in business.

Key Programs

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Autism Behavior Studies (BS)

This program is designed to meet the growing need for qualified, professionally trained clinicians, educators and researchers to support individuals with autism.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Special Education Studies, Health Sciences, Childhood Studies

Interdisciplinary Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD)

The program prepares transformational scholar-practitioners across K-12, higher education and social sector fields who are committed to equity-oriented change.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Educational Leadership and Administration, Organizational Development and Leadership

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

This graduate program trains students to work as licensed counselors serving clients, individuals and families who struggle with addiction, self harm, thoughts of suicide and mental health disorders.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis or Addiction Counseling

School Counseling (MS)

Within PK-12 schools, trained school counselors provide critical social-emotional, academic, personal and career support that ensures optimal learning outcomes for students.

COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS: Psychology, Educational Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis

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Fast Facts

  • Top employers of School of Education and Human Development graduates include Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, School District of Philadelphia and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
     
  • A funnel into some of U.S. News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs of 2022, including high school teacher (No. 46), audiologist (No. 79), school counselor (No. 87) and elementary school teacher (No. 95).
     
  • Home of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, a community-facing organization that trains the next generation of autism professionals while supporting individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder. 
     
  • Featuring the Alliance for Catholic Education, a two-year service program that provides recent graduates the opportunity to serve as full-time teachers and administrators in under-resourced Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Diocese of Camden while pursuing a master’s degree.
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Dean Spotlight

Joshua Power '05, '16 EdD

Joshua Power '05, '16 EdD was named dean of the School of Education and Human Development in April. He most recently served as Saint Joseph’s executive director of graduate and extended studies, having first joined the University in 2005 as an AmeriCorps VISTA Fellow with the Faith-Justice Institute.

Power played an integral role co-founding the University’s Alliance for Catholic Education, an innovative two-year service program that provides recent college graduates the opportunity to earn a master's degree while serving as full-time teachers and administrators in under-resourced Catholic schools.

“A big part of acting with and for others is supporting our local community,” says Power. “I look forward to not only building upon our existing partnerships, but also forging new ones.”

Power received both his bachelor’s and EdD from Saint Joseph’s, earning the Rashford Award for Outstanding Dissertation for his work exploring the perceived impact of community living and spirituality on first-year teachers. He earned his master’s degree in education, culture and society from the University of Pennsylvania.