Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
This program is offered for individuals who have a baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain teaching certification. The regular program is open to students with undergraduate backgrounds in the liberal arts and sciences. Applicants are advised that additional undergraduate course work may be required to meet NJ certification standards. See “Certification Procedures” in the Academic Policies section for information on procedures to earn NJ certification.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
- Two professional references
- Writing sample: Submit the statement of objectives described on the application form.
- Personal interview
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – 27 credits
GRADUATE COURSES – 15 credits
ED 500 Curriculum Theory
and Development (3)
ED 505 Student Development
and Learning (3)
ED 510 Reading and Communication
(Field Component) (3)
ED 515 Classrooms and Community:
A Social Unit (3)
ED 520 Professional Skills
(Field Component) (3)
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES – 12 credits
ED 470 Student
Teaching (9)
ED 475 Student
Teaching Seminar (3)
The Student Teaching experience is the culmination of the program. Student Teaching must be completed in the semester following the completion of all coursework.
Early Childhood Program – Students who wish to obtain the P–3 endorsement must also complete ED 332 Methods of Early Childhood Education and ED 333 Curriculum in Early Childhood Education.
NOTE: The Praxis Exam is not required for admission; however, the passing score, as established by the state of New Jersey, is required for certification. Students are expected to pass this exam prior to student teaching.
In addition, nine undergraduate credits in behavioral sciences are required
for certification by the State of New Jersey. Students are expected to
have completed these courses prior to student teaching. These courses
include one of the following sociology courses: SO 231Sociology of Poverty;
SO 323 Sociology of Racial and Cultural Groups; SO 343 Sociology of Education;
SO 425 Sociology of Gender; SO 474 Contemporary Social Problems; or SO
476 Urban Sociology and PS 211 Child Psychology and PS 209 Prenatal and
Infant Psychology
(Elementary Certification) or PS 216 Adolescent Psychology (Secondary
Certification) or their equivalents.
Substitutions for Students Entering the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction Program
After gaining teaching experience, individuals may wish to enter the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Program. The following substitutions will be permitted provided that application to the master’s program is made within five years of the completion of the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certificate coursework:
ED 500 Curriculum Theory
and Development for ED 598
Strategies for Curriculum Change and Development
ED 505 Student Development
and Learning for ED 625 Learning
Theory Issues and the Developing Student
ED 510 Reading and Communication
(Field Component) for ED 595
Advancing the Use of Technology in the Classroom I
ED 515 Classrooms and Community:
A Social Unit for ED 585 Historical
and Philosophical Foundations of Education
ED 520 Professional Skills
(Field Component) for ED 660
Teacher as Creative Catalyst
The MAT or GRE will be waived for students entering the M.A. in Curriculum
and Instruction or M.A. in Special Education from the Post-Baccalaureate
Teacher Certificate program. Since students will receive 15 credits of
advanced standing, no other transfer credits
will be accepted.
Additionally, students who successfully complete the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program may wish to enter the Post-Baccalaureate Special Education Certificate program.
Transfer of Graduate Credit
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program accepts up to three credits of transfer credit on approval.