The Special Education Department offers a multidisciplinary program leading to triple certification in Elementary Teacher K-6 certification, Teacher of Students with Disabilities and English as a Second Language endorsements. Completion of this program (and New Jersey State certification) prepares candidates to assume the responsibilities of a special education teacher, teacher of English as a second language as well as an elementary education teacher in private and public schools.

Admission Requirements

• Have a passing score on the Praxis CORE, or 1100 or higher on the SAT (560 or higher on verbal, 540 or higher on math) or, 23 or higher for each section of the ACT. Or, 311 on GRE (155 verbal, 156 quantitative).

Passing scores on the Praxis CORE Academic Skills for Educators Tests:

• Math # 5732 - Passing Score 150
• Reading Test # 5712 - Passing Score 156
• Writing Test # 5722 - Passing Score 162

For more information: https://www.ets.org/praxis/nj/requirements

The undergraduate degree is 120 credits, including required general education and liberal arts courses, education courses, clinical experience and the capstone clinical practice. Candidates will enroll in the courses currently offered for dual certification in Elementary and Secondary Education and Teachers of Students with Disabilities. Candidates will continue this program as master’s-level students, taking additional special education courses as well as courses in English as a Second Language. This program has met the standards established for initial certification. In the eighth semester (Year 4), candidates will take three graduate courses that count for both the bachelors and master’s degrees. There are 36 credits (9 credits in Year 4 and 27 credits in Year 5) in the master’s degree in Special Education and ESL. Students are required to complete a total number of 147 credits in the combined B.A./M.A. program. The unique feature of this program is that candidates who complete the full five years will have three certifications and an M.A. degree in high-need specializations. 

1. Candidates develop subject matter expertise that enables them to effectively teach students in public, private and religious schools.
2. Candidates effectively design, implement, and interpret assessment tools.
3. Candidates modify instruction for continuous student development.
4. Candidates create learning environments that facilitate student learning.
5. Candidates create learning environments that facilitate student learning.
6. Candidates create culturally responsive classrooms.
7. Candidates use a variety of communication strategies.
8. Candidates enable each learner to meet high standards.
9. Candidates provide inclusive classrooms that are engaging.
10. Candidates systematically maintain high expectations for all learners.
11. Candidates build relationships with parents and guardians.
12. Candidates identify professional needs to improve practice.
13. Candidates are active members of a professional learning community.
14. Candidates provide safe and emotionally protective learning environments.
15. Candidates know legal boundaries and respect privacy of student records.
16. Candidates professionally facilitate exchange of information with parents.