National projections show a need for more than 2 million teachers in the next decade in all grades and subject areas — particularly in the northern and mid-Atlantic regions. The greatest need will be for those teachers with certification in high-demand areas (i.e. special education, world languages, science and mathematics) and those with dual certification (elementary or secondary education certification with a second certificate in areas such as special education, world languages, early childhood, English as a Second Language and bilingual education

If your program was less than 8 months

•    You aren’t eligible for a PGWP.

If your program was more than 8 months but less than 2 years

•    We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.

For example, if you completed a 9-month program, we may give you a work permit for up to 9 months.

If your program was 2 years or more

•    We may give you a PGWP that’s valid for 3 years.

If you completed more than 1 program

•    You may be able to get a PGWP that combines the length of each program.

Each of the programs you completed -

• must be PGWP-eligible and at least 8 months in length

Students may be admitted conditionally to the M. A. T. Program and take up to 9 credits before they pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators Exams and the appropriate Praxis II test. For admission to the M. A. T. Program, candidates must have:

• a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
• Two letters of recommendation;
• An interview with a School of Education advisor;

Full admission to the program requires a passing score on all three sections of the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam (tests (5713, 5723, 5733); and the New Jersey Department of Education approved Praxis II exam are necessary for the specific teaching license you are pursuing. 

Program requirements

In New Jersey, the State Department of Education grants Certificates of Eligibility based on the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution which includes 60 credits in “general education” (liberal arts) courses including at least a 30-credit major (for secondary certification) in any of the liberal arts or sciences; a course in adolescent psychology for middle school endorsement; and course in biology, physiology, or nutrition.  In lieu of a course, the candidate may take an exam in physiology and hygiene. 
• For secondary candidates, a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in a coherent sequence of courses in the subject area to be taught (e.g., mathematics, social studies, chemistry, biology, etc.) or in the discipline taught.  At least ½ of the course should be upper level courses.
• Passing the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators exams (5712, 5722, 5732).
• Passing the Praxis II Test(s) required for the specific certification(s)
• Completing the required courses and credits in an approved teacher certification program with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher;
• For middle school endorsement, candidates must have either an elementary or secondary certification.   Middle school is considered an additional endorsement upon the initial certificate. Subject matter specialization for middle school endorsement requires 15 credits in the content area and passing the required Middle School Praxis II exam;
• All program completers (those who complete student teaching and apply for certification) must complete, submit, and obtain a passing score on the edTPA (effective 9/1/19).

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in technical areas (i.e., marketing, accounting, computer science, economics, etc.), must have their academic transcript(s) evaluated by the School of Education to determine their eligibility for admission to the M.A.T. program. The evaluation will become part of the applicant’s file.