A Commitment to Our Students

Centenary University offers a special program for students who have already obtained their Bachelor’s degree to complete their New Jersey State Teaching Certification.

This program is customized to reflect the prior educational accomplishments of each individual student. Credit requirements vary depending on student experience.

Centenary recognizes that student interests and training do not always prepare them for a specific standardized educational program.

Through a detailed analysis of the student’s transcripts, the university is able to establish a course curriculum that will prepare the student so they can obtain their certification.

Admission Requirements

The Post-Baccalaureate program complies with all the requirements mandated by New Jersey State Department of Education. The program requirements are:

• Completed application
• Essay
• Proof of high school graduation
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Official copies of all transcripts from each college and/or university attended.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 when a GPA of 4.00 equals an A grade from all prior colleges and/or universities.

Program Requirements

• There is a minimum time frame of two years to complete this program.
• Students must choose either elementary or secondary education
• All students are required to take the Psychology, Sociology, and Education Courses listed.

Elementary Education

Liberal Arts credits – 60
These courses may come from the student’s current Bachelor’s Degree and are often found in the core requirements from the degree.  Analysis of all transcripts will allow an advisor to inform the student if any credits remain to be satisfied in the category.

Emphasis credits – 15
Centenary requires all elementary candidates have 15 credits in one of four emphasis areas, Biology, English, History, or Math.

Secondary Education

Liberal Arts credits – 60
These courses may come from the student’s current Bachelor’s Degree and are often found in the core requirements from the degree.  Analysis of all transcripts will allow an advisor to inform the student if any credits remain to be satisfied in the category.

Emphasis credits – 30
Current regulations for certification require that applicants complete a minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the area you with to teach.  Centenary currently offers certification in Biology, English, History, or Math.  A coherent sequence requires that at least 12 credits are completed at the advanced level of study (junior, senior or graduate level).

All Certification Requirements

Psychology Courses
These courses are specific to the level of certification the student is working towards.  One course is exclusive to Centenary University and must be taken at our institution.

Sociology Course
This course is required by the State Department of Education to obtain a teaching certification.  This course is exclusive to Centenary University and must be taken at our institution.

Education Courses – 40 credits
These courses are specific to the level of certification the student is working towards.  A practicum course and 10 credits of Student Teaching are a requirement of the program, regardless of certification level.

Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification (optional)
Those students who are also interested in obtaining their Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification may complete this additional certification on top of all previously listed requirements.  This is not a standalone certification and must be earned concurrently with your K-5 or K-12 certification.  This program is an additional 9 credits as the 12 other required courses for Special Education Certification are already built into your standard certification.