English as Second Language Endorsement (ESL)

* Admissions into this program are temporarily suspended *

(Optional) Master of Arts in Education

Students may opt to enter the MA option toward the end of Endorsement coursework (final two semesters). Only students who have received a “B” or better in all coursework and have maintained a 3.0 may be granted entry to the MA program and have completed a Change of Program form with their advisor. To complete the graduate master’s program, each student will participate in 15 additional graduate credits in courses that are chosen together with the faculty advisor. The additional courses are chosen based on the student’s background and future goals of employment. These courses are taken within the School of Education.

The Master of Education with ESL endorsement requires completion of at least 36 credit-hours of study at the graduate level (EDU 500 and 600 level courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B. The fifteen Master completion credits are state pre-approved courses from our Master of Arts in Education program.

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of 15 additional credits, as required in the particular strand, including EDU 570 Introduction to Research.
2. Completion of the required credits with a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average.
3. Completion of the program with all grades at B or higher.
4. Completion of Portfolio or Action Research Paper.

Overview

The ESL endorsement and master’s program supports 21st century skills and strategies graduates need to be successful classroom teachers and promote similar approaches among their students. Making innovative use of knowledge through technology and critical thinking is the cornerstone of the School of Education. This program seeks to engage learners in knowing, understanding, and using major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature and role of culture and cultural groups to construct supportive learning environments for ELLs. Specific to our Franciscan Values, an ESL endorsement program speaks directly to Respect for Human Dignity and Diversity—emphasizing the importance of respecting the dignity of each student in the classroom, regardless of background and celebrating achievement together.

Application, Admission and Enrollment

Admission Process

1. Complete the application obtained from the Office of Admissions.
2. Submit all supporting documentation required.
3. Pay the application fee to the Office of Admissions.
4. Complete an Interview and Impromptu Writing Sample.
   • Only complete applications will be considered for admission. The Coordinator of the Graduate Program and the Dean of the School of Education give final approval for admission to the School of Education graduate program. The Office of Admissions will notify applicants of the admission decision as soon as possible.
5. A 3.0 undergraduate cumulative grade point average (official transcripts required) or a 3.0 completed post baccalaureate/graduate degree program (official transcripts required) from an accredited college or university. Alternate route programs are not applicable. Students having a cumulative grade point average between 2.75 and 3.00 will be conditionally accepted into the Graduate Program. Conditional candidates will be limited to 6 credit hours and required to have at least a 3.00 average before being fully accepted into the Graduate Program.
6. A standard NJ instructional or educational services certificate or its out-of-state equivalent is required. A copy of this certificate must be presented.
7. Proven proficiency in the English language: submit a notarized Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Written Proficiency Test (WPT)
8. Two professional letters of recommendation
9. Personal Interview
10. Completed application
11. Rating of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as completed during the interview process

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 6 credits from other institutions may be credited towards the Master’s in Education provided that

1. the student applies for transfer credit at the time of matriculation;
2. the work was taken in a graduate program for graduate credit;
3. the work was taken within the last 10 years;
4. the grade received was a B or higher;
5. the work has been taken at an accredited college or university; and (6) the work is applicable to the student’s program.

Disclaimer:

Students seeking endorsements are expected to be aware of the guidelines and code changes set forth by the State of New Jersey's Department of Education (http://www.state.nj.us/education/). Felician College is not responsible for changes in a student's program and/or certification resulting from changes in the guidelines or code by New Jersey's Department of Education.

Processing of Licensing Endorsement Applications

All Master of Arts Students that successfully complete their designated program may obtain applications for ESL endorsement from the Office of Certification, Sammartino Hall, Rutherford Campus. The Certification Officer will process completed New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Licensing and Credentials applications with the appropriate state processing fees for any eligible student. This can only be done after successfully completing their designated program. If a student is taking courses as a non-matriculated student, s/he might have to apply for certification on his/her own this will be determined on an individual basis based upon their program of study).

General Academic Policy

The School of Education abides by the policy statements on examinations, grading, withdrawal, probation, campus conduct and appeals as published in the Felician University Catalog and/or Student Handbook.

All policies for each graduate program in the School of Education are at the discretion of the Dean, School of Education in accordance with state requirements and mandates.

Program length:  18 months (based on full-time enrollment)