Alternate Route: Early Childhood (P–3) Licensure with TOSD Endorsement

* 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 (Phase One and in the 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 (Phase Two) and have completed a Change of Program form with their advisor. The Master of Education with TOSD endorsement requires completion of an additional 15 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

For those who already possess their Certificate of Eligibility in Early Childhood (P-3) and are employed by a school district in an early childhood placement, we offer an alternate route that will allow you to satisfy the state requirements for licensure and have the option to earn your master’s degree. Discover how to teach in an inclusive setting and meet the learning needs of young children and uniquely-abled learners.

Program Highlights:

• Designed for current teachers hired under a Certificate of Eligibility looking to advance their career.
• Learn teaching philosophies according to state, national, and local trends.
• Develop additional expertise in specific areas of education and prepare for leadership roles.
• Complete internship hours at your job and earn income from your employer while gaining credits.
• Learn inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogical practices.

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 NJ instructional certificate of eligibility and proof of full-time teaching in an early childhood setting as the teacher of record in a local school district. A copy of this certificate must be presented.
7. Two professional letters of recommendation
8. Personal Interview
9. Completed application
10. 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 University 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 Early Childhood and TOSD endorsements 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 the 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. 

Courses taken in the School of Education and begin with EDU 657 Transition into Teaching.*

* All students must complete as a part of this course the Stewards of Children training and the Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect training to meet New Jersey’s new requirement for teacher certification.

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:  24 months (based on full-time enrollment)