MSU offers the nation's only doctorate in Pedagogy

UPPER MONTCLAIR, N. J. -- The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education today (Oct. 23) approved Montclair State University's proposal to offer the Doctor of Education degree in Pedagogy, the first doctoral program in the University's 90-year history.

"This is a milestone for Montclair State University," said Dr. Susan A. Cole, University president. "It is one of the most significant achievements in the long, proud history of Montclair State and a recognition of the University's national reputation in education programs. The addition of our first doctoral program is a substantial step forward as we position Montclair State University to meet the educational needs of New Jersey well into the 21st century."

"The Ed.D. in Pedagogy is designed to enable New Jersey's teachers to remain in the classroom while pursuing a program of study in which they can achieve the highest level of expertise in teaching, leadership and educational reform," said Dr. Richard Lynde, University provost. "Graduates of this program will be models of teaching excellence, leaders among their colleagues and within their educational communities and spokespersons for education in this state."

There is a real need for the new program, said Dr. Carla Narrett, dean of the Graduate School. "Only 535 of New Jersey's 83,000 classroom teachers hold a doctorate," she said. "Our Ed.D. program recognizes the critically important role of classroom teachers in renewing our educational system. The program is designed for classroom teachers who are committed to careers as professional teachers. It contrasts sharply with other doctoral programs in education which typically take our best teachers out of the classroom to prepare them for roles as principals, superintendents or college faculty."

The program will offer two specializations initially, in mathematics education and philosophy for children, Cole said. Mathematics education integrates mathematical topics across the mathematics curriculum and with other disciplines. Philosophy for children includes the role of philosophy in reasoning, concept formation and sound judgment.

"Mathematical competence will be critically important for 21st century graduates," Cole said. "The historical strength of the mathematics education program at our University has always been based on a solid background in mathematics coupled with subject-specific pedagogy. The specialization in mathematics education will continue this tradition."

The specialization in philosophy for children "will focus on the application of critical thinking skills across all subject areas," Cole said. This new degree program is housed within Montclair State's Center of Pedagogy, the only one of its kind in the country, which coordinates MSU's many teacher education reform efforts. Among them are the National Education Association (NEA)/Teacher Education Initiative, the National Network for Educational Renewal and the Holmes Partnership. In carrying out these efforts, Montclair State currently has partnerships with several school districts including Caldwell, Newark, Montclair, Paterson, Dumont, Fair Lawn and Paramus.

The program will begin in the summer of 1999.

The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education approved the program at its regularly scheduled Trenton meeting. The Commission provides coordination, planning, and policy development for the state¹s higher education system in collaboration with the New Jersey Presidents' Council. The Commission serves as the principal advocate for an integrated system of higher education which provides a broad scope of higher education programs and services.

For additional information on the Ed.D. program, call the Graduate School at (973) 655-5147 or email gradschool@saturn.montclair.edu. Founded in 1908, Montclair State University was awarded university status by the state of New Jersey in 1994. As the second largest university in New Jersey ‹ with approximately 13,500 students, undergraduate and graduate, in its five schools and colleges ‹ Montclair State is a comprehensive institution with a commitment to teaching excellence, program diversity and student access.

More information on the University is available on its website: www.montclair.edu.