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Curriculum and Teaching

Department FAQ

1. How do I apply to a graduate program?

You may apply online at: http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective/app.shtml. You may also download a pdf file of the application (http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/printappforms.shtml)

2. I would like to speak with an academic advisor. Who should I contact?

Upon acceptance into the MAT/Post BA program in a K-12 subject area, students will be advised by both the subject area department and by the Department of Curriculum and Teaching. For questions/concerns regarding subject area requirements, please contact the department's Graduate Program Coordinator as indicated on your acceptance letter. For questions regarding education (pedagogy) course requirements, please contact Susan Hagen, Department Administrator or Dr. David Lee Keiser, Chairperson in Curriculum and Teaching. Ms. Hagen is available on a drop-in basis and can also be reached at 973-655-6908 or via email at hagens@mail.montclair.edu. Dr. Keiser is available by appointment and may be reached at keiserd@mail.montclair.edu or (973) 655-5187. Dr. Adrienne Santola, Graduate Advisor, can be reached at (973) 655-7274, or at santolaa@mail.montclair.edu.

3. Where is the Department of Curriculum and Teaching located? When is it open?

The department is located on the second floor of University Hall, in the suite shared by the departments of Curriculum and Teaching and Educational Foundations. The main desk is located in the front of the office suite, proximate to the offices of the Chairperson and the Department Administrator. The department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day during the regular academic year. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer.

4. I missed the deadline for my graduate application. Can I still take classes?

Montclair State University's Office of Graduate Admissions and Support Services has switched to rolling deadlines for most graduate programs. Still, time is needed to fully process your application. If you feel your application process will not be complete prior to the start of a given fall or spring semester, you have the option to take up to two courses (6 credits) as a Pre-Admit student before you are fully admitted to a graduate program. However, you must meet the following requirements:
  1. You must already have submitted Part A of the graduate application.
  2. You must submit an official transcript indicating that you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree with a minimum of a 2.5 undergraduate GPA.
  3. You must have already paid your $60 application fee.
  4. You must complete, sign, and submit a Pre-Admit status request form, which you can obtain from the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services in College Hall Room 203, or online at: https://tokyo.montclair.edu/gradweb/forms/preadmitform.php. The processing of Pre-Admit requests begins in August for Fall applicants and December for Spring applicants. The graduate office will not consider your request prior to these dates.

Please note - several restrictions apply to Pre-Admit status students:
  1. You may not take more than six graduate credits, but these may be applied to your program if you are admitted and you obtain your advisor's approval.
  2. You will only be permitted to enroll in a course if space is available. Students who are already admitted to a graduate program are given priority.
  3. You must meet course prerequisite requirements (you can find these requirements in the Graduate Catalog).
  4. Pre-Admit status lasts for only one semester. You must finish the application process and be offered admission in order to register for further classes.
  5. No financial aid is available for Pre-Admit students.
  6. Students who hold or are seeing F-1 (student) visas are not eligible to take courses as a Pre-Admit student.
  7. IMPORTANT: If you are authorized to take courses as a Pre-Admit student, this does not mean you are guaranteed admission to a program. Once you have completed your application, it is reviewed using the standard criteria applied to all applications.

5. What are some things to keep in mind as I go through the program?

Course Substitutions
In an effort not to impede a student's progress when particular courses close, the department will often times locate course substitutions. Please contact your advisor to discuss course substitutions.

Fieldwork
The last two semesters of your program will be your fieldwork semesters. The first, Teaching for Learning I, will require 60 hours weekly. The second experience will be the traditional student teaching semester. It is strongly advised to have all coursework completed and to consider decreasing any work obligations.

Logistics require that you sign up for the fieldwork experience the semester prior, so that the Center of Pedagogy can place you. Please keep in mind that the Center of Pedagogy places upwards of 400 students a semester. With this in mind they cannot consider preferences when it comes to your fieldwork, but every attempt is made to accommodate both students and cooperating teachers and schools.

Comprehensive Exam
For those students seeking a Masters of Arts in Teaching you will take a comprehensive exam given by the department. You must apply to take the exam by February 15th for the Spring semester exam and October 1st for the Fall semester exam in the Curriculum and Teaching office, University Hall 2127.