FAQ

1. How do I apply to an undergraduate program?:
You may apply online at: http://www.montclair.edu/admissions/apply/.

2. How do I apply to a graduate program?:
You may apply online at: http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective-students/applications/.

3. I would like to speak with an academic advisor. Who should I contact?:
When students are accepted into a program at Montclair State University, they are assigned an academic advisor (or sometimes two, depending on the program). All students should check WESS for advisor assignments. Students who are enrolled in a program within the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Literacy Department may also speak the the Department Administrator, Ms. Patricia Watson. Ms. Watson holds open advisement hours every week and can be reached at: watsonp@mail.montclair.edu.

4. I need a babysitter/tutor/special services for my child. Who can I talk to within your department?:
The department does not provide any childcare, tutoring, or other special services for children. Likewise, the department is not responsible for matching students within our academic programs with families and caregivers who require child-related services.

5. Where is the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Literacy Education located? When is it open?:
The department is located in University Hall, Suite 3162. The main desk is located in the front of the office suite in University Hall, Suite 3162. 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 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer.

6. I missed the deadline for my graduate application. Can I still take classes?
Montclair State University's Graduate School accepts applications on a rolling basis. 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 semester, you have the option to take up to two courses (6 credits) as a Pre-Decision 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.
  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 Graduate School in College Hall Room 203, or online at: https://gradschool.montclair.edu/gradweb/forms/predecisionform.php. The processing of Pre-Decision requests begins on August 1 for Fall applicants and November 15 for Spring applicants. The Graduate School will not consider your request prior to these dates.

Please note - several restrictions apply to Pre-Decision status students:

  1. You may not take more than six graduate credits, but these may be applied to your program after 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-Decision student.
  7. IMPORTANT: If you are authorized to take courses as a Pre-Decision 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.

7. 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.

Clinical I and II Experience

The last two semesters of your program will be your clinical semesters. The first, Clinical I, will require twelve hours weekly. The clinical II experience will be a traditional student teaching experience. With all that is required of you this semester it is required to have all coursework completed.

Logistics require that you apply up for the Clinical I experience the semester prior, so that the Center of Pedagogy can place you. Please keeping in mind the Center of Pedagogy places upwards of 400 students a semester. With this in mind they cannot consider preferences when it comes to your Clinical Experiences.

Comprehensive Exam

For those students seeking a Masters of Arts in Teaching. During your Clinical I semester 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 ECELE office, University Hall 3162.