General Education Studies

Certificate

A teacher evaluates at an assignment as a group of students look on.

College can be part of your journey. Montclair’s Certificate in General Education Studies (CGES) gives students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take college courses, build career skills, and fully participate in campus life.

As part of Montclair’s Think College initiative for inclusive higher education, this two-year, non-degree program offers a supportive environment where you’ll learn alongside peers in both specialized and general education classes. You’ll explore subjects that interest you, develop academic and workplace skills, and gain independence through real-world experiences.

CGES students have access to Montclair’s full range of resources – from career services and student clubs to campus events and recreational activities. The program also includes internships and community-based learning to help you prepare for meaningful employment.

With small class sizes, personalized advising, and dedicated faculty, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you work toward your goals.

If you’re ready to expand your education, explore your interests, and be part of a vibrant college community, Montclair’s Certificate in General Education Studies can help you make it happen.

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Available Concentrations
  • Social Justice, Public Service and the Humanities
  • Business, Math and Technology
  • Health, Medicine and the Sciences
  • Arts, Culture and Design

You’ll take six, one-credit courses in your concentration in your second year of the program.

See the curriculum.

Think Beyond Limits. Learn Without Boundaries.

College is within your reach. Watch this video to learn more about the “Think Higher. Think College” initiative, which creates inclusive postsecondary educational opportunities at more than 300 colleges and universities , including Montclair, nationwide.

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Who You Are

To be considered for the CGES program, you must:

  • Have a desire to be a part of Montclair’s campus community and be motivated to further your education with college-level learning.
  • Be 18-25 years old at the start of the Fall semester and meet the definition of a “student with an intellectual disability” as defined in the Higher Education Act (HEA) law and regulations.*
  • Be unlikely to be admitted in a traditional degree program at a 2-or-4-year college or university based on the combination of your disability and academic record.
  • Have reliable transportation that conforms to your course schedule to and from campus for the duration of the program.
  • Be able to reliably communicate with others and be able to follow the Montclair State University Code of Conduct.

*The Higher Education Opportunity Act, in Section § 668.231, defines a student with an intellectual disability. The term “student with an intellectual disability” means a student – (A) with a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant limitations in – (i) intellectual and cognitive functioning; and (ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; and (B) who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.].

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

Teaching and Learning Department

The Department of Teaching and Learning prepares professionals to possess the knowledge, skills and dispositions to transform early childhood, elementary, secondary, and life-long literacy education in the service of social justice, inclusivity and democratic values.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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Learn on Campus

Immersive classes, vibrant campus life and hands-on experiences that put you at the center of it all.

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Learn Online

Montclair Online offers the same nationally recognized faculty, engaging coursework and supportive community as our on-campus classes - designed to fit your life. With multiple start dates each year, you can begin when the time is right for you.

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