Academics

Social Studies Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

Teacher Certification

A teacher helps a student with an assignment.

If you’re passionate about history, government and culture and want to share that passion with the next generation, Montclair’s Social Studies Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program will prepare you to become an effective certified teacher.

This program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue teaching at the middle or high school level. You’ll study curriculum design, instructional strategies and classroom management while gaining specialized training in social studies education. Coursework also emphasizes equity, critical thinking and culturally responsive teaching so you can engage students in meaningful ways.

Fieldwork and student teaching experiences are built into the program, giving you the opportunity to work directly with students under the guidance of experienced educators. You’ll learn how to make history and the social sciences come alive, helping students connect the past to the present and develop the skills to be active and informed citizens.

With the support of Montclair’s faculty and access to a strong network of partner schools, you’ll graduate fully prepared for certification in New Jersey and ready to launch a rewarding teaching career.

If you want to turn your passion for social studies into a profession, Montclair’s program will help you get there.

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Is a Post Baccalaureate Certification Right for You?

All you need is a bachelor’s degree, and a passion for education. You’ll need to meet additional requirements to become a certified teacher, which are listed in the adjacent section.

Teacher Certification Requirements

All you need is a bachelor’s degree, and a passion for education. You’ll need to meet additional requirements to become a certified teacher, which are listed in the adjacent section.

Students with a baccalaureate degree and interest in teaching may pursue the post-baccalaureate program for certification only.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be recommended to the New Jersey Department of Education for a teaching certificate. Students interested in teaching elsewhere should seek information from the appropriate state authorities; requirements are generally similar.

As a condition of New Jersey’s Beginning Teacher Induction Program, candidates who have completed undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs must successfully complete one provisional year of teaching under a provisional certificate to be eligible for a permanent, standard New Jersey teaching certificate. Candidates who already possess a New Jersey standard certificate and who are seeking an additional teaching endorsement are exempt. Persons recommended by the University for certification will receive a Certificate of Eligibility With Advanced Standing which authorizes the holder to seek and accept offers of employment in New Jersey schools and in other states. The certificate is valid for the lifetime of its holder.

Please refer to our teacher education and certification page for information on other options in teacher education.

For certification as a P-12 teacher in New Jersey, current regulations require that applicants complete a minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the subject field, and a coherent sequence requires that at least 12 credits are completed at the advanced level of study (junior, senior or graduate level). If you require such subject area coursework for your certification program, please discuss this with an advisor during the admissions process.

*F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

See the curriculum.


Additional Application Materials

In addition to a completed Montclair State University application, you’ll also need to submit the following to be fully considered:

  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Statement of Objectives: A major goal of Montclair State University’s teacher education program is to educate teachers who understand how to prepare their students for democratic citizenship. Democratic citizenship includes the ability to think critically and to play an active role in improving our society. Please review the Portrait of a Teacher. For the Statement of Objectives, please write an essay of three to four double-spaced, typed pages and incorporate items 5 and 6 from the Portrait of a Teacher to address the following questions:
    • In your life as a citizen, student, and future teacher of this society, what experiences are reflective of this standard? Additionally, what experiences in your life have conflicted with this standard?
    • Envision yourself as a teacher. How would you foster a classroom climate that would promote this standard in your discipline?
    • You might begin by reflecting on some of your own classroom experiences as a student. Which things would you do differently and which would you emulate in creating such a classroom climate?
  • Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field.
  • Professional Resume

See information on the Center for Student Success and Educator Excellence.

Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.

*F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Deadlines: July 1st for Fall admission and December 1st for Spring admission for Initial Certification applications.

Related Programs

  • TeachingMAT • Master's, Teacher Certification

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