Academics

Elementary Education

BA • Major

An elementary school teacher speaks to a class as they complete an assignment.

Teaching is about more than delivering lessons – it’s about understanding how children learn, think, and grow.

Montclair’s Elementary Education program prepares future educators to create inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments. You’ll explore how development, culture, and community shape the classroom experience and learn to adapt their teaching to meet the diverse needs of young learners.

With a focus on creativity and hands-on learning, this program teaches you how to create thoughtful instruction in subjects like literacy, math, science, and the arts. I

Through research-informed practices, you’ll develop the ability to balance educational theory with practical application, building the skills needed to engage and support every student. It’s designed for those ready to make a positive impact in classrooms and communities.

If you want to teach with purpose and make a real impact, this program is for you.
See the curriculum.

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Make This a Co-Major

In New Jersey, to pursue your career as a teacher, you’ll need to double major in Education and an academic major. The combination of a professional major in education and an academic major in a discipline offers a rigorous and practical foundation, preparing you to make a lasting impact in the classroom and the wider community.

Choose from one of several designated majors across Montclair’s 14 Colleges and Schools to reach the requirements for our Elementary Education program. When you’re done, you’ll have a double major: liberal arts and Elementary Education (K-6) certification to get your career started.

Co-Major Options

If you enroll in our Elementary Education program, you can complete a second major from the list below:

  • Anthropology
  • Educational Foundations for Elementary Teachers
  • English
  • Family Science and Human Development, Child and Lifespan Development Concentration
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish

All programs will require a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 GPA in your major.

Additional Admissions Requirements

To earn this degree, you’ll also need to be admitted to Montclair’s nationally recognized Teacher Education program.

To apply, you must have:

  • Completed a minimum of 60 credits at Montclair State University
  • Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better for a single certification program or a 3.25 cumulative GPA for the combined Bachelor’s Master’s with Dual Certification program
  • Have the required in-major GPA for your desired program (will vary by program)
  • Have completed the following courses:
    • ECEL200
    • FSHD 214
    • PSYC 101 or FSHD114 of EDFD 200
    • 9-11 credits of major coursework (Mathematics majors must complete 11 credits including Calculus I and II and MTHM 201 or a course that requires Calculus II as a prerequisite)

If you’re transferring, you must have:

  • 60 credits or more completed
  • Completed 9-11 credits of major coursework
  • Completed or are enrolled in ECEL 200
  • Completed or are enrolled in FSHD 214 or approved equivalent
  • A.A. or A.S. degree from a NJ two-year institution are waived from taking EDFD 220 (and EDFD 221)

If this sounds like you, you’ll need to submit:

  • Your application via the Teacher Education and Certification Program website
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Your completed application essay
  • One letter of recommendation from a Montclair State University faculty member
  • Your resume

Once you apply and your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited to an admissions interview with our distinguished faculty before a decision is made. Admission decisions will be emailed to you within 4 weeks following the interview.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: February 1 (Single Certification and combined Bachelor’s/Master’s candidates)
  • Spring Semester: September 15 (Single Certification candidates only

Questions? Email teadmissions@montclair.edu and start the conversation!

Related Programs

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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