Secondary Education

  • BA
  • Major
  • Teacher Certification
Students work on a human anatomy simulation system at Montclair State University.

Montclair’s Secondary Education program prepares future subject-area teachers to inspire and support student learning in diverse and inclusive classrooms.

You’ll gain hands-on experience through courses tailored to critically analyze the disciplinary foundations of secondary-level subject matter and meet the social-emotional needs of students. As a future teacher, you'll also learn to create meaningful learning environments where all students belong and can thrive.

You’ll balance educational theory with real-world application, building the confidence and flexibility required to lead classrooms that promote critical thinking and engagement – and allow you to thrive.

If you want to teach with intention and support the growth of young learners, this program is for you.

See the curriculum.

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 Secondary Education program. When you’re done, you’ll have a double major with a single certification in a designated subject area.

If you enroll in our Secondary Education program, you must complete a co-major from the list below:

  • Visual Arts (Arts Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Biology (Biological Science Certification) (2.75 in-major GPA required)
  • Dance Education (Dance Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Italian (Italian Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Latin (Latin Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Geography (Social Studies Certification) (3.25 in-major GPA required)
  • History (Social Studies Certification) (3.25 in-major GPA required)
  • Political Science (Social Studies Certification) (3.25 in-major GPA required)
  • Psychology (Social Studies Certification) (3.25 in-major GPA required)
  • Sociology (Social Studies Certification) (3.25 in-major GPA required)
  • Chemistry (Chemistry or Biochemistry Certification) (2.75 in-major GPA required)
  • Earth and Environmental Science (Earth Science Certification) (2.75 in-major GPA required)
  • English (English Certification) (3.25 in-major GPA required)
  • Linguistics (English as a Second Language Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Physical Education (Health & Professional Education Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • French (French Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Mathematics (Mathematics Certification) (2.75 in-major GPA required)
  • Music Education (Music Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Physics (Physical Science certification) (2.75 in-major GPA required)
  • Spanish (Spanish Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)
  • Theatre Studies (Theatre Certification) (3.0 in-major GPA required)

Additionally, applicants must have completed the following courses with a degree of C or better:

  • SASE 210
  • EDFD 200 or PSYC 200 or FSHD 216
  • 9-11 credits of major coursework (Mathematics majors must complete 11 credits including Calculus I, Calculus II and MTHM 201 or another course for which Calculus II is a prerequisite

The Combined Bachelor’s/MAT with Dual Certification program is a 5-year program that leads to teacher certification in a desired subject area, teacher certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD), a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree.

Additional Application Requirements

To earn this degree, you’ll also need to be admitted to Montclair’s nationally recognized Teacher Education and Certification program. To apply, you must have:

  • Completed prerequisite coursework
  • 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)

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

  • Your completed application via the Teacher Education 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. If you’re a Transfer, you’re eligible to apply if you have:

  • 60 credits or more
  • 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
  • Completed 9-11 credits of major coursework
  • Completed or are enrolled in SASE 210
  • Completed or are enrolled in EDFD 200 or approved equivalent
  • Have an A.A. or A.S. degree from a NJ two-year institution

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

Want to pursue education but with younger students? Check out our bachelor’s degree programs in both Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

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

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.

Department of Teaching and Learning

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.