Chemistry Certificate

  • Teacher Certification
Photo over the shoulder of a chemist outlining a chemical structure with marker on a pane of glass

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree and want to teach chemistry at the secondary level, Montclair’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in Chemistry prepares you for the classroom. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be recommended to the New Jersey Department of Education for a teaching certificate in Chemistry (Preschool–12). The certification allows you to teach chemistry in New Jersey schools, and is valid for life.

To earn a permanent, standard certificate, New Jersey requires one provisional year of teaching under the state’s Beginning Teacher Induction Program. You’ll also complete a sequence of professional education courses and fieldwork through Montclair’s Teacher Education Program. If you’re seeking to teach outside New Jersey, requirements are often similar, but be sure to check with appropriate state authorities.

See the curriculum.

Note: For certification, New Jersey requires at least 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the subject field, with 12 of those at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. F‑1 and J‑1 visa holders are not eligible for this program.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Checklist

Application Deadline: July 1 for Fall admission; December 1 for Spring.

  1. Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  2. Transcript: One from each college attended.
  3. Resume: Resume
  4. Letters of Recommendation: Two.
  5. Essays/Personal Statement: 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. You will note that several of the standards in the Portrait focus on this important goal. 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?
  6. Standardized Test Scores: See information on the Center for Student Success and Educator Excellence.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

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

Graduate Admissions Office

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Mark Whitener

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.