Built for working educators
With the MTSS Certificate, you can advance your skills through a flexible, online program designed to help you implement MTSS strategies and make a real impact in your school.
Transform Student Support with an Online MTSS Certificate
Enhance your skills in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with Montclair’s 12-credit online graduate certificate. Gain practical strategies to improve student outcomes, foster inclusive practices and collaborate effectively across teams. Designed for K–12 educators, school psychologists, administrators and other school-based professionals, this fully online program helps you strengthen your ability to create equitable, data-driven systems that support students’ academic, behavioral, social-emotional and mental health needs.
Program highlights
- Four online, synchronous courses designed for school-based professionals
- Field-based assignments connecting MTSS theory to real-world practice
- Personalized MTSS action plan based on needs assessment and resource mapping
- Flexible cohort model that can accommodate individual school districts
- Pathway to advanced roles in educational leadership, student support and inclusive practice
Program Format and Schedule
The MTSS Certificate program is fully online and designed to fit your schedule. Take one focused course at a time, join weekly live discussions, and move toward completion in under a year. Live sessions typically meet online once a week in the evening, making the program manageable for educators and school-based professionals.
- Small cohorts that support collaboration and faculty coaching
- Four 7-week modules completed in two terms
- Online courses led by faculty with applied expertise
- Learning experiences personalized to your school or district
MTSS Certificate Curriculum and Course Sequence
The MTSS Certificate focuses on implementation, data-based decision-making and sustainable school-wide systems. The four-course sequence is designed to build from foundational concepts to applied practice, culminating in a capstone experience focused on real-world implementation.
- SPED 501: Foundations and Implementation of Tiered Systems of Support
- Introduces MTSS, resource mapping, teaming, fidelity screening, and action planning.
- SPED 502: Data-Based Decision Making in MTSS
- Covers problem-solving models, screening and progress-monitoring tools, outcome data analysis, fidelity measures and development of a data collection plan.
- SPED 503: Tiered Interventions and Supports
- Provides training in evidence-based academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions across all MTSS tiers, including development, implementation and evaluation of intervention plans.
- SPED 604: Implementation Research in MTSS
- Capstone course where students design and implement a comprehensive MTSS plan for their school or district with faculty coaching and feedback.
What You’ll Learn in the MTSS Certificate Program
- Develop a deep understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) foundations, including tiered academic, behavioral, mental health and social-emotional supports.
- Apply MTSS strategies to improve student outcomes and foster equitable school practices.
- Use data-based decision-making tools to identify student needs, monitor progress and evaluate interventions.
- Design evidence-based MTSS intervention plans, from Tier 1 universal prevention to Tier 3 individualized intensive supports.
- Complete an MTSS implementation research project to improve school systems.
Career Paths for MTSS Certificate Graduates
Graduates of the Online MTSS Certificate are prepared for leadership and specialist roles that support student success in K–12 schools and districts.
- School Administrator – Lead MTSS implementation at your school or district.
- MTSS/RTI/PBIS Coordinator – Design and manage tiered systems of support.
- Student Support Specialist – Provide targeted academic and behavioral interventions.
- Educational Consultant – Support schools in implementing and evaluating MTSS practices.
- Behavior Interventionist – Deliver individualized behavioral supports.
- Academic Coach – Help teachers integrate MTSS strategies into classrooms.
- Special Education Coordinator – Align MTSS systems with special education services.
- School Psychologist – Apply MTSS frameworks to assessment and intervention services.
- MTSS Team Member – Contribute to data-based decision making and collaborative planning.
- Data Coordinator – Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting for MTSS initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions: Online MTSS Certificate at Montclair
- What financial support or funding options are available for the Online MTSS Certificate?
- Because the program aligns with New Jersey Department of Education (NJTSS) initiatives, school districts may consider using certain federal funding sources to support MTSS-related activities including leadership development and professional learning, in accordance with district decisions and applicable guidelines.
- Can my school or district enroll as a cohort?
- Yes. Schools or districts, including those in New Jersey and beyond, with 10–15 participants can enroll as an online cohort and benefit from collaborative learning with other educators in your district. Smaller groups may also partner with another district to form a shared cohort.
Featured Faculty
Admission Requirements
The Online MTSS Certificate welcomes educators and school-based professionals seeking advanced MTSS training.
Application 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.
- Students seeking an F1/J1 visa are not eligible for this certificate program unless they are currently pursuing a master’s degree at Montclair State University and are able to simultaneously pursue both programs while maintaining their student visa requirements.
Application Checklist
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions (Fall Only)
- Online Application: Start your application online
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Essay/Personal Statement: Please write an essay (between 500–750 words) explaining why you are interested in obtaining the MTSS certificate at Montclair State University. Please reference the following areas in your response:
- Your current role or professional context
- Your experience with MTSS or related frameworks (if any), and
- How the certificate aligns with your professional goals or the needs of the students/systems you serve.
- GRE: Optional
- Letters of Recommendations: Optional
Related Programs
Questions? Find the right contact below.
Connect with our enrollment teams for personalized guidance on admission requirements, the application process, key dates and your next steps toward enrollment.
For the Online Program
Get help with requirements, deadlines, documents and the application process for fully online programs.Program Coordinator: Dr. Talida State
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.- statet@montclair.edu
- 973-655-6709
- University Hall 3190