English (Certificate) Low Residency, Offsite
The English Graduate Certificate provides an introduction to the field of graduate studies in English to adult learners who have previously received an undergraduate degree but have not yet received an M.A. or Ph.D. in English. It is ideal for middle and secondary school teachers seeking professional development through coursework in literary and cultural studies.
To receive the certificate, adult learners in the program will complete 9 credits of English graduate coursework. These courses will span a variety of possible subjects, and will include American Literature and the Teaching of Writing. Those enrolled in the program will receive advanced instruction in the reading, writing, and teaching of literature and culture, through courses offered by a distinguished faculty of scholar-teachers who are internationally recognized as leaders in their fields. In doing so, adult learners in the program will grow as readers, writers, thinkers, and researchers. Classes take place in late afternoons and on-site at New Jersey high schools in order to accommodate the schedule working professional teachers. Students in the program are also welcome to enroll in any English graduate seminars courses on-campus at Montclair State University.
Should certificate students, upon completion of the program, apply and be admitted to Montclair State University’s English M.A. Program, all 9 credits will count toward the 33 credits needed to receive the M.A. degree. All 9 credits will also count as professional development credits for public school teachers.
For adult learners interested in pursuing further graduate work in English or a related field, the program affords an opportunity to gain sustained, first-hand exposure to what graduate study in English entails today, enabling them to become more informed, more prepared, more competitive, and ultimately more successful as they pursue their educational and professional goals.
Along with the English Graduate Certificate, the department also offers an English (MA).
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, in order to be eligible to apply for the English Graduate Certificate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the English (Certificate) Low Residency, Offsite program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Statement of Purpose – Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of Recommendation: One (1) letter of recommendation, from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s promise of academic achievement and potential for professional growth.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the English (Certificate) Low Residency, Offsite Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Click to find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Program Coordinator: Adam Rzepka
Office: Dickson Hall 309
Email: rzepkaa@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-7646