The Department of Teaching and Learning has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions by prospective students for the online Computer Science Teacher Certification. If you are unable to find the answer to your question(s) please contact Montclair Online at online@montclair.edu.
- Will I get teaching certification? Yes. This program has been approved by the NJDOE as a certification program and leads to an endorsement in Computer Science (Endorsement Code: 1820) upon completion of the coursework and Praxis II for Computer Science. Students entering this program already must hold a New Jersey initial standard instructional certificate in an endorsement area (e.g. early childhood, elementary, P-12 secondary/subject). This program is intended for educators seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and practices in computer science education. Individuals not pursuing New Jersey Computer Science certification may enroll in individual courses or complete the full 15-credit program to advance their professional expertise. If you are seeking New Jersey Computer Science certification and currently hold a New Jersey standard instructional certificate in an endorsement area outside of computer science or meet reciprocity requirements, you will need to successfully complete the 15-credit program and pass the Praxis II in Computer Science Content Knowledge (5652). Consult the NJDOE Test Requirements for Certification in New Jersey for details on this certification. Please reach out directly to the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Sumi Hagiwara, for additional details.
- Is this program fully online? Yes. You never have to set foot on campus. Courses are offered asynchronously so you will not need to be online at a specific time. Instructors will be available for synchronous weekly office hours.
- What is the cost of the program? We offer affordable tuition rates for Online programs. The university posts the tuition for the upcoming school year during the summer, typically in July.
- Does living out of state affect my tuition rate? No, not for the Online Program. In-state and out-of-state students are charged the same tuition.
- How are the courses scheduled? Students can start the program in fall, spring or summer. Courses are offered asynchronously online and typically in 7-week sessions. CSIT 500, Computer Science Principles, is offered online during the summer in a 14-week session.
- If my teaching certification is from another state, can I apply? Yes. We welcome out-of-state students to our program. Generally, each state has requirements for teacher certification. If you are seeking certification in a state other than New Jersey, you should contact your state’s department of education to determine their requirements for computer science certification.
- When is the next start for the program? We have multiple starts within each application term with courses typically beginning every 7 weeks. Interested applicants can apply for the next start term.
- When will I hear back about my application? Our university makes decisions on applications in a timely manner. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Applicants usually receive a decision within a week of completing the online application.