Academics

General Education Studies

Certificate

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College can be part of your journey. Montclair’s Certificate in General Education Studies (CGES) gives students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take college courses, build career skills, and fully participate in campus life.

As part of Montclair’s Think College initiative for inclusive higher education, this two-year, non-degree program offers a supportive environment where you’ll learn alongside peers in both specialized and general education classes. You’ll explore subjects that interest you, develop academic and workplace skills, and gain independence through real-world experiences.

CGES students have access to Montclair’s full range of resources – from career services and student clubs to campus events and recreational activities. The program also includes internships and community-based learning to help you prepare for meaningful employment.

With small class sizes, personalized advising, and dedicated faculty, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you work toward your goals.

If you’re ready to expand your education, explore your interests, and be part of a vibrant college community, Montclair’s Certificate in General Education Studies can help you make it happen.

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Choose Your Path

In this certificate program, you can choose from one of four concentrations to dive deeper into your area of interest.

Available Concentrations
  • Social Justice, Public Service and the Humanities
  • Business, Math and Technology
  • Health, Medicine and the Sciences
  • Arts, Culture and Design

You’ll take six, one-credit courses in your concentration in your second year of the program.

See the curriculum.

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College is within your reach. Watch this video to learn more about the “Think Higher. Think College” initiative, which creates inclusive postsecondary educational opportunities at more than 300 colleges and universities, including Montclair, nationwide.

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Who You Are

To be considered for the CGES program, you must:

  • Have a desire to be a part of Montclair’s campus community and be motivated to further your education with college-level learning.
  • Be 18-25 years old at the start of the Fall semester and meet the definition of a “student with an intellectual disability” as defined in the Higher Education Act (HEA) law and regulations.*
  • Be unlikely to be admitted in a traditional degree program at a 2-or-4-year college or university based on the combination of your disability and academic record.
  • Have reliable transportation that conforms to your course schedule to and from campus for the duration of the program.
  • Be able to reliably communicate with others and be able to follow the Montclair State University Code of Conduct.

*The Higher Education Opportunity Act, in Section § 668.231, defines a student with an intellectual disability. The term “student with an intellectual disability” means a student – (A) with a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant limitations in – (i) intellectual and cognitive functioning; and (ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; and (B) who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.].

Admissions Process Overview

Please note: Applications for Fall 2026 are now closed.

    1. Create an account in the Montclair application portal
    2. Submit your application online (instructions below)
    3. Upload additional documents: Most Recent IEP with Evaluation
    4. Once your application is complete:
      • All applicants will receive a phone call to confirm program eligibility.
      • Invitations for a 30-minute video conference will be scheduled with the applicant and support, as needed.
      • Select applicants will receive invitations for half day in-person interviews on campus with the applicant and family member(s).
      • Applicants will receive notice of acceptance or nonacceptance in their applicant portal.

After acceptance, students may go on to complete the enrollment checklist.

Application Instructions

To apply for CGES, please create an account in the Montclair application portal, then:

  1. Under Start a New Application, select 2026 Non-Degree/Visiting
  2. In the pop-up, for the Application Type drop-down, select 2026 Undergraduate Application
  3. Select the 2026 Non-Degree and Visiting Application option in the second drop-down.
  4. Click Create Application.
  5. On the Location page, select Montclair campus.
  6. Click Continue.
  7. On the Enrollment Goals page:
    • Select your desired Start Term (ex: Fall 2027)
    • Select Certificate Programs Student Type
    • Select the Certificate Program Application Type
    • Select Certificate in General Education Studies Academic Program

Application Checklist

  • Online Application: Submit application (see instructions above).
  • High School Transcript: The applicant will need to request that their High School send an official transcript directly to Montclair State University.
  • Extracurricular Activity Sheet/Resume: A list of all extracurricular activities you have been involved with and the years participated. This may include social or recreational clubs, community or faith-based organizations, sports or arts activities, service or volunteer experiences, internships or work experiences, etc.
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP): The applicant’s most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) will need to be uploaded to their application portal after the online application is submitted. Please include every page including evaluations. If the IEP does not list ‘Intellectual Disability’, please upload an additional document that indicates this.
  • Personal Statement: Respond to all parts of the prompt using ONE of the following methods:
    • Essay: Written statements should be in complete sentences and no more than 500 words.
    • Visual products or presentations: May be submitted as high resolution photographs, no larger than 8.5 x 11. You may submit a web link to a shared photo or presentation web service.
    • Audio or video recordings: Should be under 10 minutes in length. Please submit by providing a web link to a shared file or published video or audio web service (e.g., Youtube, Vimeo, Google Drive shared file).
  • Letters of Recommendation: There is one required recommendation letter; a second letter is optional. The names and email addresses of your references must be submitted in your application. The references will receive an email with instructions to submit their letters directly to Montclair. References should be able to discuss your strengths and support needs and should not be a friend or family member.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if CGES is right for me?
    We suggest reading through this program page and FAQ as a starting point. If you are still unsure, contact us and we are happy to discuss further!
  • What credential will I graduate with?
    CGES is a non-degree program. Students will earn a Certificate in General Education Studies, this is a Montclair State University granted credential. The CGES program curriculum is recognized by the University and by the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
  • Are classes taken with other Montclair students?
    Yes, the CGES curriculum requirements are fulfilled by Montclair State University undergraduate courses. CGES students will register for undergraduate classes and take those classes alongside Montclair undergraduate students.
  • Are classes online or on campus?
    CGES is considered to be an on-campus program and students should expect to be on campus regularly. However, some of Montclair’s courses which fulfill the General Education and Concentration requirements may be offered as online or hybrid courses. Students would not be restricted from enrolling in these online courses if the course aligns with the student’s personal interests and goals.
  • What days and times will I be on campus?
    Every student’s schedule will be individualized dependent on their course schedule and extracurricular activities. Courses are typically scheduled for about 3 hours on Wednesdays, or about 1.5 hours on Mondays/Thursdays or Tuesdays/Fridays. There are social and recreational activities scheduled nearly every day of the week including evenings and weekends. Students’ schedules will change each semester.
  • What is there to do on campus other than take classes?
    CGES students are encouraged to take advantage of the many social and recreational opportunities on campus. Montclair has over 100 student-led organizations and student life events happening nearly every day on campus. Students can also access the George Segal art gallery, Yogi Berra museum, Ice Arena, and recreation center with basketball courts, a swimming pool, fitness classes, and more, all on Montclair’s campus.
  • Can I live on campus?
    At this time, CGES is a commuter only program.
  • What type of support is offered in the CGES program?
    Student support is built into the CGES curriculum each semester through the required CGES core courses. During these courses, students may engage in person-centered planning to develop and monitor their goals, identify supportive resources on campus, and create learning plans for courses. Additionally, CGES students have the option to request undergraduate peer support for academic, social, and recreational engagement while on campus. CGES does not provide medical or personal care assistance, or behavioral interventions. CGES does not provide 24/7 assistance for navigating campus beyond an orientation period of about 2-3 weeks at the start of the semester.
  • What if I need additional support beyond what CGES offers?
    Students who need support beyond the scope of what CGES can offer will need to provide their own support when on campus. We are happy to coordinate work with personal care assistants, life coaches, or other individuals who will be on campus with CGES students.
  • Is transportation provided?
    CGES does not provide transportation. Students are expected to have reliable transportation to and from campus to meet their schedule needs. There are NJ Transit bus and rail lines that stop at Montclair’s campus.
  • Will I get any work experience in CGES?
    Yes, all students are required to take CGST 275: Supervised Work Experience in their final semester. This course requires that students complete an internship, externship, or other work experience plus seminar.
  • How many classes do I need to take to graduate?
    Students must pass a minimum of 37 credits to graduate with their Certificate in General Education Studies in 2 years. This averages about 3 classes every semester, including New Student Seminar, 3 General Education courses, 3 Concentration courses, and 15 credits of CGES core courses. The remaining credits needed to meet the graduation requirement can be taken as free electives, or any course the student chooses. An academic advisor will be assigned to each student to help plan their course schedule and ensure they will meet graduation requirements. Students can expect to take between 7 – 11 credits in their first three semesters, and between 10 – 16 credits in their final semester.
  • How much does CGES cost?
    CGES follows the standard rates for Montclair State University undergraduate per credit costs. There is no additional program fee for the CGES program. Please check Red Hawk Central for the most up-to-date cost and fee rates. Tuition and fees are posted on the university website once they are determined for the academic year. Please note that the cost per semester will vary depending on how many credits students register for each semester. Students and families should be aware that the cost of attending any university can be more than tuition and fees. Educational expenses can also include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, and equipment, food, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.
  • What financial support is available?
    If you are eligible for services through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities or New Jersey’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, please ask your team. They may be able to help you pay for some courses. You may also be eligible to apply for a scholarship. Ruby’s Rainbows is dedicated to providing college scholarships for students with Down syndrome. KFM Making A Difference provides scholarships for students with Autism to pursue postsecondary education.Help us stay up to date! Please contact cges@montclair.edu if you know of additional scholarship opportunities.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Certificate in General Education Studies

Contact us if you have any general questions regarding the certificate program, or to get help with requirements, deadlines, documents and the application process.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

Teaching and Learning Department

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 in the service of social justice, inclusivity and democratic values.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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