New Jersey Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

This guide to teaching schools in New Jersey provides valuable information on how to become eligible to teach in the state. All New Jersey teachers are required to complete a state teacher preparation program from an accredited school in order to work as a teacher in the state. Fortunately, there are several accredited colleges and universities that offer these programs. Continue reading to find lists of top-rated teaching programs, a table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, and student reviews of schools and programs. Whether you are a first-time college student or are looking to start a new career as a teacher, this guide can help you find the right choice for your individual needs.

Table of Contents

• Teacher Preparation Program Comparison
• Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs
• Select Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees
• Schools with Associate Degrees in Education
• Student Reviews

Quick Facts

• There are 42 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in New Jersey.¹
• 14 schools offer an associate’s degree in education.¹
• 20 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in education.¹
• 25 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• 2 schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022.²
• 3 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023.³
• 10 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022.⁴
• 24 educator preparation providers (EPPs) are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.
• 1 educator preparation provider (EPP) is accredited by the AAQEP.⁶

For not-for-profit schools with teacher degree programs.

Comparison of New Jersey Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

We have designed the following table to help you compare teacher preparation programs in New Jersey according to various factors. All of the schools included are not-for-profit institutions approved by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for the preparation of teachers. Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is an important step towards earning licensure.

While accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is not a requirement for licensure, it is included in the following table as CAEP provides a highly-regarded accreditation that is accepted in many states.

You will also find data on teacher preparation program enrollment, completion, and licensing exam pass rates by institution, for both traditional and alternative programs, for the 2018-2019 academic year in this table. These data points are collected from annual US Department of Education reports under Title II (Teacher Quality) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which holds institutions and state departments of education accountable for increasing academic achievement through improvements in teacher quality. Traditional teacher preparation programs are usually completed as part of a bachelor’s degree program. Alternative certification programs are typically designed for career changers looking to enter the field and lead to a postgraduate certificate or a master’s degree. Many schools in our table offer both traditional and alternative programs. Take a look at our New Jersey traditional and alternative certification guides for more information.

Finally, we have provided the net price per year for undergraduate tuition, based on the cost of attendance (tuition, books, room and board, and related expenses) for students who qualify for in-state tuition and fees, less the average financial aid award (including grants and scholarships).

• — indicates none or not applicable.
• N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.

Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs in New Jersey

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022

• The College of New Jersey
• Monmouth University

US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023

• Rutgers University-New Brunswick (#45 tie)
• Montclair State University (#131 tie)
• Rowan University (#153 tie)

US News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Education Programs 2022

• Montclair State University (#14 tie)
• Rutgers University-New Brunswick (#69 tie)
• Rowan University (#80 tie)
• Seton Hall University (#171 tie)
• Stockton University (#182 tie)
• Monmouth University (#214 tie)
• Kean University (#221 tie)
• Fairleigh Dickinson University (#242-321)
• Georgian Court University (#242-321)
• New Jersey City University (#242-321)

Select New Jersey Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees

Montclair State University

The College of Education and Human Services at Montclair State University offers many degree options for aspiring and existing teachers. For those looking to study at the undergraduate level, Montclair State offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Educational Foundations for Elementary Teachers, with or without Teacher Certification (K-6). A Minor is also offered in Teaching English Language Learners in Early Childhood and Elementary Settings. For graduate students looking for certification, Montclair State offers Alternate Route Teacher Certification Programs in K-12, P-3, and P-12 Subject Field, as well as certification in areas like Bilingual/Bicultural Education; Reading Specialist, Educational Services; Teacher of Students with Disabilities; and many more. Combined BA/Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees are also available with P-12 Subject Certification and Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification in subjects including Art, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Spanish. For graduate students interested in administrative roles, a Master of Arts (MA) is offered in either Educational Leadership and Higher Education, as well as certification programs for principals and supervisors.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

The Rutgers University Graduate School of Education (GSE) was founded in 1923 and offers students multiple master’s and doctoral degrees. Students can earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from one of 20 specializations including Elementary Education, Leadership, and Special Education. Many of these specializations can also be gained through a five-year program that includes both an undergraduate and graduate degree leading to certification when completed. At the doctoral level, Rutgers offers degrees in Design of Learning Environments; Leadership and Special Education; Higher Education; Theory, Organization, and Policy, and many more. Those who are looking for an online program can find graduate options in Adult and Continuing Education; Human Development; and English as a Second Language (ESL), among others. Rutgers also offers certificates and endorsements in many areas of education and leadership.

Seton Hall University

Located in South Orange, Seton Hall University is home to the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media. Students who are looking to become teachers can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in Integrated Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education or in Secondary Education (which can be taken alone or integrated with Special Education). A combined BSE/Master of Science (MS) is also available in Integrated Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. Other graduate degrees are available in Education Leadership (both in-person and online); Higher Education; Instructional Design and Technology; School Counseling (both in-person and online); and Special Education, among many others. The school also offers certificates in a range of topics including Information Technologies, K-12 Supervisor, Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement, School Counseling, and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).

Schools with Associate Degrees in Education

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational level required to qualify for state certification, an associate’s degree can be the first step towards a career in education. It can qualify graduates for careers in non-licensed roles in early childhood education, after-school care, and related areas. The credits earned from an accredited associate degree program can also typically be transferred towards a bachelor’s degree. The following Alabama schools offer associate’s degrees in education.¹ Schools with an asterisk (*) also offer four-year teaching programs and/or alternative route to certification programs.

Atlantic Cape Community College
5100 E Black Horse Pike
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 625-1111
www.atlantic.edu

Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 447-7100
www.bergen.edu

Brookdale Community College*
765 Newman Springs Rd
Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732) 224-2345
www.brookdalecc.edu

Camden County College*
200 College Dr
Blackwood, NJ 08012
(856) 227-7200
www.camdencc.edu

County College of Morris
214 Center Grove Rd
Randolph, NJ 07869
(973) 328-5000
www.ccm,edu

Essex County College*
303 University Ave
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 877-3000
www.essex.edu

Middlesex College*
2600 Woodbridge Ave
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 548-6000
www.middlesex.mass.edu

Passaic County Community College
1 College Blvd
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 684-6800
web.pccc.edu/

Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Rd
Branchburg, NJ 08876
(908) 526-1200
www.raritanval.edu

Rowan College of South Jersey
1400 Tanyard Rd
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 468-5000
www.rcsj.edu

Rowan College of South Jersey Cumberland Campus
3322 College Dr
Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 691-8600
www.rcsj.edu

Salem Community College
460 Hollywood Ave
Carneys Point, NJ 08069
(856) 299-2100
www.salemcc.edu

Sussex County Community College
1 College Hill Rd
Newton, NJ 07860
(973) 300-2100
www.sussex.edu

Warren Community College
475 NJ-57
Washington, NJ 07882
(908) 835-9222
www.warren.edu

Student Reviews

Essex County College*
303 University Ave
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 877-3000
https://www.essex.edu/

Student Review: “Every professor I had from the time I started at Essex County College in West Caldwell has been very attentive to any extra work I needed to put in, from the time I started with a remedial math class until the time I graduated. They are really dedicated to making great teachers of the future. The one-on-one questions I was able to ask in tutoring, the very responsive teachers and the small class sizes really made for a great and easy-to-learn environment. Although I went on to receive another degree elsewhere, the teaching program at ECC is wonderful and I truly value my time spent there.” -Student at Essex County College

Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 987-2700
https://georgian.edu/

Student Review: “Georgian Court University is a wonderful college. First of all the college itself is beautiful. It is located on acres of lush green yards with trees, flowers, and gorgeous stone statues. The buildings are old mansions that were once homes. It is very neat that the classes are held in these old mansions. As far as curriculum goes, I attended Georgian Court University studying education. My major was English, with a minor in secondary education and a special education endorsement. (Upon graduation I would be certified to teach grades K-12, specifically in the areas of English and special education.) The professors that I encountered during my courses were phenomenal. They were very helpful and knowledgeable in their areas of study. There were so many different outlets to choose from if extra help was needed. For example, there was a point during my education at Georgian Court when I had gotten married and started a family. I felt I would no longer be able to keep up with my courses and was going to leave the university for a while. One of my professors referred me to speak with a counselor at the university and she helped me a great deal and gave me better options than to give up on my goals for becoming a teacher. It was nice to know that someone was there to go that extra mile, help me find a schedule that worked for me and made me feel confident in my decision to stay. Now that I’ve gone over the positive points of the university, I will mention two downfalls. The first downfall is the location. I lived about an hour away so I chose to commute. The drive to the school is not that far, however, the town of Lakewood where it is located is another story. Lakewood is extremely congested and there are several lights and heavy traffic at all times. Some parts of Lakewood are also known for crime. Lakewood is a Jewish community and is heavily populated by the Jewish people who tend to commute by walking through the town therefore driving can be a bit difficult for others. The next downfall of the university is the price. College tuition is expensive normally, however, this university is private. When I first began at Georgian Court University I met with a financial aid advisor to find out why I wasn’t receiving as much financial aid help as I had hoped for and they responded to me that it was because this university is a private university. All in all, Georgian Court University is a nice college as long as you don’t mind a hectic commute to get within the gates and you don’t mind paying a bit extra for the courses. I would recommend it because the professors, the courses, the beautiful mansions and surrounding yards make it all worth it. -Student at Georgian Court University

Monmouth University
400 Cedar Ave
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 571-3400
https://www.monmouth.edu

Student Review: “Generally speaking, the Monmouth University Elementary Education program prepares students to land jobs in the education field. The university offers a great deal of field experience which is undeniably the most valuable part of the program. The curriculum was extremely challenging and thoroughly covered research in the field. Students will be knowledgeable in popular academic strategies, programs, and research based topics that they will come across in the working environment. I do feel that even though field experience was given, the school could, perhaps, works to provide students with more “real-world” advice when it comes to school related struggles such as behavior management, parent contact, and administrative relationships.” – Student at Monmouth University

Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-4000
https:///www.montclair.edu

Student Review: “At the program at Montclair State (MSU) it is very rigid but the staff within the program have been extremely supportive. The style of the program allows for all students to find their own philosophy that they will take with them into their own classroom while providing the tools necessary to understand the spectrum of students that exist. There are mandatory classes that give the students a good background of what it meant to be a teacher and what it means to be one in today’s society. The support of the staff is beyond describable. They are able to be reached at almost any time of day and all questions are either answered on the spot or the professors sit with you and find an answer together.” – Student at Montclair State University

Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(848) 445-4636
https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/

Student Review: “I have enjoyed my time at Rutgers University. Located in the heart of the city of New Brunswick, I am offered many opportunities. Rutgers is a huge melting pot of various cultures. There is so much diversity and room for all kinds of interests. It truly reflects in the various clubs and organizations that are active. I myself am an active member of two of those clubs. The academics at Rutgers are known worldwide for its quality. There is a huge range of topics for study at Rutgers. Rutgers is also a research university, meaning that there are many research opportunities for students. This allows for a more hands-on approach to an individual’s field of study. The downside to it being a research university is that some of the professors are better researchers than teachers. But that is only a slight problem given the many available learning resources provided. Rutgers really is a place to grow and learn.” -Douglas E., student at Rutgers University

Student Review: “The Urban Teacher Education Program at Rutgers University was an amazing experience. My favorite part about the program was the camaraderie and the relationships that were built. Each cohort became a family, and although I have since moved away, I still remain in touch with my colleagues. The downside was some of the faculty members. A handful were unprofessional and added lots of stress with unnecessary assignments that I never applied to my actual teaching. The program coordinator was phenomenal and she was a true guide during the rough patches. To offset the lackluster professors, there were some professors in the program that were truly experts in their field and never hesitated to help. Overall, it was a lovely program that really helped prepare me for teaching in the inner city.” -Student at Rutgers University

Saint Elizabeth University
2 Convent Rd
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 290-4000
https://www.steu.edu

Student Review: “Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I wanted to go somewhere close to home and I was so lucky to find Saint Elizabeth University to enter into their education program. As a freshman, we were working with students right away in the classroom setting and learning the ins and outs of what it is like to be a teacher in the 21st century. The professors provided endless support and always encouraged us to do our very best. The classes were small and intimate, giving you that one on one experience that most large universities could not provide. I loved the community of college of Saint Elizabeth so much, I earned my MA in Education with Special Education concentration. All the skills I learned in both the BA and MA programs have allowed me to become a strong and confident teacher in today’s society, thanks to the wonderful program at Saint Elizabeth University!” -Student at Saint Elizabeth University

Seton Hall University
400 W S Orange Ave
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 761-9000
https://www.shu.edu

Student Review: “The education program at Seton Hall is top notch. The professors are knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful. The program is rigorous and leaves you well-prepared for the challenges ahead of you as an educator in the 21st century. The internship hour requirements ensure that you get real-life experience in the field and allow you to work closely with seasoned teachers. The field experience offers you plenty of opportunity to network so that you can learn and begin your hiring process. Once you graduate, Seton Hall’s education program works closely with you to ensure that you get plenty of job interviews and offers. The College of Education at Seton Hall University leaves you well-prepared and feeling comfortable for the job ahead.” -Student at Seton Hall University

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. The Princeton Review. The Best 385 Colleges, 2022 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2021.
3. US News & World Report Best Graduate Education Schools 2023: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
5. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): http://caepnet.org/provider-search
6. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
7. US Department of Education 2020 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx