This program replaces the old MAT program in Early Childhood Education and the MAT in Elementary Education program.
Dual Certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Focus on young learners, with the extensive training and education needed for early childhood and elementary teaching certification. Our fully accredited programs for initial certification prepare exemplary teachers who inspire learners and shape communities. The dual certification program is specifically designed for students without their teaching licensure.
About the Programs
This dual certification program offers those interested in becoming teachers an opportunity to seek New Jersey Certificates of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) in both early childhood (preK-3) and elementary education (K-6). This one-year program gives candidates a high-quality, rigorous, immersive experience while costing less than a typical graduate degree program. The program utilizes multiple instructional formats: online, blended, and in-person, thus making a more convenient, flexible, and accessible format.
27 credit, fully accredited program
Graduate Admissions
Contact the Program Coordinator:
Arti Joshi, ajoshi@tcnj.edu
Curriculum and FAQs
Dual Certification Program Sequence (ECE and ELE Certification 27 credits) »
Dual Certification Program Sequence with Optional MEd (27 plus 9 credits) »
Application Requirements
Both Matriculation and Non-Matriculation options are available. Learn more about these options.
- Application
- Essay
- Official transcripts
- Application fee
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Basic Skills Requirement
- No GRE requirements
- Resume/CV
- Additional documents needed from international applicants seeking to study in the U.S.
Application Deadlines
Applicants need to make sure all materials are completed by either the Priority Consideration Deadline or the Final Deadline in order for an application to be considered complete.
| Term | Priority Consideration | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Matriculation (Preferred) | February 1 | May 1* |
*Applications will be considered on a space available basis up to and including the first day of the semester.
Tuition & Costs
The College of New Jersey provides a high quality education at a lower than average cost than other schools of similar quality.
| Tuition Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| In-State | $916.66 per credit |
| Out-of-State | $916.66 per credit |
The College Board of Trustees is responsible for establishing tuition, fees, housing and board plan rates. Tuition and fees schedules are subject to change without notice and upon action of the Board of Trustees.
Assistantships & Aid
Graduate Assistantships
TCNJ offers graduate assistantships that provide meaningful learning experiences while also supporting TCNJ’s educational mission. These assistantships require 15 hours of work per week during the fall and spring semesters while the college is in session. Only those full-time (minimum 9 credits/semester), matriculated graduate students in good academic standing with a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 are eligible for selection.
Graduate Assistants are awarded a tuition waiver of $10,000.00 per academic year ($5,000 per semester for fall and spring only) and are hired on an annual basis for a maximum of two years.
» Learn more about Graduate Assistantships
Financial Aid
Students pursuing a graduate degree at TCNJ may be eligible for some types of student financial assistance, including but not limited to student loans and assistantships. Graduate students must follow the same steps as undergraduates in applying for federal loan assistance.
Graduate students must be enrolled in at least five credit hours at the 500 level or above in order to be eligible for student loan assistance and for TCNJ to certify enrollment for a loan repayment deferment.
Semester Enrollment Requirements for Graduate Students
Full-time status = 9 or more credit hours
Half-time status = 5 credit hours
The enrollment requirements pertain to individual summer session enrollment as well.