Teacher Education (M.A.T. & Certificates)

Teacher Education
(M.A.T. | Certificates)

Welcome to the Rutgers–Camden Teacher Education program. Whether you’re pursuing the M.A.T. with licensure, a certificate, or a general studies degree, the program will give you a strong foundation in classroom diversity and professional responsibility.  If you’re seeking initial licensure, your program will combine academic preparation with hands-on experience in local schools, aligning with New Jersey Department of Education requirements.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

The Teacher Education program at Rutgers–Camden offers both the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and a range of education-related certificates. The M.A.T. aligns with New Jersey Department of Education code requirements and includes an academic year (Fall and Spring) placement in a local school for hands-on learning.

Students gain a strong foundation in educational theory and practice, a comprehensive understanding of diversity in classrooms, and a clear sense of professional and clinical best practices.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Concentrations

Early Childhood Education

After completing all coursework and state licensure requirements, the Early Childhood concentration allows you to teach language arts literacy, mathematics, science, computer and information literacy, and social studies in preschool through grade three classrooms. 

Education Studies

This non-licensure track allows you to earn a Master’s degree in general education studies.  The sequence has three required courses and then allows for the remaining 7 courses to be customized to your interest.  The sequence does not include clinical practice and therefore cannot lead to NJ initial licensure.

Elementary Education

After completing all coursework and state licensure requirements, the Elementary Education concentration allows you to teach language arts literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies in grades kindergarten through six, and to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, and spelling, for basic skills purposes only, in grades six through 12.

Secondary Education

After completing all coursework and state licensure requirements, the Secondary Education concentration allows you to teach the subject matter of your endorsement (e.g. English) and only that subject at all grade levels. In practice, you will likely teach your subject in departmentalized grades 5 – 12. Certification areas:

  • Art
  • Biological Science
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • French
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish
  • Theater
  • Family and Consumer Sciences (Approval issued in February)
Special Education

Please note: This concentration is best suited for already-licensed teachers.

The Special Education concentration allows you to teach students classified with disabilities in your content and/or grade-level endorsements. You may provide consultative services and supportive resource programs including modification and adaptation of curriculum and instruction to students with disabilities in general education programs in grades preschool through 12. This sequence is ideal for those who have already earned a teaching license and are seeking an MAT with a special education concentration.  Upon approval from the NJ Department of Education, currently licensed teachers will be eligible to earn an NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement upon completion of the MAT.

Program Certificates

Program Overview

DETAIL

MAT

CERTIFICATES

DEGREEMaster of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Teacher of Student with Disabilities Certificate available
Bilingual Education Certificate
Supervision Certificate
Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certificate
Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate
CREDITSElementary Secondary Education and Special Education Concentrations | Early Childhood Education (30 credits for degree; additional credits for licensure)

Bilingual Education Certificate (21 credits)
Supervision Certificate (15 credits)
Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certificate (12 credits)
Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate (12 credits)
FORMATFull-time or part-time, on-campus Full-time or part-time, on-campus
DURATION4-6 semesters 1-3 semesters
FUNDINGUniversity and Graduate School (Partial Funding Only)

Teacher Education Community in Action

Get to know this program through archived stories—then discover what sets Rutgers Graduate School-Camden apart. From the Recording Rutgers podcast to faculty spotlights, campus life, alumni journeys, and student experiences, you’ll find a “Community in Action”, grounded in connection, purpose, and possibility.

  • Embracing the Call to Teach with Purpose

    Embracing the Call to Teach with Purpose

    The energy of a first-grade classroom in South Jersey, is where Lori Braunstein is putting her dream into practice. Her clinical placement there marks the moment she has been working toward—turning years of persistence, redirection, and classroom experience as a paraprofessional into her first real steps as a teacher. She once pursued Law and Justice,… continue reading

    continue reading

Admissions Requirements

DETAIL

MAT

CERTIFICATES

TRANSCRIPTS Bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate school
3.0 GPA in Bachelor’s degree or higher
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate school
3.0 GPA in Bachelor’s degree or higher
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Two letters of recommendationNot required
PERSONAL STATEMENT A statement regarding the applicant’s personal and professional goals and experienceA statement regarding the applicant’s personal and professional goals and experience
LICENSEFor Special Education concentration candidates only, proof of current teaching licenseFor Supervisory candidates only, proof of current teaching license

Application Deadlines

Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.

Fall

Spring

Summer

Reach Out to Us

Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Sara Becker

Graduate Director
sara.becker@rutgers.edu 
(856) 225-6409

GRADUATE SCHOOL CONTACT

Erick E. Watt-Udogu

Assistant Dean, Graduate School-Camden
erick.watt.udogu@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6149

Take the Next Step.

We invite you to explore the boundless opportunities that await you here, where a world-class faculty, diverse community, and innovative curriculum converge to nurture your intellect and foster your professional growth. Your future starts with a simple yet significant act – learning more about the exceptional programs we offer. So, why wait? Start your application journey with us, and together, we’ll unlock a future filled with possibilities and endless success.