Georgian Court University

Programme overview

Georgian Court University’s M.A.T. is a 43–46 credit graduate teacher-preparation program offered on Brookdale’s Lincroft, NJ campus. Typical completion time is 2–3 years. The degree leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) from the New Jersey Department of Education, with an embedded endorsement as Teacher of Students With Disabilities. The program emphasizes early and sustained clinical experience and provides opportunities to participate in GCU-funded research projects.

What you'll study

The curriculum blends core competency coursework, field experiences, and three consecutive semesters of clinical practice. Students follow one of three program tracks that share core courses but differ in grade-range focus:

• Early Childhood Education (P–3) with Teacher of Students With Disabilities endorsement
• Elementary Education (K–6) with Teacher of Students With Disabilities endorsement
• Teacher of a Specific Subject (K–12) with Teacher of Students With Disabilities endorsement

Sample program sequence (course codes shown by semester as provided by the program):

• Semester 1: EDC5110, SPE5030 (25 clinical hours)
• Semester 2: ECE5201 or EDC5130 or EDC5242, SPE5032 (25 clinical hours)
• Semester 3: EDC5209 or EDC5250 (part-time clinical practice 75 hrs), EDC5205, EDC5215, ECE5244
• Semester 4: EDC5306 or EDC5260 (part-time clinical practice 100 hrs), SPE5031
• Semester 5: ECE6303 or EDC5309 or EDC6404/6406 with full-time clinical practice (14 weeks) and concurrent Reflective Practice Seminar

Clinical practice culminates in a 14-week full-time placement during which candidates gradually assume full teaching responsibilities; placements are coordinated by the director of field placement with school districts.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates seeking the Early Childhood (P–3) or Elementary (K–6) certifications must have either a liberal arts/science/dual-content/interdisciplinary major or at least 30 semester-hour credits in core content areas (English, mathematics, social studies/history, and/or science) documented on transcripts. Before clinical practice, candidates must pass requisite Praxis II tests, earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and pass three GCU topical exams in Physiology & Hygiene (P&H), Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB), and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect (CARE).

Career prospects

Graduates leave qualified to teach with New Jersey certification and a Teacher of Students With Disabilities endorsement. The three endorsement tracks prepare candidates for roles in preschool–Grade 3 classrooms, kindergarten–Grade 6 classrooms, or single-subject K–12/secondary teaching (common subjects among program completers include art, biology, business, chemistry, English, history, math, and Spanish). The intensive clinical practice is designed to ready candidates for immediate classroom responsibilities and job searches supported by portfolio development and mock interviews during the Reflective Practice Seminar.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program notes institutional support for student research (GCU-funded projects). Georgian Court undergraduates may complete the M.A.T. in one additional year through a 4+1 option, offering time and cost savings. Tuition information is provided by the program; prospective applicants should consult GCU for current rates and financial aid opportunities.