About

The Middle and Secondary Education program enables successful graduates to become certified as Teacher of Elementary K-5 and to qualify for the endorsement of Teacher of Elementary with Subject Matter Preparation (5-8) in a major subject area. Students in the Elementary-Middle program must choose an academic major in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English (literature or writing options), History, Mathematics or Spanish.

The Middle and Secondary Education programs are available in the following areas:

Elementary Education K-6—5-8 (leading to Certification in Elementary Education K-6 as well as for Middle School 5-8);
Secondary Education K-12 in a variety of subject areas

B. A Program in Elementary Education K-6—5-8
An Elementary-Middle School program designed to enable successful graduates to become certified as Teacher of Elementary K-6 and to qualify for the endorsement of Teacher of Elementary with Subject Matter Preparation (5-8) in a major subject area. Students in the Elementary-Middle program must choose an academic major in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English (literature or writing options), History, Mathematics or Spanish Major.

Requirements for Admission to B.A. in Elementary Education K-6—5-8
Students must complete the following requirements in order to be accepted into the major of Elementary Education K-6—5-8: complete a minimum of 30 credits of course work; achieve a combined 2.75 G.P.A. or higher from Kean University; earn a “B-”* or better in each of 6 specific courses (COMM 1402, ENG 1030, HIST 2303, MATH 1000 or 1010, BIO 1000, and EMSE 2800 or 2802); obtain a passing score** on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam; gain acceptance into an academic major; complete the application for admission; and be interviewed by the department chairperson or designee.

Programs in Teacher Certification for Subject Areas K-12

Kean University offers a variety of programs leading to the B.A. Degree in an academic major with an option in Teacher Certification K-12. The academic portions of these programs are housed in their respective departments. The Professional Education component of these programs is housed in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education.

Students registering for Instruction in Subject Areas K-12 programs must have a G.P.A. of 2.75 or better and a “B-”* or better in COMM 1402, ENG 1030, and EMSE 2801. Students must obtain a passing score** on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam, and must have be formally admitted into the education program, to register for EMSE 3210, 3220, 3230, 3240, 3250, 3801, 4801, EDUC 3401, 3000, 4000 and for the electives EMSE 3122 and EMSE 3112.

Students must earn a “B-” or higher in each education course in order to register for EMSE 4801. Grades below a “B-” must be remediated before students enroll in EMSE 4801. The added course credit will be counted as extra credit beyond the required 30 credits for the program. In addition, the academic major must be maintained with a “B” or better (allowance for two “Cs”).
*Exceptions made with department approval
**Acceptance score may change. See advisor for details.

B.A. DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION K-6—5-8

• Liberal Studies in Mathematics, Science and Technology
• Biology Specialization
• Earth Science Specialization
• Mathematics Specialization
• Technology Specialization

For a complete list of course descriptions and degree requirements, click here.