The New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics (NJCSTM) offers a five year combined bachelor's/master’s scholarship program with two separate degree tracks: Teacher Education & Science or Math Researcher. This is the only program in New Jersey that offers a core curriculum in the first two years that integrates science and mathematics courses linked to problem-solving, and hands-on laboratory courses to reinforce the classroom content. At the end of the fourth year students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Technology. At the end of the fifth year students in the education track are awarded a Master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum and are eligible for state teacher certification in either biology, chemistry or mathematics. Students in the research track earn a master’s degree in biotechnology or computational science and engineering at the end of their fifth year.
High school seniors who wish to be considered for this program apply to Kean University for admission as incoming freshmen into the NJCSTM academic major. Students attending other universities and/or majors may apply as transfer applicants.
Minimum requirements for admission into the Bachelor/Master’s program:
- Combined minimum SAT Math and Critical Reading score of 1100 or rSAT score of 1170 (SAT scores achieved during or after March 2016)
- High school grade point average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 (unweighted)
- Demonstrated interest in science and mathematics
When applying for an NJCSTM program in Science & Math, use the following codes on the undergraduate application (Application deadline – March 1st):
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Science and Technology/ Biology Education
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Science and Technology/ Chemistry Education
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Science and Technology/ Math Education
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Science and Technology/ Molecular Biotechnology
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Science and Technology/ Computational Science
Curriculum:
In each semester of their freshman and sophomore years, students take science and math courses that are integrated. Applying mathematics to the solution of scientific problems is emphasized and students extend their learning experiences in laboratory sessions through the use of computer software to study complex systems and their behavior. The core curriculum covers the content areas of biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and statistics.
For their Junior/Senior years, students select either the Teacher Track or Professional Track, and one of five degree specializations (Math Education, Chemistry Education, Biology Education, Molecular Biology/Biotechnology, or Computational Science).
The Master's year for Science and Technology majors focuses on gaining practical experience in which students apply their training to advanced coursework and hands-on applications.
For students in the teacher track working towards a Master of Arts in Instruction and Curriculum the 5th year will involve education course work, and students are required to successfully pass their graduate comprehensive (GRE) exam as well as their student teaching requirements.
Students in the fifth year of the professional track pursue advanced coursework, and are challenged to apply science and mathematics content to current laboratory technique and research projects.
Scholarship:
Students admitted into the five year combined, bachelor/master program in NJCSTM are considered for merit-based scholarships as listed below at the time of their application based on the math/verbal SAT combined score:
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1360 and above (rSAT*) 1300 and above (SAT*) |
100% in-state tuition scholarship |
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1270 to 1359 (rSAT) 1200 to 1299 (SAT) |
75% in-state tuition scholarship |
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1170 to 1269 (rSAT) 1100 to 1199 (SAT) |
50% in-state tuition scholarship |
* The rSAT score includes any SAT scores achieved during or after March 2016. SAT score criteria include critical reading (verbal) and mathematics only. The writing/essay score is not considered in the total at this time. Composite scores may be used for scholarship consideration.
The above listed scholarships are contingent on the student maintaining a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (unweighted) while in the NJCSTM five year program year's one (freshmen year) and two (sophomore year).
At the end of the sophomore year in the five year combined degree program, students that declare the educator track, leading to a master's degree in teaching and New Jersey teacher certification, may be eligible for an additional three years of full in-state tuition scholarships provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance (3.0 or higher cumulative GPA) and agree to teach in New Jersey schools for three years upon completion of the program.
