Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements to qualify for admission?

1. Earned Bachelor’s Degree- (Must submit a degree posted college transcript)
2. Overall GPA of  2.75
3. Praxis Exam

How do I apply?

To request an application,please contact the Undergraduate Admissions office at (908)737-7100. Please ask for a Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Application. Make sure to include official transcripts from EVERY college attended,a copy of any New Jersey certificate(s) held,and copy of passing Praxis II scores when appicable. If there are any questions about the application, please contact our office at (908)737-0570

What if my GPA is below 2.75?

A 2.75 grade point average is required from The New Jersey State Department of Education to receive certification. Applicants who graduated before 2004 could be accepted with either a grade point average of 2.50 or a Certificate of Eligibility in their chosen teacher option. If a candidate does not meet either of these requirements there are some other options available. Please contact our office for advisement.

Is the Praxis required for all certification programs?

All Elementary Education and P-3 applicants must take the Praxis II exam prior to admission. A copy of the score should be sent with the application. (Test scores must be current.)

K-12 applicants with an Undergraduate degree in the same subject area are required to take the Praxis prior to admission. Otherwise, the Praxis II exam must be taken while enrolled in the program and prior to professional field placements.

Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural, School Nurse Certification presently do not require the Praxis II exam.

How many credits are required for Certification?

The professional Sequence is a minimum of 30 credits for all certification options. If you attend classes on a full time basis, you may complete your program within a year and a summer. If you need additional credits in the content for example, your completion time will be longer. (To review the guide sheets for your certification option, look under Certifications.)

Are credits from my BA transferable into the Post Baccalaureate Program?

No, the Post Baccalaureate program is not a degree track program therefore credits are not transferable. However, if you have taken some of your courses as an undergraduate, and the program approves the equivalences, then some courses could be eliminated. All applicants must submit copies of transcripts of all institutions attended.

Are courses available in the summer?

Course offerings are available Fall, Spring and Summer, evenings and during the day. However, professional field placements are only offered during the fall and spring semesters.

What if I am already a certified teacher and would like to be certified in an additional teaching field?

Our office offers endorsement programs for all of the listed teaching fields. Applicants complete the admission application form but must enclose a copy of their intial New Jersey teacher certificate in order to qualify for admission into the endorsement program. (Please note that the Teacher of Bilingual / Bicultural and the Middle School options are open only to "endorsement" candidates). (To review the guide sheets for your certification option, look under Certifications.)

Can I get my certification at Kean University through the Alternate Route Program?

No, the Post Baccalaureate program is not an Alternate Route Program. Alternate Route Programs are obtained through state or the county offices.

Can I do a Masters program in certification?

You can do a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. This program has certification as part of the degree. To qualify, you must meet the same GPA requirement and you must apply to the Nathan Weiss Graduate School for Admission, (908) 737-3355.

Once the program is completed, how long will it take to get my certification?

After completion of the program, the Post Baccalaureate program will file your certification papers with the Department of Licensing in Trenton, NJ. Certification papers must be submitted to the Office of Post Baccalaureate Certifciation. It takes 6-8 weeks after the filing date(s): February 15, June 15 and August 30.

Can I get Financial Aid?

You are eligible for Financial Aid Loans if you file a financial aid form to FAFSA. The financial aid office number is (908) 737-3190.