When it comes to education New Jersey is at the top of the game- well, near the top. In fact, New Jersey ranks as the 2nd best school in the nation for education right after Massachusetts according to U.S. News What got it to the top? The answer is the high quality of offerings for Pre-K through 12 as well as their performance in higher education. It seems that New Jersey knows how to train teachers, focuses on keeping classroom size small, prepares students thoroughly for benchmarks, and has shaved down completion time for students attending 4-year universities. Not only that, but New Jersey comes in second for highest starting teacher salary in the U.S. after Washington D.C. While teachers are still not compensated as well as people in other professions, the wages in New Jersey for teachers are much better than teachers in other states. Educators who received advanced degrees will make significantly more. We know that gaining a degree online makes access to education a bit easier, but what about the cost of education? Those who live and study in New Jersey will have access to in-state tuition which in many cases will cut the cost of tuition in half. For instance at Rutgers University those who paid out-of-state tuition paid roughly $30,579 last year while those in-state paid less than $15,000. Here’s a list of New Jersey universities that offer online degrees and professional certifications:
- Rowan University
- Rutgers University- New Brunswick
- Seton Hall University
- Montclair State University
- Caldwell University
- Stockton University
- William Paterson University
- Thomas Edison State University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
Requirements for Teaching Licensure
in New Jersey
The “traditional” route to certification in New Jersey involves four main steps:
1.) Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Complete a bachelor’s degree in education. Usually, a bachelor’s degree in education requires about 120 credit hours of general education courses, education courses, and electives. The common curriculum usually means about 30 or more major classes that correspond with state certification requirement, and additional course material that centers on theory and methods of teaching. We suggest you check the New Jersey Department of Education for approved programming.
2.) Complete a State-Approved Teacher Certification Program
For the traditional route, a “state-approved” teacher preparation program means working in an educational facility- typically a public school with a supervisor. Essentially it’s like having supervised on-the-job training before you are actually on the job. Teacher preparation programs are an important step into the field of education. Here you will gain exposure to the school system, learn how to work with a team, and learn how to put education theory into practice. Here’s a list of institutions approaved for teacher certification programming.
3.) Pass the State-Mandated Exams
Generally, in the state of New Jersey, you must complete the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test . However a high GRE, ACT, or SAT score may be substituted. Additionally, you must take the New Jersey Praxis specialty area exam.
Are you finished with your bachelor’s in education, teacher preparation, and exams? Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure you have everything in order for licensure:
- Complete a Background Check
- Demonstrate Proof of Degree Completion with Official Transcripts
- Demonstrate Proof of Teacher Preparation Completion
- Provide Passing Scores for State-Mandated Exams
- Complete an Application for Teacher Certification in the State of New Jersey
- Pay a non-refundable Certification Processing Fee
If you have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education or are simply looking for other methods that lead to licensure check out these alternative routes towards teacher certification for the state of New Jersey.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Every school varies when it comes to admission and furthermore, admission requirements will differ depending on whether or not you are looking to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree. Let’s first take a look at general admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in education.
Generally speaking in order to gain admission to a bachelor’s degree in education you must have a high school diploma or have passed a GED with an acceptable GPA. College entrance exams like the ACT and SAT are still very common and score requirements vary per institution. Once you have the scores you need, the next step is to fulfill application requirements. In general, the application requirements include the application itself, the 2 or 3 letters of recommendations, an entrance essay demonstrating how you are good fit with the institution and occasionally an interview.
Admissions into a master’s program also varies but many require: a bachelor’s degree with least a 2.75 GPA, 2 years of teaching experience, 2-3 letters of recommendation from academic and professional supervisors, written essays of intent/ demonstrated passion and desire to attend program, and a GRE score. It’s important to check with your institution as some schools do not require a GRE score.
Average Salaries
For Common Educator Roles in New Jersey
- Preschool Teacher:$28,620
- Primary School Educator:$63,431
- Secondary School Educator:$72,900
- Higher Education Administrator:$163,621
- Principal:$123,174
- Special Education Teacher:$66,780
- Math or Science High School Teacher:$80,900
- ESL Teacher:$68,600
- School Psychologist:$86,130
Scholarships for Future Educators in the State of New Jersey
New Jersey Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
New Jersey Education Association Scholarships
The 5 Best Online Education Degree
Providers in New Jersey
New Jersey has a total of 10 education degree-granting institutions that provide online education degrees. These range from community colleges offering associates in early childhood development or human services, to nationally ranked universities that offer a wide spread of masters level and education endorsement-level programming. While future students may want to go to the “best” online institution in their state for education degrees, they should take some to double check what exact degrees are offered by their institution of choice at the directory of all online education degrees at the bottom of the page. To select the following top five universities, we’ve looked at two factors: the number of fully online education degrees offered by an institution, and an “academic prestige” score. The academic prestige score takes into account metrics such as average amount of financial need received, average class sizes, admissions standards, and the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field. Also note that the tuition numbers below are just indicators of relatively how expensive or affordable a college is. The tuition numbers below, specifically, are the in-state (where applicable) undergraduate yearlong tuition rates for education degrees. Many universities, however, have similar tuition rates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Rowan University is a public 4-year institution located in Glassboro, New Jersey. There are 17,372 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Rowan University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. According to U.S News Rowan University ranks as the 170th best university in the nation, 90th best public school, and 165th for best online graduate education programs. Some of the student support services include on-campus daycare, academic counseling, career counseling, and placement. There are 13 academics schools offering a wide-range of degree options including the college of science and math, college of the performing arts, and the college of education among others. Currently there are 15 online degrees and certifications available to undergraduates and graduate students including their online bachelor’s degree in physical education teaching and coaching, and their online master’s in health and wellness.
Rowan University’s College of Education is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation and focuses on policy, research, and transforming education in the P-12 classroom and beyond. There are myriad of ancillary programs attached to Rowan that steer educators towards better practices with exceptional learners, urban learners, and those in higher education. Here are the program currently available online for Master’s candidates::
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate of Graduate Study
- Bilingual Bicultural Education Endorsement
- Educational Technology Certificate of Graduate Study
- English as a Second Language Certificate of Graduate Study
- Enhancing Instructional Practices in Health Professions Education Certificate of Graduate Study
- Learning Disabilities Certificate of Graduate Study Online
- M.A. in Educational Technology
- M.A. in Reading Education: Reading Practitioner
- M.A. in Reading Education: Reading Specialist
- M.A. in School Administration Online
- M.A. in Special Education Online
- Master of Education in Teacher Leadership
- Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
- Reading Certificate of Graduate Study
- School Nursing Post-Baccalaureate Certification
- Special Education Certificate of Graduate Study
- Supervisor Certification
- Teacher of Students with Disabilities Post-Baccalaureate Online
- Teacher of Students with Disabilities: Graduate Endorsement Online
- Teaching and Learning Certificate of Graduate Study
These are the programs available for PhD candidates:
- Ed. D. in Educational Leadership
- Ed. D. in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership Initiative (CCLI)
- Ed. D. in Educational Leadership: Higher Education Track
- Ed. D. in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator Track
- Ed. D. in Educational Leadership: P-12 Track
We selected Rowan University for the high number of online degree offerings as well as for their high quality academic programming.
Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public land grant research university that was founded in 1766. This 250-year-old university currently enrolls 50,146 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Rutgers University New Brunswick to offer comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. According to U.S. News , Rutgers University New Brunswick ranks as the 69th best school in the nation, 35th best college for veterans, 138th best online bachelor program, and 141st best online graduate education programs. Some of their top programs are in the fields of mathematics, agriculture, arts and humanities, and education. There are over 300 degree programs available to both undergraduates and graduates. Currently, there are over 30 online degrees and certifications available including their online bachelor’s in human resources, online master’s in adult and continuing education, and online doctor’s in clinical nutrition.
Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education focuses on how we know and how we impart knowledge and essentially teach cognitively, socially, culturally, linguistically, developmentally, organizationally, and with a firm grasp of policy and its many facets. The graduate school of education provides curricula for any educator who is looking to improve how they teach- particularly those who are motivated to make change in their schools and community. The following are Rutgers University’s online programs:
- Master of Education in Adult and Continuing Education
- Master of Education in Learning, Cognition and Development
- Master of Music in Music Education
We selected Rutgers University for their high quality academic programming and for the number of quality online degrees in education.
Seton Hall University is a private 4-year institution located in South Orange, New Jersey. There are 9,836 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Seton Hall University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates. According to U.S. News Seton Hall ranks as the 124th best school in the nation and the 90th best school for high school counselor programming. To support its students, Seton offers a number of services like remedial help, employment for students, as well as academic and career counseling. There are a wide range of academic programs including everything from African Studies to Visual and Performing Arts. As a Roman Catholic university Seton Hall offers a number of religious studies programs in addition to their liberal arts and sciences courses. Currently, there are 12 online degrees and professional certifications awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students including their online bachelor’s in nursing, online master’s in educational leadership and administration, and online master’s in speech communication and rhetoric.
The College of Education and Human Services at Seton College traces its roots to the 1920s developed curricula for students of education, educational leadership psychology and family therapy. Through their programming, students will learn to work with children and families in a variety of settings including public and private school as well as hospitals, mental health agencies, and in higher education. The following are the available online education-related degrees:
- MA K-12 Supervisor
- MA Education Leadership, Management and Policy
We selected Seton College for its high quality of academics, and number of online education related degree offerings.
Montclair State University is a public 4-year institution located in Montclair, New Jersey. There are 20,987 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Montclair State University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as potebaccalaureate certificates. According to U.S. News Montclair State ranks as the 187th best school in the nation, 99th top public school, and 21st for best online graduate education programs. Montclair offers a wide-range of student support services including academic and career counselling, on-campus daycare, and employment for students.When it comes to academics, Montclair truly offers the full gamut of options- everything from arts to women’s studies. Their most robust school is their school of education. Currently, there are 3 online programs offered to graduate students including their online, M.A. in Educational Administration, and Online MA in Child Advocacy and Policy.
The College of Education and Human Services at Montclair State University offers a vast number of degrees for undergraduate and graduate students looking to either gain entry into a career as an educator or advance in their fields. A degree from their college of education prepares you for employment in the public system as well as in the private and nonprofit systems. Graduates may go on to become educational leaders, lead teachers in special education, or even innovators in STEM for the elementary school grades. Here are the online programs available:
- MA in Educational Leadership – Online
- MA in Child Advocacy and Policy – Online
- Gifted and Talented Education Certificate – Online
We selected Montclair State University for their high quality of programming.
Caldwell University is a private 4-year institution located in Caldwell, New Jersey. There are 2,214 student enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Caldwell University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as postbaccalaureate and post-master’s certifications. U.S. News ranks Caldwell as the 102nd best school in the region. To supports its students, Caldwell University offers comprehensive student services including remedial services, study abroad opportunities, academic and career counseling, placement for graduates, employments for students, and credit for life experiences. Caldwell’s academic offerings focus on vocational programs in high demand including robust programming in health, business, and education among others. Today, there are 7 fully online degree offerings for bachelor’s and master’s candidates including their RN to BSN, and online M.A. in Educational Leadership.
The Caldwell University Department of Education (DoE) offers a wide-range of education-related degrees and professional development opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. The DoE provides degrees, field placement, externships, and comprehensive information you need to take and pass the praxis exam- this is everything an individual needs to gain licensure in the state of New Jersey. Additionally, the DoE offers fully online degree programs and professional certifications. They are as follows:
- M.A. in Educational Administration
- M.A. in Higher Education
- Post-Master Principal Certification
- post-Master’s Supervisor Certification
- Post-Master’s Superintendent Certification
We selected Caldwell University for both its academic excellence and for the number of online degrees in education.
Directory of Online Education Degree
Providers in New Jersey
| Rowan University | Glassboro, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 25 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 3 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 2 | |
| Montclair State University | Montclair, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 3 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Caldwell University | Caldwell, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 5 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Stockton University | Galloway, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 2 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | Wayne, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 2 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 2 | |
 TUITION REQUEST INFO GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 1 | |
| Kean University | Union, New Jersey | Online Ed Degrees: 1 | |
