MAT in Elementary Education (K-6) Alternate Route Certificate Program

Information Session and FAQ

Access a list of Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ list

View a recorded information session here.

The 35 credit Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education Alternate Route program allows graduate students to earn initial teacher certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Coursework begins in May of the first summer and ends August of the following summer, with experiences in educational settings integrated into course requirements. Content and pedagogy courses are offered on campus in the evening and online.  Alternate Route candidates are observed in their roles as teachers of record in participating schools for a total of 2 years.  During the second year, AR candidates enroll in two 1-credit university supervision courses. 

Alternate Route candidates must hold a Certificate of Eligibility in Elementary K-6, and a a promise of employment as a teacher of record in an appropriate Elementary grades classroom. 

Clinical practice university supervision requires prior application through the Office of Field Experiences. Clinical applications must be submitted as soon as applicants are admitted into the program. For additional information please contact the Office of Field Experiences 973-720-3132 or 973-720-2109. 

View required courses and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog
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Admission Requirements 

In addition to the University’s admission requirements: 

  • A Certificate of Eligibility and a promise of employment as a teacher of record in an appropriate classroom. 
  • A bachelor's degree majoring in liberal arts with a minimum of 60 credits of liberal arts from an accredited college or university and official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended.
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. 
  • Qualifying scores on a state-approved test of basic skills (PRAXIS CORE, ACT, SAT or GRE, or a combination of these) 
  • Passing score on PRAXIS II content exam in Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects, Test Series 5001 
  • Resume to include names and contact information of two (2) references.  

Requirements to be completed prior to Clinical Practice: 

  • Submit Clinical Practice applications 
  • Fulfill health/hygiene requirement (may be satisfied by undergraduate coursework.) 

Exit Requirements 

  • Maintain B (3.0) or better GPA 
  • Satisfactory completion of two years as teacher of record for alternate route 
  • Satisfactory completion of program-based assessments and capstone research project 
  • Complete and successfully upload an Elementary edTPA teacher candidate assessment (http://www.edtpa.com/). 

*Applicants wishing to obtain an endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities may apply six credits of the MAT K-6 coursework to the TSD Endorsement Program requirements. These credits can not be applied to the M.Ed. in Teacher of Students with Disabilities. 

Application Deadline 

April 30st: Summer semester 
*International students are advised to apply by: December 1st Summer (May intake) 

Matriculation: 
Summer term 
***Obtain Substitute Teaching License immediately when applying for this program.*** 

Contact Us

Professor Julie Rosenthal
Program Director, Department of Teacher Education, Pk-12 
rosenthalj@wpunj.edu