What Is the M.A.T.?
GCU’s Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for career changers and recent graduates who hold a non-education bachelor’s degree and want to become certified New Jersey teachers. You don’t complete a certification program first and a master’s degree later — you earn both simultaneously, in a single integrated program.
Every M.A.T. track shares four things:
A master's degree
You graduate with an M.A.T. — a recognized graduate credential that places you on the master's salary column of your district's guide from day one.
NJ teaching certification
Upon program completion and passing the relevant Praxis II exam, you receive a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) — the formal credential that authorizes you to be hired as a classroom teacher in NJ public schools.
A TOSD endorsement
Every GCU M.A.T. graduate also earns a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement — built into every track's curriculum, not added on. This dual credential is one of the most in-demand qualifications in NJ hiring.
Three semesters of clinical experience
All tracks include progressive clinical practice: from early observation hours embedded in coursework, to a 75-hour part-time practicum, to a 14-week full-time student teaching semester.
Accredited by CAEP
Georgian Court University Teacher Education (Initial-Licensure) and Advanced Level Programs are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Track Comparison — Which Track is Right for You?
Early Childhood Education (P–3)
For students who want to teach: Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–3
Total credits: 42 (+ 3-credit prerequisite)
You’re a fit if: You love early childhood development, want to work with young learners during their most foundational years, and have a liberal arts, science, or interdisciplinary background — or at least 30 credits in core content areas.
NJ certification earned: P–3 instructional CEAS + TOSD endorsement
Elementary Education (K–6)
For students who want to teach: All subjects across Kindergarten through Grade 6
Total credits: 39 (+ 3-credit prerequisite)
You’re a fit if: You want to be a multi-subject elementary classroom teacher, working with the same group of students across reading, writing, math, science, and social studies — and you have a liberal arts, science, or interdisciplinary background, or at least 30 credits in core content areas.
NJ certification earned: K–6 elementary instructional CEAS + TOSD endorsement
Teacher of a Specific Subject (K–12)
For students who want to teach: A single content area — biology, English, history, mathematics, business, psychology, art, and more — at the middle or high school level
Total credits: 36 (+ 3-credit prerequisite) — the shortest M.A.T. track
You’re a fit if: You have a strong content-area bachelor’s degree in a subject accepted by the State of New Jersey for teaching certification, and you want to teach that subject at the secondary level. This track now accepts any NJ-recognized content major — not just GCU’s own undergraduate programs.
NJ certification earned: K–12 subject-specific instructional CEAS + TOSD endorsement
Full Program Details: Teacher of a Specific Subject (K–12) →
Shared Admission Requirements
All three M.A.T. tracks require:
- A completed application + $40 fee
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (applicants between 2.75–2.99 may qualify for the Limited CEAS Pilot Program — ask your advisor)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Prerequisite course: Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits, grade of B or better — can be completed before or during application)
- Passing score on the relevant Praxis II exam before advancing to full-time clinical practice
- Content-area requirement varies by track (see individual track pages)
Contact Graduate Admissions at 732-987-2770 or [email protected]
Is this Right for You?
GCU’s M.A.T. is a great fit if you:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to become a NJ-certified classroom teacher
- Want a master’s degree and teaching certification from a single, integrated program — not two separate efforts
- Are a career changer ready for a structured, faculty-supported path with real classroom experience before you graduate
- Want a TOSD endorsement built into your credential from day one — without extra coursework
- Are ready to commit to three progressive semesters of clinical practice, including a 14 week full-time student teaching semester
Related Programs & Next Steps
After You’re Certified — Programs to Grow Into:
- Reading/Literacy Specialization, M.Ed. — Deep literacy expertise and NJ Reading Specialist certification; available to certified teachers after 2–3 years of experience
- Autism Spectrum Disorders, M.Ed. — ASD specialization that also leads to NJ School Supervisor eligibility
- Administration & Leadership, M.A. — When you’re ready to move from the classroom into building leadership