Young children are not small adults — they learn differently, develop at their own pace, and need teachers who truly understand them. GCU's M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education prepares you to become a New Jersey-certified preschool through third-grade teacher, earning your master's degree and your TOSD endorsement along the way.
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You don't have to choose between earning a teaching certificate and earning a graduate degree. GCU's M.A.T. gives you both: a Master of Arts in Teaching and a New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) to teach early childhood education (P–3). One program, two outcomes, zero extra years.
In today's inclusive classrooms, early childhood teachers need to be ready to serve children with a wide range of developmental needs. That's why every GCU M.A.T. graduate also earns a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement — automatically, as part of the curriculum. That dual credential makes you significantly more competitive in the job market from day one.
You'll spend three consecutive semesters in clinical settings before you graduate — beginning with a 75-hour part-time practicum embedded in the Screening and Assessing Reading Difficulties course, then advancing to a 100-hour practicum within content-based courses, and culminating in 14 weeks of full-time student teaching. By the time you receive your certification, you'll have developed your teaching identity in real PreK–Grade 3 classrooms with real children.
The Early Childhood track is specifically designed for the developmental realities of learners ages 3 through 8. Courses in Essentials of Instruction for Early Childhood Education, Foundational Literacy Instruction, Math Instruction in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and Literacy Integration in Early Childhood Social Studies all center the unique pedagogical needs of young learners — not adapted secondary content.
New Jersey now allows M.A.T. candidates for P–3 certification to qualify with either a liberal arts/science content major or a minimum of 30 semester credits in core content areas — including English, mathematics, social studies/history, and/or science. If your bachelor's degree isn't in a traditional liberal arts major, you may still qualify. Talk to an advisor to confirm.
Georgian Court University Teacher Education (Initial-Licensure) and Advanced Level Programs are nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The years from birth through age eight are among the most consequential in human development — and the teachers who work with children during this period shape the trajectory of everything that follows. GCU’s M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education takes that responsibility seriously, preparing you to become not just a certified teacher, but an intentional, reflective, deeply skilled early childhood educator.
The 42-credit program builds your teaching competency across four areas. Foundational knowledge courses (Ethics & Foundations of American Education; Foundations of Special Education; Essentials of Instruction for ECE) establish your professional identity, your understanding of how young children develop, and the principles of inclusive early childhood instruction. Literacy and mathematics courses (Foundational Literacy Instruction; Math Instruction in EC & Elementary Education; Literacy Integration in EC & Elem Social Studies; Assess & Remediate Math Difficulties; Literacy & Curriculum Planning for Students with Disabilities) develop the content-specific pedagogical skills that are most critical in grades P–3. Assessment and special education courses ensure you can serve the full range of learners in inclusive and special education settings.
Clinical experiences progressively build your readiness for the classroom. You begin with 25 hours of observation, advance to 75 then 100 hours of part-time practicum and culminate in 14 weeks of full-time clinical practice. GCU’s director of field placement coordinates your student teaching placement — working to match you with a school environment that fits your community, grade level preference, and professional goals.
All candidates must also complete three state-mandated regulatory exams (Physiology & Hygiene, HIB, and CARE) and pass the relevant Praxis II examination for early childhood certification prior to beginning full-time clinical practice.
GCU’s M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education is a great fit if you:
New Jersey’s commitment to PreK expansion and early literacy — combined with persistent teacher shortages in early childhood settings — creates a favorable hiring environment for certified P–3 teachers.
| Entry Level (Step 1, MA Column) | NJ Median — Kindergarten & Elementary Teachers | Experienced (10+ Years) |
|---|---|---|
| $52,000–$62,000 | $76,920 | $90,000–$120,000+ |
NJ public school teacher salaries are set by district salary guides. Holding an M.A.T. (a master’s degree) places you on the MA column of your district’s guide from your first day — typically $3,000–$8,000 more per year than the BA column, compounding over your entire career.
Job Outlook
Kindergarten and elementary school teacher positions are projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 139,600 openings per year nationally. In New Jersey, the state’s ongoing PreK expansion initiative and chronic shortages in early childhood special education continue to drive demand for certified P–3 teachers with TOSD endorsements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE5201 | Essentials of Instr for ECE | 3.0 |
| ECE5244 | Screen and Assess Reading Diff in ECE | 3.0 |
| ECE6302 | Early Childhood Clinical Practice 4 | 9.0 |
| ECE6303 | Reflective Practice in EC & SpEd | 3.0 |
| EDC5110 | Ethics & Foundations of American Ed | 3.0 |
| EDC5205 | Lit Integ in EC & Elem Social St | 3.0 |
| EDC5209 | Math Instruct. in EC & ELEM Ed 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC5242 | Foundational Literacy Instruction | 3.0 |
| EDC5306 | Assess & Remediate Math Diffic 3 | 3.0 |
| SPE5030 | Foundations of Special Education 1 | 3.0 |
| SPE5031 | Literacy & Curriculum Planning | 3.0 |
| SPE5032 | Assessment in Special Education 1 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 42.0 | |
Requires 25 hours of clinical experience.
Requires 75 hours of clinical practice.
Requires 100 hours of clinical practice.
Requires 14 weeks of full-time clinical practice.
Contact Graduate Admissions at 732-987-2770 or [email protected]
Graduates of the Early Childhood M.A.T. will demonstrate:
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