Here's how GCU's teacher education works:
Unlike many universities where you can major in “Education,” at GCU you complete TWO things simultaneously:
A content area major
30+ credits in a discipline such as English, Mathematics, Biology, History, Psychology, or Interdisciplinary Studies
A professional education course sequence
9-45 credits (depending on the program) of teacher preparation courses and clinical hours
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).
Here's how GCU's teacher education works:
Early Childhood Education (P–3) with TOSD Endorsement
Prepare to teach in preschool through Grade 3 in general, inclusive, and special education settings.
Content majors: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Psychology, or Visual Art
Elementary Education (K–6) with TOSD Endorsement
Prepare to teach in kindergarten through Grade 6, with optional Middle School endorsements in Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies.
Content majors: Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Psychology, or Visual Art
Teacher of a Specific Subject (K–12) with TOSD Endorsement
Prepare to teach your subject area at any grade level — from elementary through high school — in general, inclusive, and special education settings.
Subject areas / content majors: Art, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, English, Health & Physical Education, Mathematics,
Psychology, Social Studies (History)
Nj State Policy Update: Teacher Certification
Important 2026–27 Update: The State of New Jersey now allows students to earn the K–6 Elementary or P–3 Early Childhood teacher certification without a traditional liberal arts major. Specifically, candidates may qualify with:
- A liberal arts, science, dual-content, or interdisciplinary academic major; OR
- A minimum of 30 semester-hour credits in core-content subject areas including English, mathematics, social studies/history, and/or science — as documented on a transcript from an accredited institution.
This change makes GCU’s teacher certification programs more accessible to students whose background includes strong coursework across multiple disciplines even if not a traditional single-subject major. Speak with your education advisor for details on how this may apply to your situation.
Admission To The Teacher Education Program
Students are NOT automatically admitted to teacher education at GCU. The following requirements must be met:
To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program:
- Be admitted to GCU and be in good academic standing
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the program
- Complete the following prerequisite courses with a B or better:
- PS221 Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits)
- ED3110 Ethics & Foundations of American Education (3 credits)
- SPE3030 Foundations of Special Education (3 credits — includes 25 hours clinical experience)
- Complete 30 credits in the arts and sciences (including a portion of General Education)
GPA Policy:
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to remain in the teacher education program
- Students with GPAs between 2.75 and 2.99 may qualify for the Limited CEAS Pilot Program — speak with your advisor
- Students below 2.75 must be dismissed from the program
Transfer Students: GCU has agreements with NJ community colleges — students who complete the approved transfer curriculum and meet admission requirements listed above may transfer into education programs.
Clinical Experience And Student Teaching
GCU’s teacher education programs are built around progressive clinical experience — students don’t just observe; they practice teaching under supervision throughout the program.
Clinical hours accumulate through the program:
- Foundations of Special Education (25 hours Clinical Experience)
- Assessment in Special Education (25 hours Clinical Experience)
- Part-Time Clinical Practice I — 75 hours (junior spring)
- Part-Time Clinical Practice II — 100 hours (senior fall)
- Full-Time Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) — 14 weeks (capstone — typically spring of senior year)
Certification facilitation: GCU facilitates certification application processing for program completers. Faculty and staff provide step-by-step guidance near the end of the program. Applications are submitted to the State of New Jersey through the university. Students must apply for certification within one year of completing their GCU program.
Praxis Requirements
All teacher education candidates must pass the following:
- Praxis II exam in the candidate’s certification area (Early Childhood Content, Elementary
Education Multiple Subjects, or relevant Subject-Specific test) - GCU in-house exams: Physiology & Hygiene (P&H); Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB); Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (CARE)
For fall clinical practice, Praxis II passing scores must be submitted by July 15.
For spring clinical practice, passing scores must be submitted by December 15.