Program Overview
This program prepares individuals with an M.A. in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field for the New Jersey Principal Certification. It includes courses in curriculum development, staff supervision, school finance, education law, and communications. Candidates with an M.A. other than Educational Leadership or Curriculum and Instruction will complete additional coursework in foundations of administration and curriculum supervision.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed to meet the State of New Jersey certification requirements for the Principal Certification for applicants who have an M.A. in Educational Administration, M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, or a recognized field of leadership or management. Courses in the applicant’s master’s degree will be reviewed to determine the specific courses required for the Principal Certification, which may include educational research. To earn the New Jersey Principal Certification, candidates need to complete five years of experience with appropriate New Jersey school certification.
Outline:
Principal Certification with MA in Leadership or C & I (21 credits)
- Principles and Practices of Curriculum Development and Supervision in Subject Matter Areas (3 credits)
- Curriculum Leadership (3 credits)
- General Principles of Staff Supervision: Theory and Practice in Educational Administration and Supervision (3 credits)
- School Finance: Public and Private Funding (3 credits)
- Education Law and Regulation (3 credits)
- Communications for School Leaders (3 credits)
- Managing Human and Material Resources (3 credits)
- Internship in Educational Administration (3 credits)
MA Other than Ed Leadership or C & I (30 credits)
- Principles and Practices of Curriculum Development and Supervision in Subject Matter Areas (3 credits)
- Curriculum Leadership (3 credits)
- General Principles of Staff Supervision: Theory and Practice in Educational Administration and Supervision (3 credits)
- Foundations of Pre K-12 Administration and Curriculum Supervision (3 credits)
- School Finance: Public and Private Funding (3 credits)
- Education Law and Regulation (3 credits)
- Communications for School Leaders (3 credits)
- Managing Human and Material Resources (3 credits)
- Internship in Educational Administration (3 credits)
- Elective from Curriculum & Instruction program (3 credits)
Overview:
- Founded in 1939 as a Catholic college for women
- Became coeducational in 1968
- Received university status in 2003
- Notable achievements:
- Ranked among the top 100 regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report
- Recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Recipient of the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
Student Life:
Extracurricular Activities:
Over 50 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and service-oriented groupsClubs:
Student Government Association, Honors Society, International Student Association, Black Student Union, LGBTQ+ AllianceSports Teams:
NCAA Division II athletics in 14 sportsStudent Support Services:
Counseling Center, Health Services, Career Services, Disability Services, Tutoring CenterCampus Facilities:
Library, Student Center, Athletic Complex, Residence Halls, Dining HallAcademics:
Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:
- Honors Program
- Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Programs
- Study Abroad Programs
- Internships and Research Opportunities
Academic Resources:
Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programsFaculty:
Experienced and dedicated faculty with advanced degreesTeaching Methodologies:
Focus on student-centered learning, experiential education, and critical thinkingAcademic Support Services:
Writing Center, Math Lab, Science Learning Center, Academic AdvisingTop Reasons to Study Here:
Notable Alumni:
- John J. Degnan, former Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court
- Mary Pat Christie, former First Lady of New Jersey
- Kevin O'Dowd, former President of the New Jersey Senate
Reputation:
Ranked among the top regional universities in the NorthRankings:
U.S. News & World Report: Top 100 Regional Universities (North)Specialized Facilities:
Athletic Complex, Science Learning Center, Writing CenterIndustry Connections:
Partnerships with local businesses and organizations for internships and career opportunitiesServices:
Counseling:
Individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, substance abuse counselingHealth:
Health Services, Immunization Clinic, Health Education ProgramsHousing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing optionsLibrary Resources:
Over 200,000 volumes, online databases, research assistanceTechnology Support:
IT Help Desk, computer labs, wireless internet accessCareer Development:
Career Services, resume writing, interview preparation, job search assistanceEntry requirements
- Verification of an appropriately earned master’s degree through official graduate transcript(s), or current enrollment in either the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction or the M.A. in Educational Administration.
- New Jersey teacher or other appropriate school certification
- If a candidate has an MA in Education but NOT Educational Leadership nor Curriculum and Instruction, then they need to complete 30 credits for NJ Principal (School Leader) certification.