TCNJ Home / Explore Programs / Special Education
Special Education
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's
Degrees
BS in Inclusive Education orBA or BS in Secondary Education + MAT in Special Education
School
At a Glance
Prepare for a rewarding career in special education with an engaging curriculum in a supportive learning environment. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge to be a highly effective teacher and become equipped to teach students with diverse learning needs. Our fully accredited certification programs emphasize differentiated instruction, curriculum modifications, positive behavior supports, collaboration, assistive technology, and literacy instruction.
Accelerated/Dual-Degree Program Options
Get a jumpstart and enter the workforce with a master’s degree. Accelerated options get you there faster and more affordably through fewer semesters of classes. Dual degrees offer a streamlined path to earning two degrees, often with direct admission to the graduate portion. These five-year (4+1) programs also qualify students for New Jersey certifications.
MAJORS
Inclusive Education — Elementary Education (K–6) + Special Education, BS/MAT
Select one of 12 approved content areas for the dual major: African American studies; art; biology; English; history; integrative STEM education; mathematics; music; psychology; sociology; Spanish; or women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
Inclusive Education — Early Childhood Education (P–3) + Special Education, BS/MAT
Select one of 12 approved content areas for the dual major: African American studies; art; biology; English; history; integrative STEM education; mathematics; music; psychology; sociology; Spanish; or women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
Secondary Education (6–12) + Special Education, BA or BS/MAT
Select one of five approved programs: biology secondary education, economics secondary education, English secondary education, history secondary education, or mathematics secondary education.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
You’ll qualify for both your New Jersey teaching certificate and for certification as a teacher of students with disabilities.
You can also continue your studies at TCNJ to qualify for additional New Jersey certificates in the following areas: teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing: oral/aural communication, teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing: sign language communication, English as a second language, and bilingual/bicultural education.
You’ll Benefit From:
- Small classes and seminars, strong mentorship, and early field experiences
- Option for a minor in environmental sustainability education
- Global student teaching opportunities
- Qualification for additional certification in English as a second language
- Opportunities for faculty-mentored, community-based research
- Participation in active and engaging student groups and organizations
- Facilities with model classrooms and an outdoor classroom
Teaching Careers
The special education program will prepare you to teach students with disabilities. You will meet the state’s current requirements for being a “highly qualified” teacher and be eligible for employment in New Jersey school districts.
Experiential Learning
This program integrates liberal arts study, education theory and practice, and extensive fieldwork, including a semester of supervised classroom teaching. You’ll receive guidance from faculty advisors, ensuring excellent support.
Faculty
You’ll benefit from working closely with our highly qualified special education faculty, who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements.
An Extensive Network
Study alongside talented peers, learn from special education faculty with valuable contacts in their field, and benefit from a robust alumni community that has strong professional connections and is enthusiastic about supporting students.
