Academic Degrees, Programs
B.S. in Physical Education and Health
B.A. in Early Childhood Education P-3/TSD
B.A. in Elementary Education K-6/TSD
B.A. in Elementary Bilingual Education K-6
B.A. in Elementary Education K-6 and 5-8/TSD
B.A. in Elementary Bilingual Education K-6 and 5-8
B.A. in Spanish
B.A. in Spanish Education
For education programs in English, History, Mathematics, Music, and the Sciences, please see the academic degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology.
All incoming students must earn and maintain a grade point average of 3.0, complete general education coursework, and exhibit professional dispositions to be declared in an education major.
The number of credits required to complete academic majors vary depending on the major and the number of additional requirements needed. Students must see their academic advisor for advisement regarding course requirements, pre- and co-requisites, and satisfy all program requirements.
Transfer students must complete at least one-half of the major at Kean University.
Early Childhood Education (P-3/TSD), Elementary Education (K-6/TSD), and Elementary Bilingual (K-6) Programs
Students may now explore an academic minor, study free electives including travel-learn, or in consultation with an advisor choose from variety of courses including communications, earth science, English standard literature, English writing, fine arts, history, mathematics, music, psychology, Spanish, or theatre. A specific academic content area in liberal arts and sciences is no longer a program requirement.
Elementary Education (K-8/TSD) and Elementary Bilingual Education (K-8)
Middle School endorsement candidates must complete a minimum of 15 credits (semester hours) in one of the following NJSLS subject fields: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science (Biology or Earth Science), Social Studies (History), or World Language (Spanish). The middle school endorsement authorizes the holder to teach in grades five through eight in all NJ public schools.
Minor Programs
Athletic Coaching
Spanish
Praxis Information
Core Academic Skills for Educators (Basic Skills)
As of January 1, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) no longer requires the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test for traditional teacher certification (CEAS); however, candidates applying for a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing (CEAS) must meet the basic skills requirement.
Praxis Subject Knowledge Tests
Students in teacher certification programs must pass the designated Praxis subject test(s) plus additional testing, where applicable.
- Elementary Education and Elementary Bilingual education candidates pursuing the middle school endorsement must also pass the Praxis middle-school subject test.
- Elementary Bilingual education must demonstrate oral and written competency in both languages of instruction as measured by the ACTFL Proficiency Assessment (OPI and WPT).
- Spanish Education candidates must pass must achieve the standard of “advanced high” as measured by the ACTFL Proficiency Assessment (OPI).
- Secondary Education candidates pursuing certification in Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science Education must also pass the Praxis general science content knowledge test.
No student will be permitted to enroll in clinical practice without a passing score(s) on the appropriate Praxis subject test (or allowable exception). Students are encouraged to prepare for and take Praxis II as early as possible to have sufficient time to earn a passing score. Score reports are due to the Office of Student Placement and Clinical Experiences in the semester before placement (at the time of application).
NJDOE stated requirements and passing scores are subject to change without notice.
Graduation Policy for Teacher Education Students
Students seeking a degree in education will graduate with eligibility for teacher certification if all degree, university, and state licensure requirements have been met. The minimum requirements include the completion of a passing score on the appropriate Praxis subject test(s), a completed teacher performance assessment (currently KEEP), a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.0, and the completion and passing of the professional internship experience.
Students must apply for nomination through the Office of Teacher Certification. It is recommended to apply for nomination at the same time the application for graduation is submitted. Nominations are only granted after degrees are conferred by the Registrar’s Office.
Any student seeking to graduate without teacher certification must change from a teacher education option to a different academic major, and graduate from that program.
With the exception of the B.S. in Physical Education and Health, no other education program offers a second baccalaureate degree option. Students that hold a baccalaureate degree outside of education, who are interested in teacher certification, should explore the Alternate Route program.
For information on certification, please visit: https://www.kean.edu/academics/college-education/teacher-certification