Advanced Certification in Early Literacy Specialist

For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

• 30 Graduate Course Credits
  • 3 Credits – Children’s Literature in Early Childhood through Adolescence
  • 3 Credits – Literacy Development in the Early Years: Helping Children Read and Write
  • 3 Credits – Supervised Practice: Literacy Theory, Research, Professional Learning, Curriculum
  • 3 Credits – Diagnosis and Correction of Literacy Needs
  • 3 Credits – Supervised Practicum: Diagnosis and Correction of Literacy Needs
  • 3 Credits – Seminar in Literacy Research, Professional Development, and Curriculum Design

Students are expected to maintain a “B” or better average as a non-degree student. Accepted students will have 5 years to complete the program. After completing all of the required courses in the program, students should contact the Office of Academic Services at the GSE to notify them and to secure an application for the state endorsement. GSE personnel will then forward the completed application to Trenton along with a recommendation that the certification be awarded.

Additional Requirements for New Jersey Certification:

New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 18A:37-22 requires that educators entering the workforce in the 2012 school year and beyond must have completed through their pre-service preparation (e.g., courses, practicum) a program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) prevention. The HIB prevention requirements apply to the following programs: (a) teachers and education services personnel certifications; and (b) administrative certifications, including chief school administrators, principals, and supervisors. Details on the required training can be found here.

• A statement of program intent
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Verification of experience from the applicant’s current or previous supervisor or HR department, on school district letterhead, certifying the completion of two years of successful, full-time employment as a classroom teacher and a New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing
• Electronic copy of a New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate in Preschool through Grade Three or Elementary

Applicants are responsible for reviewing and confirming that they meet all requirements before the application is submitted. Rutgers Graduate School of Education will not refund the application fee if an applicant is not accepted.

1. Collect the materials required for admission
2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
3. Submit supporting materials online
4. Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us

Tuition: 

For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.

Financial Aid:

While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:

Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.  

To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.