Non-degree Endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities

Students enrolled in the non-degree Special Education Endorsement Program will learn the foundational principles of special education, how to identify and assess student learning disabilities, and to develop and execute a plan to address and meet the instructional needs of students with mild and moderate cognitive disabilities.

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

• 21 Graduate Course Credits
  • 3 Credits – Introduction to Special Education or Psychology of the Exceptional Child
  • 3 Credits – Materials and Methods in Special Education or Inclusive Teaching in Education
  • 3 Credits – Literacy Development in the Elementary and Middle School
  • 3 Credits – Literacy for Students with Disabilities
  • 3 Credits – Learning Disabilities
  • 3 Credits – Assessment and Measurement for Special Education 
  • 3 Credits – Classroom Organization for Inclusive and Special Classrooms
• Portfolio 
  • Students will archive artifacts from various GSE courses via an online instructional and evaluation system as directed by faculty

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.

Students exiting the non-degree Special Education Endorsement Program, and that meet the state requirements, will possess NJ Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification and often go on to pursue roles as special education teachers, special education consultants, or curriculum development specialists. Other opportunities may include roles as early intervention specialists, student tutors, or advocates, advisors, or consultants in the private, nonprofit, and government sectors.

• Electronic copy of a New Jersey Standard Instructional Certificate or a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS).
• Statement of Program Intent
• Undergraduate transcripts

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.

Current Rutgers University Students:

All applicants who are currently enrolled in a program at Rutgers University and wish to begin the certificate program while continuing their current program should contact the GSE Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) at academic.services@gse.rutgers.edu.

Non-Rutgers University Students:

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.