M.S. in Teaching: Subject Matter Education

Become a teacher of English, Social Studies, Theater, or World Languages

The Master of Science in Teaching (MST): Subject Matter Education Program in English, Social Studies, Theatre and World Language offers the unique opportunity for graduate students to simultaneously pursue New Jersey teacher certification in English, Social Studies, a World Language (e.g., Spanish, German, American Sign Language, Chinese, etc.), or Theatre and a Master's degree in Education (MST). 

Students can complete the program in 4 semesters, including the full-year Clinical Practice (student teaching) experience in a NJ school. The MST Program includes all education coursework required for certification. The 30 credits of content-specific coursework (English, Social Studies, Theater, World Language) must be taken prior to admission into the MST Program.

Rowan undergraduate students who wish to apply for admission to the MST Program may request information and a transcript review from the Program Coordinator. Rowan undergraduate students may also request information from the advisor or Program Coordinator about the Advanced Dual Degree (ADD) which permits students to enroll in three MST graduate courses in their senior year as they transition into the MST Program. A face-to-face meeting with the program advisor as early as possible is highly recommended to assure that candidates take all the necessary prerequisite courses and Praxis tests for admission into the program.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), not Rowan University, grants teacher certification based on requirements set by the state. While Rowan coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for NJ DOE certification, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met. NJ DOE certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated by the NJ DOE based on the most current state requirements. You can learn more about current certification requirements on the NJ DOE website.

Content Area Requirements

Current New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) regulations for certification as a P-12 World Language teacher requires that a candidate complete a minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the same foreign language.  A coherent sequence requires that at least 12 credits are completed at the advanced level of study (300 level or above – junior, senior or graduate level). 

NJ Licensure Testing Requirements 

All required exams must be passed prior to admission to the MST program.  It is recommended that prospective students schedule to take the following exams no later than 3 months prior to application).

Basic Skills Testing Requirement

• Pass a Commissioner-approved assessment of basic skills. Currently, the only approved assessment1 is the Praxis Core Academic Skills with passing scores as follows: Reading: 156, Math: 150, Writing: 162; OR
• Demonstrate a score on the SAT, ACT, or GRE at or above the cut score for the year in which the exam was taken (see cut scores below). 

Praxis Core Basic Skills Tests: Reading, Writing & Math

If you are taking all three Praxis Core tests on the same date, then please register for the 5752: “Core Academic Skills for Educators: Combined Test.” If you are re-taking one or more specific sections, the test code is below after each section.   

• Reading (5713) (Required score: 156) http://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5713
• Writing (5723) (Required score: 162) http://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5723
• Math (5733) (Required score: 150), http://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5733

Content Area Testing Requirement

You must pass the Praxis II in the content area to be taught. You can find the specific test names and passing scores at the NJ Test Requirements for Certification site.

+For World Languages candidates only: Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) in the language to be taught, offered through Language Testing International.

MST Program Course Requirements

Semester 1: Fall (9 credits)

Semester 2: Spring (6 credits/9 credits)

Semester 3: Fall (9 credits)

Semester 4: Spring (12 credits)

Start Dates & Application Deadlines 

The MST program application and admission process is facilitated by Rowan Global Learning and Partnerships. Admissions counselors at Rowan Global will be happy to guide you through the application and admission process. All of the required admission materials must be received on or before the application completion deadline to be considered for admission to that term.

For any questions, please contact Andrea Hawkman, Program Coordinator, at hawkman@rowan.edu. 

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