Graduate Education

Stephanie Squires, Ph.D., Dean, Patrick J. Caulfield School of Education 

Anna Cicirelli, Ed.D., Associate Dean, Patrick J. Caulfield School of Education

The goals of the Instructional Certification Programs in Graduate Education are to enable classroom teachers to continue their professional development. The programs allow for professionals in the field of education to broaden their areas of expertise and to equip them to move into positions of enhanced responsibility. The program in Teaching allows individuals not presently within the education field to change careers and move into the field of education as certified teachers. The goals of the Leadership Programs in Graduate Education are to prepare teachers to move into leadership positions as supervisors, assistant principals, and superintendents. 

All graduate students are provided a value-oriented program based on the Catholic and Jesuit tradition of Saint Peter’s University.

Master of Arts in Education

Saint Peter’s University offers the degree of Master of Arts in Education in six concentrations of study:

  • Educational Leadership
  • Educational Technology
  • English as a Second Language
  • Higher Education
  • Reading
  • Teaching (Pre-School-3, K-6, and Secondary Certifications)
  • School Counseling
  • Special Education

Each concentration prepares teachers for certification by the State of New Jersey in specific areas outlined for each of the programs.

Certification Programs

Certification Programs are offered for the following areas:

  • Teacher 
  • Middle School Mathematics Teacher
  • Professional and Associate School Counselor
  • Reading, Reading Specialist
  • Director of School Counseling
  • Supervisor
  • Principal
  • School Business Administrator
  • Teacher of Students with Disabilities

Program Availability

All courses are offered on a semester calendar at the main campus in the Jersey City campus. Selected courses for other programs are periodically offered at other sites.

Degree Requirements

Students must fulfill all course requirements, maintain a 3.0 cumulative average, and pass the comprehensive examinations.

Advisement

All candidates for a degree will be assigned an advisor upon entrance into the MA in Education or the Certification Programs. All candidates must complete and sign an advisement form, which can be obtained in the School of Education. Appointments with an advisor at both the Jersey City and Englewood Cliffs campuses may be arranged through the Graduate Education Office by calling (201) 761-6196 or 6190.

Transfer Credit

A maximum up to nine (9) graduate credits of equivalent course work may be transferred from other accredited universities. A minimum grade of 3.0 (B) is required in such courses. Transfer credit is granted by petition to and approval by the dean. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the petition and justify the acceptance of the courses. The program dean will determine whether the courses are equivalent. Transfer credit is by permission only and not an obligation of the University.

Time Limitation

Students are expected to enroll continuously until their programs are completed, accumulating sufficient credits within the stipulated time frame of five years. By federal regulation, F-1 International students must enroll as full-time students, so their time to completion will be considerably shorter.