Special Education
Women
Bachelor of Arts in Education and Special Education (NJ ONLY)
Program Overview
The 128-credit Bachelor of Arts in Education is an exciting option for NJ residents seeking to enter the field of education and special education. This degree leads to NJ Teacher Certification in Education and Special Education, grades K-6.
Graduates can work as educators and special educators in public, private, and charter schools. They are also qualified to work in social service agencies, childcare centers and agencies that deal with special needs students who have autism or are emotionally and physically handicapped.
The State of New Jersey grants full NJ licensure to students who earn this degree. A master’s degree is not required. However, students may choose to take only three additional graduate-level courses to receive a Master of Arts in Education: Special Education, Literacy.
Please note: Since this degree is offered through St. Peter’s University, only NJ residents may join this program. Students located anywhere outside the state of NJ, are encouraged to join the BA in Psychology with Education and Special Education program.
Admission
High School Transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA)
Personal Statement
Two References
Personal Photograph
Non-refundable Application Fee
Courses
Course Name
Course Number
Credits
There are no courses available at this time
Possible Career Paths
Faculty & Instructors
Tuition & Financial Aid
The cost of the degree is approximately $26,000. This covers the cost of college courses ($25,000) and required exams ($1,000). Students who are eligible for financial aid (FAFSA) may receive scholarships to cover the full cost of the college courses. Your exact tuition amount will depend on your transfer credits and financial aid eligibility.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed online at this link. Be sure to complete the correct year’s application.
SPU’s FAFSA school code is 002638.
Students should write “Title IV Code 002638 Saint Peter’s University, 2641 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ” in the appropriate section of the FAFSA.
Your FAFSA information will be sent to HESAA to determine TAG eligibility. HESAA (NJFAMS) will send an email prompting you to create an account to access the TAG information.
Please note: The listed tuition costs are accurate as of the time of writing, but are not guaranteed. Please ask our advisor for updated pricing.
FAQs
What is a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education?
The St. Peter’s University 128-credit Bachelor of Arts in Education is an exciting option for anyone seeking to enter the field of education and special education. This degree leads to NJ Teacher Certification in Education and Special Education, grades K-6.
Teacher Certification in Education and Special Education, grades K-6.
Graduates can work as educators and special educators in public, private, and charter schools. They are also qualified to work in social service agencies, childcare centers and agencies that deal with special needs students who have autism or are emotionally and physically handicapped.
Which colleges have you partnered with to offer this degree?
We are proud to have partnered with St. Peter’s University, a highly ranked university featuring an outstanding School of Education under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Doria Ed.D.
Founded in 1872, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 2,600 undergraduate and 800 graduate students. US News and World Report ranked St. Peter’s among the Top 100 “Best Regional Universities in the North,” and Money Magazine ranked St. Peter’s and the “Most Transformative School” in the state of New Jersey.
Will this degree be accepted by other universities?
St. Peter’s University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For additional information about their accreditation, please see here. Undergraduate degrees earned at SPU are accepted by graduate programs nationwide.
How long will it take to earn the degree?
This degree can be completed in five semesters (18 months). Please see below for course listings and semester schedules.
Will my seminary credits count toward this degree?
Yes. Up to 36 seminary credits may be accepted toward the degree program.
What would it take to earn a master’s degree?
One of the exciting benefits of this program is that if you wish to pursue a master’s degree, you will only need to take three graduate-level courses to earn your Master of Arts in Education: Special Education, Literacy. These three courses can be completed in only one additional semester.
Students will graduate with a BA in Education and Special Education and a Master of Arts in Education: Special Education, Literacy in just two years.
Will I need a master’s degree to be licensed in other states?
Currently, all states require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to become a certified teacher and special educator. Although a few require a master's degree as well, NJ and most other states do not. You can research the requirements for each state at this link.
This bachelor’s degree in education and special education offered through SPU provides licensure in the state of NJ. To be licensed in other states, you will need to apply to the state of your choice to have your NJ certification recognized through a reciprocity agreement. Information on that process can be found here. Additionally, upon completing your BA in Education, you can elect to earn a Master of Arts in Education: Special Education, Literacy, which can be earned by taking only three graduate courses over the course of one additional semester.
Are there any other benefits to earning certification at the undergraduate level?
Absolutely. By earning certification at the undergraduate level, you’ll be in a unique position to earn a master’s degree in a specialty area of Education and Special Education. This will enable you to expand your career possibilities and marketability. Some specialty areas in the field of education and special education that students may wish to pursue at the master’s level are Literacy, Reading, Bi-Lingual, TESOL, ABA, Educational Leadership, Pre-K-3rd Grade, School Counseling, etc.
Students also have the option to expand into other fields that will complement their skills as an educator, such as Social Work, ABA, Psychology, School Psychology, Mental Health Therapist, MBA, and much more.
What if I want to enter a field other than Education and Special Education?
Although this degree can lead to entry into many fields, it is not the most ideal choice for an individual interested in a career other than education and special education. Students interested in other fields would be better served by taking one of the various BA in Psychology options through Sara Schenirer. Information on those programs is available on our website.
What are the fieldwork requirements for this degree?
Great question. Please see the fieldwork explanation here.
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Questions & Guidance
Bonni Herman
Women's Student Advisor