Admissions Process

First – What is my current status?

• Matriculated: The student has applied and been admitted to an off-site graduate program.
• Non-Matriculated (Visiting Student): The student has not yet applied for admissions or is in the process of applying; the student has previously taken a TCNJ graduate course (a maximum of 3 graduate courses, 9 credits allowed).
• Non-Matriculated (New Student): The student has not taken a graduate course with TCNJ. A new student MUST submit a Visiting Student Application with the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education.

All students who plan on taking more than three graduate courses MUST apply for admissions before they reach the 9-credit threshold. Students will not be able to register for courses beyond the 9-credit threshold. If you are unsure of your status, you may view your academic program plan in PAWS (under the academic tab) or email our office at osgp@tcnj.edu.

1. Submit a Graduate Application

Please complete and submit a graduate application. The application fee is $75.00 (waived for former TCNJ students who have completed either an undergraduate or graduate program).

Supplementary materials mentioned below are uploaded to Slate, the admissions and enrollment management platform. For more information, see the Slate instructional guide (PDF).

2. Official Transcripts

Sealed official transcripts from each college you have attended.  Students who have attended a non-US institution MUST have all educational documents evaluated by an independent organization. OSOP shares, but does not specifically endorse, the following credential evaluation services for your convenience: WES.  Other approved evaluation services can be found through NACES.

3. Recommendations

Two Recommendation Forms: Secure two individuals and have them complete a recommendation form on your behalf. They must be able to evaluate your academic performance, relevant work experience, and/or ability to pursue graduate work. The letters of recommendation can be uploaded with your online application.

4. Student Essay

Applicants must write a 1-2 page personal statement expressing professional goals and reasons for applying to TCNJ. The student essay may be uploaded along with your online graduate application.

5. Standardized Test Scores

The Global Counselor Education program (MA) and certain M.Ed. programs along with the ESL certificate program leading to initial certification with NJDOE MUST achieve a passing score on one of the following assessments or have met one of the requirements on the:

1. Praxis Core: (Only required for NJ-based students looking to pursue initial certification with NJDOE in the ESL and the RISE programs) SCORES: Reading – 156; Math – 150; Writing – 162 Free online test resources (ETS and Khan Academy) are available to help students prepare for the Praxis Core.
2. Score in the top one-third percentile on the SAT, ACT, or GRE for the year the test was taken.
3. International applicants whose native language is not English MUST take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL). All test scores MUST be sent to The College of New Jersey (#2519). If a candidate completes and passes the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST / Praxis I) before June 2014, the Department will accept passing scores on those exams to satisfy the basic skills requirement (passing scores on the PPST are as follows: Reading: 175, Math: 174, Writing: 173).

Students seeking a Global M.Ed. or certificate (not NJ certification) with OSOP consult the Admission Testing Waiver to see if you have met one of the criteria to waive the standardized test.

6. Resumé/CV

Students can submit their resumé/CV online with their graduate application.

7. Copy of Teaching Certificate

This is needed for specific certificate programs. Please consult an academic advisor to learn more.

Stuart Carroll, Ph.D. – szcarrol@tcnj.edu (Elementary/Secondary Education
Linda Mayger, Ed.D. –  maygerl@tcnj.edu (Educational Leadership)
Jill Schwarz, Ph.D. – schwarz@tcnj.edu (School Counseling)
Yiqiang Wu, Ph.D. – wuyiqian@tcnj.edu (Teaching English as a Second Language)

Below are flow charts outlining the admissions requirements, including visiting student steps and Certificate of Qualification (CQ) for the following certificate programs.

Global – Teaching English as a Second Language

Global – Elementary and Secondary Education admissions to certificate/MEd

The Certificate of Qualification (CQ) is a graduation document available to all students (US Citizens and non-US citizens). The School of Education provides the CQ and verifies that the required graduate program coursework (teacher preparation, leadership, school counseling) is completed. It is a credential widely recognized by International Schools and their accrediting agencies. Students will be eligible to receive their CQ upon meeting all program requirements. At the end of their program, students must apply for graduation to receive a CQ.

Students (US citizens) who complete the TESL certificate through one of TCNJ’s domestic programs will be eligible for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS).  This credential issued to an individual who has completed a teacher preparation program and met the basic certification requirements, including academic study and applicable test requirements. The CEAS authorizes an individual to seek and accept employment in NJ public schools requiring certification.  The CEAS is issued to an individual who does not hold an NJ Standard certificate or has not completed two years of full-time teaching under a valid out-of-state instructional certificate. The CEAS application portal can be accessed on TCNJ’s Certification Office’s website. 

Students (US citizens) who complete the MA in school counseling may apply for a standard certificate with the NJ Department of Education.

The College of New Jersey’s Certificate is a graduation document available to all students (US Citizens and non-US citizens) completing a certificate program. Upon applying for graduation and completing all program requirements, The College of New Jersey’s Office of Records and Registration will produce and mail a TCNJ Certificate to gradautes.