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Bachelor of Arts in Education and Special Education

Application Deadline

August 16th, 2022
Apply now

Program Description

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.

Partner college(s):
Program Location(s):
  • Lakewood
  • Passaic

FAQ

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. 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 college 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).

Will my seminary credits count toward this degree?

Yes. Up to 36 seminary credits may be accepted toward the degree program.

Will I earn full NJ certification with this degree, or will I need to earn a master’s degree as well?

The State of New Jersey grants full NJ licensure to students who earn this degree. A master’s degree is not required.

What would it take to earn a master’s degree too?

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 in Education 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.

Will the environment and education be suitable for a Bais Yaakov student?

St. Peter’s University prides itself on offering superior education along with outstanding student support in a culturally sensitive environment. They are very understanding of the unique requirements and religious sensitivities of the students recruited by Sara Schenirer and have worked diligently to accommodate our requests to ensure an environment suitable for Bais Yaakov graduates.

Why choose Sara Schenirer?

For students and parents alike, the world of college and degrees can be confusing, costly, and difficult to navigate. We pride ourselves on the high-quality educational partners we feature, all of whom offer an accredited degree, uncompromised environment, and first-rate faculty. Most of all, we provide exceptional warmth and support to every single SPU student at Sara Schenirer. We work diligently to offer personal guidance to each student and help ensure their success and timely graduation.

What are the admission requirements?

• High School Transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA)
• Introduction to Psychology CLEP/Coopersmith Exam, or equivalent (with passing score)

For more information on how to order and take this test, click here.

Which credits can be applied towards the B.A. degree?

The Office of the Registrar at St. Peter’s University grants transfer credits to students who have completed courses at accredited institutions and have provided their official transcripts for evaluation. The Office of the Registrar evaluates and accepts only credits that are applicable to the student’s program of study and reflect a final grade of ‘C’ or above. Accepted credits are applied to the student’s record, reflected on their academic planner, but not calculated into their St. Peter’s University GPA. The transfer credit planner will also be shared with the student’s advisor to assist with schedule creation and developing a graduation plan.

When and where are classes offered?

Classes are offered in Lakewood and Passaic, NJ on Sunday, and live-online one or two weeknights each week. This degree is currently unavailable entirely online.

What makes Sara Schenirer different?

Through our degree-granting partners, we offer:
• A highly affordable degree program
• In-class learning with an online component
• Highly personalized student mentoring
• Generous transfer credit program
• Student-friendly Frum environment
• Exemplary education with outstanding instructors

How much does the degree cost?

In an effort to make this degree program as affordable and accessible as possible, St. Peter’s University has agreed to substantially reduce the cost for students who register through Sara Schenirer.

The price for the full program is $22,000 before scholarships are applied. All students are eligible for an array of generous grants and/ or scholarships that can reduce the cost of the program to as low as $0. Please call for details. Our advisors will be glad to explain the cost structure to you so you can see for yourself how truly affordable this degree program is for you.

Can I receive financial aid?

Eligible students can receive financial aid for the full portion of the degree taken through SPU. 

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. 

What do I need to apply?

To request an application, please submit this form.

When completing the application, you will also be requested to supply:

  • High School Transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA)
  • Personal Statement
  • Two References
  • Personal Photograph
  • Non-refundable Application Fee

Even if you do not have these available at the time of application, we recommend submitting your application immediately and submitting the requested documents as they become available.

Once your application is submitted with all the required documents, an interview will be scheduled to continue the admissions process.

Please note: To join this program, you must have taken and passed Introduction to Psychology (no later than one week prior to the start of the semester).

For students who require this course, we can provide study materials and exams which can be taken at our location, or at testing centers in your location. For more information on how to order and take this test, click here.

What if I still have more questions?

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office at 718-633-8557 ext. 37 or email information@sarasch.com, and as always, we will be happy to assist you further.

View all

Course Listing

ED-160

Education and Schooling in a Multicultural Society

ED-170

Child and Adolescent Psychology

GE-614

Overview of Educational Disabilities and Foundations for Specialized Instruction

EE-202

Elementary Curriculum

CM-104

English Composition

CM-115

English Composition II

ED-490

 Clinical Experience I (50 hours – possibly some seminary)

EE-206
Teaching Reading in the Elementary School
EE-204
Using Technology in the Elementary Language Arts Classroom
MA-304

Statistics, Probability & Discrete Math for Middle School

ED-491

Clinical Experience II (75 hrs.)

GE-617

Assisting Students with Special Needs in the
General Education Classroom

ED-301
Assessment
ED-493
Practicum in Reading
EE-212
Teaching Math in the Elementary School
GE-618
Assessment Techniques for Students with Disabilities
ED-492
Clinical Experience II (75 hrs.)
GE-574
Diagnosis of Children with Reading Problems
GE-652
Curriculum Development for Students with Disabilities
EE-214
Teaching Science in the Elementary School Using Technology
EE-495
Student Teaching: Elementary
GE-653

Assistive Technology – Uses and Applications

GE-654
Strategies for Home, School, and Community Relationships
GE-616
Effective Classroom Management and Behavior Intervention
Back To Women's Programs

Career Paths

*as per https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/

3,330

NJ average annual openings for elementary level teachers*

$40,000 - 75,000

NJ Certified Teachers Salary Range*

2%

Job Growth in Teaching Jobs in NJ through 2026*

Degree facts
Admissions
Degree facts
  • 5-semester program (128 credits)
  • 18 months to completion
  • Classes conveniently offered Sundays (in class) and one/ two weeknights (live-online)
  • Fieldwork built into the program
  • NJ Licensure upon completion
  • Only 3 additional graduate-level courses needed to receive a Master of Arts in Education: Special Education, Literacy
  • Federal and State financial aid available through FAFSA for eligible students
  • 36 Seminary credits accepted toward the degree program at no cost to you
  • We accept Coopersmith, CLEP, TAL, AP, and previously earned college credits
  • Women’s-only cohort
Admissions

Admission Requirements:

High School Transcript (minimum 3.0 GPA)
Personal Statement
Two References
Personal Photograph
Non-refundable Application Fee

Prerequisites:

Introduction to Psychology (Coopersmith Exam or equivalent)

New Cohorts begin in:

Fall (Sept.) Semester
Spring (Jan.) Semester

Speak to an advisor
Start my application
Call Now
Schedule An Appointment
Tuition & Financial Aid

The price for the full program is $22,000 before scholarships are applied. All students are eligible for an array of generous grants and/ or scholarships that can reduce the cost of the program to as low as $0. Please call for details.

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.

Finincial Aid

Bachelor of Arts in Education and Special Education

FAQ Sheet

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SARA SCHENIRER
INSTITUTE

Sara Schenirer is not a college or university and does not offer credit bearing courses or degrees in New York State. Any credit or degrees described here are offered through our partner institutions.
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