The Secondary Special Education Program at TCNJ for undergraduates is a five-year program that prepares students to be both content area teachers and teachers of students with disabilities. It culminates in a master’s degree and New Jersey certification in both a subject area (English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Biology) and Special Education
Advising and Course Registration
At the start of each semester, please refer to the TCNJ’s academic calendar and familiarize yourself with the registration period for that semester. During the 2 weeks prior to registration, you should meet individually with both your content-area advisor from English, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Biology and your Secondary Education advisor. During the final semester of your undergraduate year and throughout your graduate year, you will meet with Dr. Peel as your graduate advisor.
When you meet with your advisor you must bring the following:
- A projected schedule for the next semester including days and times for all courses.
- A list of alternative courses with days and times
- Your unofficial transcript
You must meet with your advisor prior to registering for courses. If you do not meet with your advisor, there will be a hold placed on your PAWS account and you will not be able to register for your courses for the next semester.
Advising Documents
• Permission to Increase Student Credit/Course Load Request Form • Approval for Graduate Course Credit Form
Audit Sheets
• Secondary Special Education Audit Sheet: No content major
• English Secondary Special Education Audit Sheet
• Mathematics Secondary Special Education Audit Sheet
• Biology Secondary Special Education Audit Sheet (BA)
• Biology Secondary Special Education Audit Sheet (BS)
• History Secondary Special Education Audit Sheet
Suggested Program Planners
• Secondary Special Education Program Planner: No content major
• English Secondary Special Education Program Planner
• Mathematics Secondary Special Education Program Planner
• Biology Secondary Special Education Program Planner (BA)
• Biology Secondary Special Education Program Planner (BS)
• History Secondary Special Education Program Planner
Liberal Learning Requirements
In order to fulfill the liberal learning requirements, students must complete an FSP, civic responsibilities and satisfy the breadth requirements for dual majors. Students must complete at least two courses from each broad sector and one course each in quantitative reasoning and natural science with laboratory. Some of the breadth requirements will be satisfied by courses that are also required for your major.
Below is a general outline of the liberal learning requirements for education dual majors:
First Seminar Program | First Seminar Course |
Information Literacy | IDS 102 |
Community Engagement | CEL Learning Day or FSP |
| Civic Responsibilities | (Liberal learning courses can satisfy up to two civic responsibilities) |
Writing Requirement | • WRI 102 taken, transferred or waived • Mid-level and Capstone writing requirements met through content area major |
Second Language | Students in the 5-year Secondary Special Education Masters are exempt |
Education Dual Majors Minimum Breadth Distribution:
Students must complete at least two courses from each broad sector and one course each in quantitative reasoning and natural science with laboratory. A single course can satisfy only one domain.
| Arts and Humanities | (2 courses minimum) • Literary, Visual and Performing Arts (Children’s or YA literature class recommended) |
| Social Sciences and History | (2 courses minimum) • Behavioral, Social or Cultural Perspectives |
| Natural Science and Quantitative Reasoning | (2 courses minimum) • Natural Science Lab required (Biology recommended to satisfy state hygiene requirements) |
Information for Internal Transfers
If you are currently a TCNJ student who wishes to transfer into the five-year program, please view the Internal Transfer Information page.