English as a Second Language & Teacher of Students with Disabilities

This program prepares candidates to teach English as a second language in general, inclusive, and/or special education settings. Candidates must earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in a content major to be eligible for New Jersey certification in English as a Second Language and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement.

To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.

Requirements include:

• Completion of prerequisite courses: Child and Adolescent Development (3), and (MAT only) Educational Psychology (3);
• Completion of all BRIDGE General Education program requirements;
• Completion of a 30-credit major in biology, chemistry, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, natural sciences, psychology, or visual art;
• Qualifying scores on a NJ Department of Education approved test of basic skills (PRAXIS CORE, ACT, SAT or GRE, or a combination of these);
• Completion of the 46-credit Professional Education Coursework in English as a Second Language;
• Praxis II testing is not required; instead, an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Written Proficiency Test (WPT) must be passed. Note: For fall clinical practice, passing scores must be submitted by July 15, and for spring clinical practice, they must be submitted by December 15;
• Passing scores on the three GCU exams: Physiology and Hygiene (P&H); Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB); Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (CARE);
• Satisfactory ratings in clinical practice, including recommendation for certification; and
• Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to remain in the program (note: students with grade point averages between 2.75 and 2.99 may qualify to be in the Limited CEAS Pilot Program and should speak to their Advisor about this possibility).

These degree maps are meant to illustrate a typical sequence of courses.  However, actual recommended sequences of non-education courses will vary based on the student's liberal arts major, so students should confer with their academic advisor when planning a course of study and before registering for courses.

Four-Year ESL Education (No MAT)