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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Major

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Major option is ideal for students who are specifically interested in:

  • earning a Bachelor of Science degree that is specifically focused on elementary education; and
  • obtaining the NJ Elementary Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing.

General Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) program requirements consist of both coursework, distinct course-aligned clinical experiences and a full-year clinical practice internship in a variety of school settings.  Required courses may be taken during the traditional fall and spring semesters, summer sessions I and II, winter session and online, see Academic Calendars.

The final year of the BS in Elementary Education program is a modified cohort model which requires:

  • Fall Semester – completion of the part-time Clinical Practice I internship (180 hours) and co-requisite methods courses
  • Spring Semester – completion of the full-time Clinical Practice II internship (525 and co-requisite Capstone Seminar

For additional information regarding the NJ Elementary K – 6 Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing requirements, please visit NJDOE K-6 Elementary CEAS.

Completion of the above program is noted on the student’s official Ramapo College of NJ transcripts. Guidance is provided for students to successfully apply to the state of New Jersey for the NJ Elementary Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing.

See Full Program Requirements

English/Literary Studies Minor for BSEE Students

English/Literary Studies Minor for BSEE Students

Interested BSEE students may pursue the English/Literary Studies Minor. Students who complete the minor will also be eligible for the Middle School ELA Specialization by completing the PSYC 347 (Adolescent Psychology).

The minor in English/Literary Studies program consists of five (5) courses:

  • LITR 203 Methods of Literary Study and
  • Any four additional LITR courses (one at the 300 level)

BSEE major are required to take two (2)  LITR courses (the recommended LITR 302 Grammar: Theory And Pedagogy and LITR 308 Children’s And Young Adult Literature). Therefore, every BSEE major takes two of the five required courses for the LITR minor. The remaining three (LITR 203 and any two additional LITR courses) are offered every semester. Most  majors can complete the minor within a single summer semester.

Benefits of the Elementary/Literary Studies Minor:

  • With only three additional courses, BSEE majors earn an additional credential
    valued by schools and potentially enhancing career prospects
  • The English/Literary Studies minor offers valuable content area knowledge central
    to English language arts, an essential field for elementary- and middle-level teachers.
  • English/Literary Studies courses offer not just additional writing instruction
    for teachers in training, but increased opportunity to learn writing pedagogy.
  • LITR courses like LITR 235 African American Literature, LITR 279 The Graphic Novel, LITR 304 History of The English Language, and LITR 306 Literary Theory are already recognized by faculty in English/Literary Studies Studies and Elementary Education as offering particular value.
  • BSEE students who earn the LITR minor also satisfy the content area coursework requirements for the NJ Middle School ELA Certification Specialization certification.
  • BSEE students who earn the LITR minor may choose to expand their credentials to earn the additional NJ K-12 ELA Teacher certification. This minor places that goal within their grasp with careful advising.

Edward Shannon
English/Literary Studies Convener
E-mail: eshannon@ramapo.edu
Phone: (201) 684-7425
Office: B-207

Program Enrollment/Application

  • Prospective students are strongly encouraged to consult with Joanne Caselli (201-684-7626) prior to enrollment in or application to this program.
  • Current Ramapo education students in Good Academic Standing should use the Major/Minor Declaration Form available through the Registrar’s Office to enroll in this program.  Click on “Change of Major/Minor” to access the form.

Program Accreditation

The Teacher Education Program at Ramapo College of New Jersey is offered through the School of Social Science and Human Services which is fully certified by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Ramapo program is approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education under the standards established by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. Teacher preparation candidates are prepared to become student-oriented teachers who design high quality learning activities to meet a broad spectrum of learning styles and learning needs.

The Teacher Education Program at Ramapo College is CAEP accredited through May 2027.  Ramapo College is located ideally for access to field experience opportunities. Many outstanding urban, suburban, and rural school districts are within a reasonable distance from the college and are most generous in their efforts to support high standards in teacher preparation.

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