QUEST BA/BS, Early Childhood Education P-3 MAT: combined degree

Teachers of young children must be trained in research-based best practices that support quality teaching and learning. Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of Education (SOE) offers a QUEST track leading to New Jersey certification in Preschool-Grade 3 (P-3).

Candidates earn a B.A. or B.S. degree in a liberal arts/science major. They begin their graduate studies towards their P-3 certification in their third year and continue with graduate-level advanced coursework to complete both their B.A./B.S. in the chosen major (content area) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree.

All QUEST P-3 candidates earn dual certification in either special education or English as a second language.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for this program are listed on the Quest BA/BS, Teaching MAT: Combined Degree program page.

Praxis II Requirement (for Licensure)

The Praxis II exam for Early Childhood in New Jersey is #5025.

All candidates attempt the Praxis II exams no later than January of senior (4^th) year.

This is the teaching licensure exam and must be passed before student teaching in Year 5.

Program Policies

• Candidates in the QUEST program must major in a liberal arts/science discipline.
• All early childhood candidates choose a dual certification pathway: English as a second language or special education.
• Candidates in the QUEST program must satisfy all general education requirements, and specific departmental requirements for their liberal arts/science major in order to be eligible for a B.A. or B.S. degree in their area of specialization. They must also complete the requirements for the School of Education.
• New Jersey teacher certification requires that 6 credits be taken in behavioral sciences (sociology, anthropology, or psychology); and 3 credits be taken in biology, physiology, or health. The courses also may be taken to satisfy college core (general education) requirements, the liberal arts /science required courses or electives.
• No more than 15 credits in education courses, taken at the graduate level in the junior and senior years, may be applied as dual undergraduate and graduate credit. The state of NJ requires two (2) semesters of student teaching. The first semester is part-time and is called Advanced Clinical Practice; the second semester is full-time and is called Apprenticeship Teaching. Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Teaching and all required EDUC courses, students will have met the eligibility requirements for teacher certification.
• In order to maintain good academic standing and eligibility for licensure, 3.0 GPA must be maintained throughout the program.
• To complete the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in five years, students may need to take summer courses, depending upon their particular liberal arts/science program requirements.

QUEST P-3 Plan

P-3 Early Childhood and Special Education Dual Certification

Effective for students entering after Fall 2025

P-3 Early Childhoood and English as a Second Language Dual Certification

Effective for students after after Fall 2025