Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification (Part-time, evening)

You can do this and we’re here to support your goals. From your first contact with the Office of Graduate Admissions through your enrollment, our team will guide you through the complex process of obtaining your initial teaching certification.

Classes are scheduled in the early evening with a mix of on-campus and hybrid learning modalities. Most candidates finish in three to four semesters, depending on the certification track. Depending on the initial teaching certificate pursued, the program consists of 21 to 33 graduate credits and is designed as a part-time program that may be completed over three to four semesters.

Every credit you earn in the initial teacher certification program applies toward Rider’s 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. Many students complete their certification and continue seamlessly to finish their master’s degree. In addition to earning the MAT degree, candidates may apply some coursework and credits to other master's programs, endorsements, and/or professional development certificates offered through Rider's College of Education and Human Services.

Depending on the initial teaching certificate pursued, the program consists of 21 to 33 graduate credits. Most students complete the part-time, post-baccalaureate teacher certification (PBTC) program in three to four part-time semesters. Your final semester is a full-time clinical student teaching placement with an accompanying seminar.

Yes. Courses are scheduled in the early evening to support working adults. Rider's part-time, post-baccalaureate teacher certification (PBTC) program is designed to provide balance between your coursework and other commitments.

Successful completion of Rider’s part-time post-baccalaureate teacher certification (PBTC) program leads to initial teacher certification in the state of New Jersey. With NJ teacher certification, candidates may pursue reciprocity in other states as well.

Yes. All credits earned in the certification program (21–33, depending on track) can be applied to Rider’s 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, giving you a clear and affordable pathway to your graduate degree.

If you have been hired by a school district with your Certificate of Eligibility (CE) and you are looking for an NJ-approved Educator Provider Program (EPP), Rider can support your candidacy through this program. 

Not sure which option is best for you? Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadm@rider.edu or by phone at (609) 896-5036 and our counselors will steer you in the right direction.

If you’re uncertain about your GPA or prior coursework, upload your unofficial transcripts and a graduate admissions counselor will review your documents to confirm eligibility before you apply. 

Transcript evaluation request.

Graduate students have several options to make their education more affordable. You may qualify for federal loans, assistantships, or campus employment opportunities through Rider’s Office of Financial Aid. 

In addition, employees and members of Rider’s workforce partner organizations — including schools, districts, government agencies, nonprofits, and industry — may be eligible for a 20% tuition discount. 

We also encourage applicants to explore any tuition assistance offered by their own employer or union.