NJ Alternate Route Teacher Certification (Part-time)

Begin your career in the classroom with a Certificate of Eligibility and complete Rider’s graduate-level courses while you teach. Students typically take 1–2 courses each semester, including summers, in flexible formats that may include online, hybrid, or in-person sessions. The program can be started in the fall, spring, or summer, and is designed to be completed in about two years while you are working full-time.

As a new teacher, you won’t be on your own. Rider faculty mentors and supervisors understand the challenges of beginning educators and provide personalized guidance to help you build confidence in your role. You’ll benefit from feedback, support, and a learning community of peers who are navigating similar transitions into the classroom.

The credits you earn through the alternate route program can be applied toward Rider’s 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, allowing you to continue seamlessly into graduate study. This saves time and money while keeping your career moving forward. Tuition discounts may also be available through Rider’s workforce partnerships with school districts and the State of New Jersey.

This program is for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree, have earned an Instructional Certificate of Eligibility (CE), and have been provisionally hired by a New Jersey public school district to teach in their intended certification area.

The program is designed around the New Jersey Provisional Teacher Process, which means you are working full-time as a teacher under a CE while completing Rider’s required coursework.

Please submit the following to complete your application: 

• Online application for graduate study
• $75 non-refundable application fee
• A personal statement (minimum 500 words) 
• Official transcripts from every college or university attended submitted directly from the institution showing evidence of a bachelor’s degree and a 2.75 minimum GPA
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Official Praxis Core Academic Skills test and Subject/Grade Level Praxis II score for the certification you are seeking
• Official OPI score for World Language candidates and Official OPI and WPT scores for ESL/Bilingual candidates
• Current resume
• Proof of employment/contract to teach
• Evidence of a Certificate of Eligibility

Eligible applicants will also complete a personal interview by invitation of faculty.

The alternate route teaching program has rolling admission and admits students for summer, fall and spring semesters. The recommended deadlines are May 1 (summer)  August 1 (fall), December 1 (spring).

For the program tuition, please refer to the tuition chart for the College of Education and Human Services.

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 school districts and public school teachers through the State of New Jersey — may be eligible for a 20% tuition discount. 

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

Yes. Coursework completed for certification may be applied toward Rider’s 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, giving you the opportunity to continue seamlessly to a graduate degree.