MS in teaching subject matter
With Rowan’s teaching subject matter graduate degree program, you can earn your initial teaching certification and master’s degree at the same time. Learn how!
Why choose Rowan’s teaching subject matter program?
If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in a content area like English, social studies or math and want to share your knowledge with students, Rowan University’s Master of Science (MS) in teaching subject matter degree program offers a direct path to teacher certification.
The program helps you transform your subject knowledge into meaningful lessons that spark curiosity and learning in middle and high school classrooms.
Choosing Rowan’s teaching master’s degree means choosing a program built around practical preparation and long-term success. You’ll learn from experienced educators, collaborate closely with classmates and spend time in real classrooms through clinical placements. In your courses, you’ll explore topics like curriculum development, equity in education and strategies for engaging and supporting students. This approach ensures you graduate with the right combination of knowledge and experience to thrive as a teacher.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Semesters To Complete
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Summer Entry Term
Studying teaching subject matter at Rowan
What You’ll Learn
Completing Rowan’s MS in teaching subject matter degree program typically takes about four semesters of full-time study and requires 33 credit hours. While many students choose the full-time path, a part-time option is available if you need more flexibility. In Spring 2026, the program will be offered in a hybrid model that combines online and in-person coursework. Starting in Summer 2026, the program will be available in a face-to-face format.
The program’s curriculum blends pedagogical training and your content area, giving you the ability to connect subject matter expertise with effective teaching strategies. You’ll study curriculum design, classroom management and equity in education. With class options across subject matter topics, you’ll deepen your knowledge while preparing to translate it into engaging lessons that resonate with middle and high school students.
Note: The master’s degree in teaching program has a limited enrollment of approximately 25 students per year. If you are completing your undergraduate studies at Rowan, you may be able to take up to two program courses using the senior privilege option.
Teaching subject matter key courses
- Education and Psychology of Students with Disabilities
- Effective Inclusive Instruction in English, Social Studies, Theatre, and World Language Classrooms
- Humanities Teaching Methods I: Creating Supportive Learning Environments
- Schools and Society: Foundations for Secondary Teaching
- Teaching Content in Diverse Classrooms
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Licensure information
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for NJ DOE certification, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all other certification requirements are met, including, but not limited to, appropriate type and level of license and years of experience.
NJ DOE certification requirements are subject to change. Certification applications are evaluated by NJ DOE based on the most current state requirements. Review current NJ DOE licensure information.
How You'll Learn
Admission Requirements
Turn your subject knowledge into a teaching career. The following admission requirements outline your next steps. Additionally, teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Master of Science in teaching subject matter degree program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®).
- Completed application
- $65 nonrefundable application fee
- Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional résumé
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives
- Certificate Program Acknowledgement
- Two letters of recommendation
- The Official Recommendation Form is required.
Submission of official test results demonstrating passing scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators: Praxis Core Basic Skills Tests (Reading, Writing and Math)
- The Official Recommendation Form is required.
- Submission of official test results demonstrating passing scores on the Praxis II test for area of specialization
- Foundation coursework (prerequisite coursework in the content area you plan to teach is required prior to admission)
- This program requires 30 credits of content-specific coursework and additional educational prerequisites. Please contact the program advisor for a list of all prerequisites.
Once your documents are received, the Rowan University Office of Admissions will follow up with confirmation or let you know if anything is missing. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: For individuals seeking certification in a world language, a passing score on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is required.
Tuition and Aid
Rowan’s teaching master’s degree program is competitively priced, and financial assistance is available to support future teachers.
Review Rowan’s graduate financial aid resources.
Teaching subject matter student stories
"My student teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I have learned strategies that I plan on incorporating in my own future Spanish classroom."
Maria T.
Cumberland County, NJ
Careers and outcomes
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