Our Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Leadership Studies program takes a generalist approach that prepares you to work anywhere in higher education.

Through real-world experience and courses taught by practitioners, you will learn about the contemporary higher education system, including student development, finance, and policies and legal issues, and learn how to lead from within it.You will also develop a professional e-portfolio aligned with the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners developed by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).

As a graduate of this program, you will be able to:

• Analyze how American higher education systems work for all stakeholders including students, faculty and staff, boards of trustees and alumni, and the broader social, economic, and political context
• Evaluate theory and practice of the past and current issues, movements, and trends in higher education that impact the student's college/university academic, social, and holistic growth experience and other mission objectives
• Apply foundational knowledge in the areas of leadership, history, law, policy, theory, and finance for higher education organizational improvement
• Apply objective, fact-based, critical thinking and analytical methods as well judicious reflection and insight to evaluate office/program effectiveness to address the needs of stakeholders with particular attention to the increasingly diverse and under-represented students
• Develop professional traits, such as appropriate communication skills, reflective thinking, modeling, mentoring, and facilitating effective strategies of leadership, conflict resolution techniques
• Apply educational research methods to determine the effectiveness of programs and or offices that support the mission of the institution
• Recognize and work to illuminate the barriers that systemically prevent marginalized and vulnerable student populations from fully realizing higher education opportunities with an understanding of how access to higher education is used to create a more equitable society
• Apply leadership skills to create transformative environments that encourage students and all members of the HE community to view themselves as having potential to make meaningful contributions to their institutions and be civically engaged in their communities

Career outcomes:

• Admissions Dean
• Provost
• Director of Student Affairs
• Superintendent

This traditional track is for candidates with a content-specific, non-education bachelor’s degree who are not yet classroom instructors but wish to teach secondary students in the same subject area as their undergraduate degree. Pursue your master’s degree and teaching certification with this fulfilling MAT Secondary Education online program. Benefit from coursework, observation feedback, and real-life teaching experience that can be utilized immediately to enhance your practice.

As a graduate of this online master’s, you will be able to:

• Use information on learner’s strengths to design lessons appropriate to their varying cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical needs
• Establish high expectations for learners, demonstrate the ability to modify instruction, and implement assistive tools and technology to address the specific learning differences and needs of all learners according to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS)
• Evaluate and use relevant and appropriate research, resources, and materials of the discipline to impact learning
• Design learning objectives, success criteria, and common learning opportunities in alignment with the NJSLS and College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards that demonstrate accurate knowledge of major concepts, use of academic language, and tools of inquiry of the discipline
• Design instructional plans to develop learners’ communication skills and academic language (vocabulary, syntax, and discourse) of the discipline
• Design assessments of mid-to-high level cognitive demand that provide evidence of learner understanding of learning objectives
• Use assessment data and evidence to reflect on instructional planning and teaching and modify teaching practice

Career opportunities:

• Secondary School Teacher
• Coach
• Curriculum Developer
• Instructional Coordinator
• Educational Consultant
• Adjunct Professor

This alternate certification track is for candidates who have already earned a bachelor's degree in the subject they want to teach, have a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Limited CE, and have secured a position as the teacher of record at a New Jersey school. Build the knowledge, skills, and experience required to level up as a certified educator with master’s-level expertise. The MAT in Secondary Education (Alternate Route) online program’s coursework includes career-relevant concepts applicable immediately in your current teaching role.

As a graduate of this online master’s, you will be able to:

• Use information on learners’ strengths to design lessons that are appropriate to their varying cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical needs
• Establish high expectations for learners, demonstrate the ability to modify instruction, and implement assistive tools and technology to address the specific learning differences and needs of all learners, according to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS)
• Evaluate and use relevant and appropriate research, resources, and materials of the discipline to impact learning
• Design learning objectives, success criteria, and common learning opportunities in alignment with NJSLS and College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards that demonstrate accurate knowledge in major concepts, use of academic language, and tools of inquiry of the discipline
• Design instructional plans to develop learners’ communication skills and academic language (vocabulary, syntax, and discourse) of the discipline
• Design assessments of mid-to-high level cognitive demand that provide evidence of learner understanding of learning objectives
• Use assessment data and evidence to reflect on instructional planning and teaching and modify teaching practice

Career opportunities:

• Secondary School Teacher
• Coach
• Curriculum Developer
• Instructional Coordinator
• Educational Consultant
• Adjunct Professor

Help students develop a life-long love of reading as a certified school librarian. Earn a CEAS (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing) with a standard license as a School Library Media Specialist (Endorsement 2855) with the online MEd C&L in School Library Media from William Paterson University. Assist PreK-12 students in increasing their information literacy skills and providing them the accessibility to all types of resources and equipment.

In this CAEP- and AASL-accredited program with 100 percent online coursework you will interact with strong, diverse faculty who all have experience as librarians. Neither a teaching license nor a thesis is required for completion and you can apply credits from other master’s programs.

As a graduate of this online education master’s, you will:

• Foster a love of learning and support equitable access to information for all students
• Learn to apply principles of inquiry and application through projects, field experiences, and research

Upon completion of the online MEd C&L in School Library Media, you will be prepared for a wide range of PreK-12 roles, including:

• School Librarian
• Information Specialist
• Instructional Partner
• Program Administrator

This online program prepares experienced teachers, aspiring to principalship and certification within New Jersey, with the skills needed to build and nurture continuous school improvement as an effective educational leader.

Taught by practitioners, this "Different by Design" educational leadership program consists of three modules: Leadership, Curriculum and Supervision, and a 4-credit hour embedded internship, and offers continuous field-based experiences throughout. The online coursework provides a balance of management and leadership and is aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Recognition Standards.

Upon successful completion of the coursework, internship, and passing of the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA), you will qualify for the New Jersey Principal Certificate of Eligibility (Endorsement 0200) if you have five years of full-time experience, and receive the Supervisor Standard Certificate (Endorsement 0106) if you have three years of experience. Students outside New Jersey should check to make sure that this program fulfills their state's principal certification requirements. New Jersey education standard license holders with three or more verified years of appropriate experience may qualify for the NJ Supervisor Endorsement.

Learning outcomes:

• Collaboratively lead the development and implementation of a school vision and mission and processes for continuous school improvement
• Model and develop in others professional dispositions and norms as well as ethical and legal behavior and decision-making
• Develop and maintain an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive school culture and climate for all students and staff
• Lead curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems designed to meet the needs of all learners as well as non-academic programs to support student growth and development
• Develop and cultivate processes for engaging and communicating with families, community members, and all staff for continuous school improvement and student learning
• Manage and operate school resources to support student learning, promote the school’s vision and mission, and cultivate student and staff success
• Build professional capacity by developing a collaborative professional school culture through staff supervision, evaluation, and professional development and learning

Career opportunities:

• Principal
• District Administrator
• Dean of Students or Faculty
• Assistant Principal

This online program will teach you how to successfully direct and advocate for academic excellence and lead positive change in today's schools. Our faculty of practitioners are committed to providing you with the best in theory and practice to facilitate quality learning experiences for students, an enriching environment for educators, and a supportive network for parents and the community at large.

New Jersey education standard license holders with three or more verified years of appropriate experience may qualify for the NJ Supervisor Endorsement. Students outside New Jersey should check to make sure that this program fulfills their state's educational leadership requirements. Coursework within this program is also aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Recognition Standards.

Learning outcomes:

• Collaboratively lead the development and implementation of a school vision and mission and processes for continuous school improvement
• Model and develop in others professional dispositions and norms as well as ethical and legal behavior and decision-making
• Develop and maintain an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive school culture and climate for all students and staff
• Lead curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems designed to meet the needs of all learners as well as non-academic programs to support student growth and development
• Develop and cultivate processes for engaging and communicating with families, community members, and all staff for continuous school improvement and student learning
• Manage and operate school resources to support student learning, promote the school's vision and mission, and cultivate student and staff success
• Build professional capacity by developing a collaborative professional school culture through staff supervision, evaluation, and professional development and learning

Career opportunities:

• School Leadership Positions in Independent, Private, and/or Parochial Schools
• Day Care Center Directors

Prepare for the online Reading Specialist certification in New Jersey (Endorsement 3310) with the online Master of Education in Literacy with a concentration in Reading Specialist from William Paterson University. Whether you want to make an impact in the classroom or by coaching and leading other teachers in literacy, this program, with 100 percent online coursework, will enable you to improve the lives of children by providing the necessary reading and writing skills they need to succeed. Taught by experienced and respected faculty—including two Fulbright scholars—courses for this program are aligned with International Literacy Association standards.

As a graduate of this online education master’s, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and use this knowledge to evaluate and implement literacy curricula and evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners
• Understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders
• Demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, and essential concepts of diversity and equity and apply this knowledge to your classrooms, schools, district, and community
• Meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; and foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment
• Recognize the importance of participating in and facilitating ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities

Upon completion of the online MEd in Literacy – Reading Specialist, you will be prepared for a wide range of roles, including:

• Tutor for Adult Readers
• Teacher of Remedial Reading
• Reading Consultant

The online Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Teacher of Students with Disabilities from William Paterson University will help prepare you for a Students with Disabilities CEAS (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing) and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities Standard Certificate (Endorsement 2475).

In this program with 100 percent online coursework, learn to manage challenging behaviors and discover ways of adapting methodologies to meet the needs of students with disabilities. A thesis is not required for completion, and the required hours in this program are fewer than most competitors.

As a graduate of this online education master’s, you will be prepared to:

• Individualize, adapt, and modify instruction in schools for a diverse population of students with disabilities
• Collaboratively create a dynamic partnership between schools, students, administrators, and communities

Career opportunities:

• You will be prepared for a career as a teacher of students with disabilities in New Jersey.

The Master of Education with a concentration in Teaching of Writing for Grades P-12 online program is designed to build your instructional expertise with a focus on improving literacy for learners of all backgrounds by strengthening their skills in written expression.

Taught by experienced and respected faculty—including a Fulbright scholar and World Education Research Association scholars—courses for this program are aligned with International Literacy Association standards. Plus, by taking two additional courses through the William Paterson University College of Education, qualified, certified teachers can complete requirements toward Supervisor Endorsement in New Jersey (Endorsement 0106).

No teacher certification is required for admission, making this online MEd program flexible and accessible for working professionals. This degree does not lead to certification.

Learning outcomes:

• Know the major theoretical, conceptual, and historical aspects of writing instruction in grades P-12
• Understand the sequence of writing development, writing processes, and foundational skills and their relationships with other aspects of literacy
• Demonstrate knowledge of current research trends and best practices in formative and summative assessment in P-12 educational settings
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect on professional practices and be a critical consumer of research, policy, and practice
• Participate in and lead professional learning experiences to support student learning and enhance instructional practices
• Develop and maintain a literacy-rich learning environment to support the needs of diverse learners
• Foster an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive school culture and climate for all students

Career opportunities:

• Educational Publishing
• Private Tutor
• Writing Teacher
• Adult Literacy Teacher
• Communication Specialist