Welcome
The Department of Psychology and Education is a member of the School of Liberal Arts. It is comprised of courses and programs in (a) psychology, (b) early childhood education and (c) teacher education. The department supports the liberal arts curriculum and the college’s overall mission to provide students with transferable liberal arts courses, courses to fulfill the general education requirements in numerous curricula, providing a comprehensive background in the behavioral sciences. Our faculty members are experienced professional educators who keep abreast of their specializations through continuing education credits, public speaking engagements, research, personal counseling, or organizational consulting. These endeavors enrich the overall educational experience for our students and provide a broad exposure to the rich and varied subspecialties of psychology and education.
The Teacher Education Program follows the curricular model of teacher education typical at many four-year colleges and universities. We offer ten specializations designed to meet the requirements of the first two years of a baccalaureate-level teacher education program in elementary or secondary education. Students planning to pursue a teaching degree at a four-year institution should enroll in one of the following specializations that provide the foundation teacher education courses, as well as courses in one’s intended major: biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, physical education, psychology, sociology, Spanish, or visual arts.
The Early Childhood Programs provide outstanding instruction and experiential learning to prepare students for advanced study and child-related careers in a diverse and changing world. The curriculum is aligned with state and national standards and blends academic and professional preparation in a wide variety of courses. Courses are interactive with small class size, and offer face-to-face, evening, hybrid, and online options.
Students have the freedom to change majors as their interests evolve and can choose to start with a certificate and later decide to continue on for an associate degree. Choose from four different pathways:
A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education
This pathway is designed for transfer toward teacher certification, Preschool-3rd grade.
Click here for more information about the A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education
A.S. Degree in Child and Family Studies
Interdisciplinary option for those interested in teaching or other related careers (i.e. guidance).
Learn more about the A.S. Degree in Child and Family Studies here
Childcare Specialist Certificate
This program meets NJ state requirements for being a group teacher in a childcare center.
CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate
Required education hours for national Child Development Associate (CDA) in center-based preschool settings
Learn more about the CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate here
John Williford, Chair
Chair, Department of Psychology and Education
973-328-5618
jwilliford@ccm.edu