Does admission into the program require a minimum GRE score?
No. The admissions committee has not set a minimum GRE score, and
instead relies on an evaluation of a candidate’s entire set
of materials to make admissions decisions.
Is it possible to complete the programs as a part-time student?
Yes. Many of the classes for the M.A. and Ph.D. programs are offered
in the late afternoon and evening (4 p.m. and later). However, the
completion of both degree programs requires genuine commitment to learning,
study, and research. These are programs for students serious about
understanding children and representations of them!
How many credits do I have to register for to be considered
for Federal Loan Programs?
You must register for at least 4.5 credits, for practical purposes
that means two classes (6 credits)
Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
You must report scores from the GRE as part of the admissions process. If
you have taken the GRE recently, it may be possible for you to have scores
from your most recent exam forwarded to Rutgers. Please check with Educational
Testing Service concerning this possibility.
What is Rutgers' Institution Code for the GRE / TOEFL?
Our institution code is 2790,
we do not use department codes.
What are some career opportunities with a degree in childhood
studies?
Please see the
brochure developed by the Career Center on possible career opportunities
with a degree in childhood studies. You can also refer to the questions
above about career possibilities for those with a Ph.D., M.A., and B.A.,
in childhood studies. (see below)
Can I become a teacher or counselor with this degree?
Students interested in teaching in New Jersey public schools should
be aware that there are three types of teaching certificates: P-3
(for those interested in teaching preschool, kindergarten, and grades
1-3), elementary education (grades 1-6), and secondary (grades 8-12). It
is possible to major in Childhood Studies and to obtain the P-3
or the elementary education certificate. Students interested
in the P-3 certificate should consult with Ms. Angela Connor ((856)
225-6739); those interested in the elementary education certificate
should meet with Ms. Sarah Becker in the Teacher Preparation Program
((856) 225-6409). Those interested in teaching grades 8-12
should major in a discipline taught in these grades (e.g. mathematics,
English, music, chemistry) and consult with Ms. Becker.
A student looking to pursue a school counseling certification should
be advised that the graduate Childhood Studies degree is not designed
to be a NJ approved school counseling program and additional
requirements will need to be satisfied.
What kind of jobs do graduates of the Ph.D. program enter?
We expect that graduates of the Ph.D. program will pursue a variety
of careers. Some will enter academics as scholar/teachers
in psychology, sociology, English, history, and human development;
others will become policy makers in federal and state government;
and some are likely to become full-time researchers with independent
research firms. We advise all applicants to consider whether
the skills acquired in an interdisciplinary doctoral program will
prepare them for the professions they seek.
What kind of jobs do graduates of the M.A. program enter?
Many of those graduating with an M.A. degree will enter into professional
positions involving the development and management of programs targeting
youth; join research firms that evaluate social programs; change
positions within their professions; and contribute to policy and
regulations as members of state and federal governments. Some
will use the M.A. program to develop their skills and assess their
interests in pursuing a doctoral degree. Students whose career
plans include clinical work as psychologists or guidance counselors
should consider whether their interests might be better served by
an Masters of Social Work or Masters of Counseling Psychology degree.
What kind of jobs do graduates of the B.A. program
enter?
The B.A. program in Childhood Studies provides students with a strong
foundation in the liberal arts. Graduates of the program will
be able to communicate effectively in speech and in writing, understand
and manipulate quantitative information, interpret complicated social
problems from humanistic and social science perspectives, and are
widely knowledgeable about children and representations of them. This
background prepares students for success for careers in many areas:
teaching, social service, youth programming, and so on.
How do I know if the Ph.D. program is right for me?
You should believe that an interdisciplinary context is important
for your intellectual growth for the Ph.D. Program in Childhood
Studies to be a good fit for you. If you are excited by the
prospect of drawing upon multiple disciplines to understand challenging
intellectual and social issues related to children, then our program
is probably right for you.
You should also imagine the kinds of issues that you might like to
investigate in your dissertation study of a significant issue, and
will require a great deal of effort and passion on your part. You
will need thoughtful advice and mentoring for your dissertation, and
you should consider whether the faculty of our program has the kind
of expertise that you will need to help you reach your intellectual
goals. We have an exceptionally strong faculty with quite varied
areas of strength, but not every possible area of inquiry is currently
represented by the existing faculty. Feel free to e-mail faculty
members whose interests are closest to yours to assess the fit between
your intellectual goals and our capacity to support your development.
Do I need an undergraduate major in a specific discipline
in order to apply for the graduate programs?
No. We encourage applications from those with backgrounds in
all disciplines who are committed to the study of children and representations
of them. In some cases, admitted students who lack important
competencies usually obtained in undergraduate study will be counseled
by the graduate director to enroll in undergraduate classes in order
to acquire missing skills. Generally, however, the program is
designed to support the intellectual development of students with
diverse intellectual backgrounds.
When should I apply for financial aid?
You should apply for financial aid once you have completed your application
for the childhood studies program. Applications for financial aid
should can be submitted online at http://www.admissions.rutgers.edu/0501.asp/ Submit
financial aid applications by March 15 if applying fall admission.
Check back frequently for new questions
and answers!
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