Public school teaching certification while earning an undergraduate degree at Trinity, via the consortial program with University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT
Through consortial arrangements, Trinity students may enroll in the state-approved teacher preparation program at University of Saint Joseph (USJ) while simultaneously completing their Trinity major and graduation requirements. Tuition and credits easily transfer between the two institutions. Teacher certification is available in the following areas:
1.) Elementary Education (K-6)
2.) Secondary Education (7-12) by subject area (eg. Biology, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, etc.)
3.) Other areas may include: Early Childhood Education (PreK-3), Special Education (K-12)
The USJ teaching certification program typically requires the equivalent of a second major (between 8-12 Trinity credits). See course requirement details:
USJ elementary certification program for Trinity students (draft)
USJ secondary certification program for Trinity students (draft)
Some courses must be taken at Trinity College when available (such as Ed 200: Analyzing Schools, Psyc 295: Child Development, Psyc 236: Adolescent Psychology).
Trinity students interested in applying to the USJ certification program should first contact the Director of the Educational Studies Program at Trinity (Professor
Jack Dougherty via email or phone 860-297-2296). Then, a second appointment may be made with the USJ Certification Officer and advisor for Trinity students (
Jill Mack via email or phone 860-231-5335). Application criteria include: •minimum GPA of 2.67
•undergraduate transcripts
•selection of appropriate academic major (at Trinity)
•successful completion of PRAXIS I test (or waiver for combined SAT of 1,100 or more, with no less than 450 in either math or verbal subtest)
•two letters of recommendation (at least one from a Trinity Educational Studies faculty member)
•personal essay
•interview with USJ education faculty team
•planned program of course requirements, signed by USJ certification officer
Trinity students interested in the USJ certification program may enroll in up to 2 USJ education courses prior to applying and being accepted into the program. But they may not enroll in additional courses without USJ Education Department approval. To enroll in USJ courses via the consortium, see the Trinity Registrar.
FAQ’s about University of Saint Joseph certification program (consortium with Trinity College).
1. Can I finish my certification within four years (before graduating from Trinity)?
In most cases, if the required courses at both institutions are carefully planned, teacher candidates are able to complete both the degree and licensure program in four years. If that is not possible, teacher candidates may return to University of Saint Joseph the following semester to complete the student teaching requirement.
2. Do I have to pay extra tuition to USJ?
There is no additional expense above Trinity’s full-time tuition, since University of Saint Joseph is part of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education along with Trinity College.
3. When do I have to apply to USJ?
Students interested in pursuing teacher licensure should apply to University of Saint Joseph as soon as possible. Submit official transcripts to: Jill Mack, Licensure Officer, School of Education, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117. Then call 231-5330 to schedule an appointment to develop a teacher licensure program.
4. With what other states does Connecticut have reciprocity for certification?
The Connecticut State Department of Education has reciprocity with over 35 other states. Teacher licensure candidates seeking out of state licensure must meet all testing requirements in these states.
5. Which classes at Trinity count for the racial diversity requirement at USJ?
EDUC 309, Race, Class, and Educational Policy, or EDUC 307, Latinos in Education. Additionally, University of Saint Joseph requires EDUC 251, Teaching in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms.
6. If I study abroad, can I count education courses taken abroad toward my certification at USJ?
No. Courses taken abroad may be used to meet major and degree requirements, but licensure courses are specified on the University of Saint Joseph State-approved licensure programs in elementary and secondary education.
See also:
University of Saint Joseph's website, specifically the
Department of Education & Special Education