Center for Academic Advising and Career Education

The Center for Academic Advising and Career Education (CAACE) offers integrated academic advising and career development services that support student success from enrollment through graduation and into post-graduate opportunities. 

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CAACE provides first-year students with access to advising, individualized career coaching, and professional development programming. Throughout their academic journey, students follow a structured four-year pathway that begins with an exploration of majors and continues through internship preparation, professional skill development, and employment or graduate school planning. CAACE promotes equitable access to experiential learning and career opportunities to foster independent and lifelong learners.

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Coaching Support Services

Coaching services support students in goal setting, time management, study planning, problem-solving, and overcoming academic barriers. Coaching is available through multiple campus partners, including Advising/Coaching, Residence Life, CHAMPS, EOF, and STAR programs.

Guiding You on Your Path to Success

Using an appreciative advising and career development model, CAACE helps students connect academic planning with career goals. 

Advisors assist with:

  • Identifying degree requirements (core, general education, and major)
  • Four-year graduation planning
  • Course selection and semester registration
  • Add/drop and course withdrawal processes
  • Major changes and academic planning
  • Petitions and academic appeals
  • Transfer and off-campus course approvals
  • Connections and referrals to campus resources (Financial Aid, OTWASS, Registrar, and other offices)

Career services prepares students for internships, employment, and graduate study.

Services include:

  • Major and career exploration as well as pathway planning
  • Résumé and cover letter development
  • Mock interviews and networking preparation
  • Job search strategy development
  • Job shadowing and informational interviews
  • Employer recruitment programs (on and off-campus)
  • Employer engagement and corporate outreach
  • Alumni mentoring
  • Career panels and employer forums
  • Faculty partnerships supporting career exploration

CAACE programming develops competencies aligned with national career readiness standards, including:

  • Career and self-development
  • Professional communication skills
  • Critical thinking and decision-making
  • Equity and inclusion awareness
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Professionalism and workplace readiness
  • Technology and digital career tools

Big Interview is the world’s leading job interview training platform, available to all students and supporting every stage of the job search.

  • Mock interviews: Practice general or industry-specific questions, record responses, and receive real-time feedback.
  • Resume review: Upload your resume for expert feedback to improve your employer appeal.
  • Tailored tracks: Guidance for entry-level through specialized career paths.
  • Career resources: Training on interviewing, resumes, networking, negotiation, and more.

What Can I Do With This Major?  features 100 major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Scroll to the bottom of each profile for links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources.

Advisors are available in person and virtually.

Students can:

  • Log in to NEST 
  • Schedule appointments through Navigate (Academic) and Handshake (Career)
  • Email bc-aace@montclair.edu 
  • Call 973-655-2869

All first-year and undeclared students are assigned a professional advisor. Advisor information is available in Degree Works and the Navigate Success Network.

Credits and Graduation

  • A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits
  • Students should complete 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years
  • 12 credits are considered full-time (required for housing, athletics, and many scholarships)
  • Courses are typically 2–4 credits (some Nursing courses exceed 4)

Class Standing

  • Freshman: 0–29 credits
  • Sophomore: 30–59 credits
  • Junior: 60–89 credits
  • Senior: 90+ credits

Course Changes

  • Add/Drop: first week of the semester (advisor consultation required)
  • Withdrawals: must be reviewed with an advisor due to financial aid, academic progress, and eligibility implications

Transfer Courses
Students with fewer than 60 credits may transfer approved courses from a county college; juniors must take courses at a four-year institution. A minimum 2.0 GPA and an off-campus course approval form are required.

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