A master’s degree in elementary education can assist your leadership and growth in a teaching career.
Online: MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification
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Whether you're a career changer or already have some teaching experience, our Master of Arts in Teaching with Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification is designed for you.
If you are passionate about teaching and ready to make a difference in the lives of middle or high school students, take the next step! It doesn't matter if you have a non-teaching bachelors, gain the tools, knowledge, and credentials needed to become an effective educator in grades 6-12.
Since SEMO has been preparing educators since 1873, you can feel confident in our history, our reputation, and our accreditation. We're fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
What Makes SEMO's MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification Unique:
The Master of Arts in Teaching program with a certification in middle or secondary teaching prepares you to create curriculum and instructional material development, integrate technology, develop a classroom management plan, assess students, and build effective relationships with students, families, and educational partners. More specifically, you’ll drive real change:
- Participate in field experience and student teaching.
- Work with and learn from faculty with practical experience and an interest in student success.
What Can You Do with an Online MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification Degree?
Earning a master’s teaching degree allows you to enter the field of education with sought-after knowledge, qualifying you to teach in middle or high schools and inspire the next generation. An MAT with Middle and Secondary Teaching Certification will also position you for future career growth such as educational leadership roles, or to get your doctorate.
Education is in high demand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment opportunities for middle school and high school teachers are expected to grow by 4%.
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Online: MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification Degree Map
This is where you find your fearless.
Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification by the Numbers
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$71K
Middle School Teachers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for middle school teachers is $71,460.
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$77k
Instructional Coordinators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for instructional coordinators is $77,200.
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$111k
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for education administrators in kindergarten through secondary is $111,020.
Turn Ambition into Action
The time it takes to earn a degree will vary based on factors such as dual enrollment, remediation, and summer enrollment. Students meet with an academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their progress.
In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have the following:
International applicants must also have a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.0, TOEFL iBT score of 95, PTE Academic score of 64 or Duolingo English score of 125. This requirement is for non-United States citizens who are not native English speakers. Students from countries where English is known to be the official language of education are exempt from English proficiency verification.
- For certification grades 9-12: BA or BS degree in the content area or closely related field that meets the required core competencies for the license.
- Licensure areas include agriculture, art, biology, business, chemistry, English, family and consumer sciences, mathematics, instrumental and vocal music, physical education, physics, social studies, technology and engineering, world languages OR For certification grades 5-9: BA or BS degree in the content area or 24 credit hours of completed courses that meet the required content competences for that license.
- Licensure areas include language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
- An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and specific content GPA of 3.0
- Passage of the Missouri Content Assessment in an appropriate area as defined by the Department of Leadership, Middle, and Secondary Education. Must pass before recommendation for certification.
- Completion of PY222 Adolescent Development or similar to the Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Completion of EX390/635 Psychology and Education of Children with Exceptionalities or similar course
International applicants must also have a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.0, TOEFL iBT score of 95, PTE Academic score of 64 or Duolingo English score of 125. This requirement is for non-United States citizens who are not native English speakers. Students from countries where English is known to be the official language of education are exempt from English proficiency verification.
Provisional Admission
Provisional admission will be considered if prerequisites are partially filled and GPA and testing criteria are met.
33 hours required – 3.0 GPA Required
Required Courses:
- SE602 Effective Literacy Instruction at the Middle and Secondary Levels (3)
- SE612 Responsive Literacy for Middle and High School Studentswith Academic Challenges (3)
- SE650 Introduction to Teaching Methods in Middle and SecondarySchools (3)
- SE651 Introductory Practicum 1 in Middle and SecondarySchools (3)
- SE654 Advanced Methods of Teaching in Middle and SecondarySchools (3)
- SE656 Techniques of Teaching Middle or Secondary Content (3)
- SE660 Intermediate Practicum 2 in Middle and SecondarySchools (3)
- SE670 Internship in Middle and Secondary Schools (8)
Choose 4 hours:
- SE652 Intermediate Methods of Teaching in Middle Schools (4)
- SE653 Intermediate Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools (4)
Choose one with advice of program coordinator:
- GR698 Master’s Final Comprehensive Examination (0)
- GR699 Master’s Oral Examination (0)
Degree Requirements
The field experience component requires practicums within the appropriate certification grade-band and content area. These will occur during the mornings and/or afternoons. The field work must be completed in approved settings, under the supervision of a certified teacher and qualified university supervisor. This field work may be completed in the graduate student’s workplace if the setting meets the requirements.Certification
The state of Missouri has high expectations for future educators. Students must meet the following standards to be recommended for licensure following degree completion. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all required program courses. In addition, students must pass the MO Educator Evaluation System for recommendation for licensure and fulfill other assessments such as a dispositions profile and be cleared through an FBI background check.
What will it cost?
Dr. Lisa Bertrand, Ed.D.
Professor in the Department of Leadership, Middle and Secondary Education
In order to promote a sense of community and collaboration, I design each class to address active student engagement where my philosophy centers on the constructivist approach to learning.
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College of Education, Health and Human Studies
This program is housed in the College of Education, Health and Human Studies, where students prepare for careers that change lives. Whether you want to educate, improve health, support individuals and families, or help communities thrive, you'll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact.
Earn Your Degree on Your Schedule.
Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.
Online Learning at SEMO
When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at SEMO takes the same reputable college courses taught by SEMO faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.
Accreditations
Getting the Job
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. SEMO's Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. Our boldly supportive team will provide the expertise and support you need, so you're landing your dream job.
Additional Resources
Related Programs
A degree in educational leadership can prepare you to advance your education career into an administration role such as principal or superintendent.
A degree in exceptional child education can prepare you for a teaching career working with elementary and early childhood for students with special learning needs.
A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can grow your skills and knowledge as a high school teacher. You can choose two options: Educational Studies or Educational Technology.
A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction can grow your skills and knowledge as a high school teacher. You can choose two options: Educational Studies or Educational Technology.
A degree in teacher leadership can help advance your teaching career by building your instructional skills and knowledge.
Take the Next Step
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Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701