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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, you'll still gain the tools, knowledge, and credentials you'll need to become an effective educator in grades 6-12.

Since Southeast 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 have the opportunity to: 

  • 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. You'll be fully qualified 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%.

Online: MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification by the Numbers

  • $71K

    Middle School Teachers

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for middle school teachers is $71,460.

  • $77k

    Instructional Coordinators

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for instructional coordinators is $77,200.

  • $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.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 competencies for that license:
    • Math – 24 hours of math including courses in College Algebra, Geometry, and Applied or Pre-Calculus.
    • Science – 24 hours of science with a minimum of 8 hours of physical and 8 hours of life science courses.
  3. An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and specific content GPA of 3.0
  4. Passage of the Missouri Content Assessment in an appropriate area as defined by the Department of Leadership, Middle, and Secondary Education
  5. Completion of PY222 Adolescent Development or similar to the Child and Adolescent Psychology
  6. 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 the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand 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.

37 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 Students with Academic Challenges (3)
  • SE650 Introduction to Teaching Methods in Middle and Secondary Schools (3)
  • SE651 Introductory Practicum 1 in Middle and Secondary Schools (3)
  • SE654 Advanced Methods of Teaching in Middle and Secondary Schools (3)
  • SE656 Techniques of Teaching Middle or Secondary Content (3)  
  • SE660 Intermediate Practicum 2 in Middle and Secondary Schools (3)
  • SE670 Internship in Middle and Secondary Schools (12)

Choose 4 hours:

  • SE652 Intermediate Methods of Teaching in Middle Schools (4)
  • SE653 Intermediate Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools (4)

Choose one with the advice of the 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 fieldwork must be completed in approved settings, under the supervision of a certified teacher and qualified university supervisor.  This fieldwork 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 fulfill other assessments such as a dispositions profile, and be cleared through an FBI background check.

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. "

Dr. Lisa Bertrand, Ed.D.

Headshot of Dr. Lisa Bertrand, Ed.D.

College of Education, Health and Human Studies

This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies. The college boasts programs that train students in mind, body, and soul. So, whether you want to teach, to care, to support, or to fix, we have a program to get you there.

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 Southeast

When it comes to your success, we do whatever it takes. Online learning at Southeast takes the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty and makes them available anytime, anywhere.

Accreditations

  • Apple Distinguished School logo
  • CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) logo

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Phone
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Take the Next Step