Program Overview

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Online: MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification

The Master of Arts in Teaching with Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification is designed for individuals passionate about teaching and ready to make a difference in the lives of middle or high school students. This program prepares students 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.

Degree Type

• Master's Degree

Program Type

• Graduate

Location

• Online

College

• Education, Health & Human Studies

Department

• Leadership, Middle, & Secondary Education

What Makes SEMO's MAT Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification Unique

The program stands out for its focus on:

• Participating in field experience and student teaching
• Working with and learning 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 individuals to enter the field of education with sought-after knowledge, qualifying them to teach in middle or high schools and inspire the next generation. An MAT with Middle and Secondary Teaching Certification also positions graduates for future career growth, such as educational leadership roles, or to pursue a doctorate.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have:

• 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
• 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
• 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.

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission will be considered if prerequisites are partially filled and GPA and testing criteria are met.

Explore Courses

The program requires 33 hours with a 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 (8)

Elective Courses

Choose 4 hours from:

• 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 and Certification Requirements

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.

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:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all required program courses
• Pass the MO Educator Evaluation System for recommendation for licensure
• Fulfill other assessments such as a dispositions profile
• Be cleared through an FBI background check

Career Opportunities

Earning a master's teaching degree allows individuals to enter the field of education with sought-after knowledge, qualifying them to teach in middle or high schools and inspire the next generation. An MAT with Middle and Secondary Teaching Certification also positions graduates for future career growth, such as educational leadership roles, or to pursue a doctorate.

Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including Dr. Lisa Bertrand, Ed.D., Professor in the Department of Leadership, Middle, and Secondary Education, who designs classes to address active student engagement with a constructivist approach to learning.

College of Education, Health and Human Studies

This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health and Human Studies, which boasts programs that train students in mind, body, and soul, preparing them for careers in teaching, healthcare, and more.

Online Learning at SEMO

Online learning at SEMO offers the same reputable college courses taught by Southeast faculty, made available anytime, anywhere, providing flexibility and support for student success.

Accreditations

SEMO is fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, ensuring the quality and standards of its education programs.

Related Programs

• Online: Master's in Teacher Leadership
• Online Master's in Elementary Education
• Online: M.A. in Exceptional Child Education
• Online: Master's in Secondary Education
• Online M.A. in Educational Leadership

These programs offer various pathways for educators to advance their careers, specializing in different areas of education, from elementary to secondary education, and into leadership roles.