Careers and Outcomes

A music teacher speaks to her class.

Apply your expertise in the classroom

Thinking about becoming a certified teacher?

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree prepares you for the classroom and a better payday.

Become a great teacher

If you don’t have a background in education, but now want to teach, the MAT program is a great option.

All you need to qualify for the MAT program is a bachelor’s degree related to the area you want to teach. Turn your knowledge of science, languages, the fine arts and other areas into a teaching career.

Through the MAT program, you’ll achieve two career milestones:

  • Be certified to teach at the K-12 or 9-12 level in Missouri.
  • Earn a master’s degree, which increases your salary potential.

Enjoy a career where you teach a topic that you’re passionate about.

Solving Missouri’s teacher shortage

The state of Missouri needs more certified teachers. No school produces them like the Bears.

Job growth

7-8%

Projected job growth for teaching positions in Missouri over the next decade.
Source: Teach Missouri
Teacher pipeline

#1

MSU is the biggest – and best – school for future teachers in the state.
Join the next generation of educators

Shifting online to remove barriers

Best of all: You can complete your MAT course work online with the exception of the internship courses which require field experiences in a classroom for your certification area in an accredited school district.

The online format means you can:

  • Work full-time as you complete the online portion of your MAT degree. The practicum and student teaching internships will be for a full semester, 16 weeks. Student teaching takes place full-time in a classroom of your certification area, typically Monday through Friday for 40 hours per week. 
  • Or, start your career early with a provisional teaching certificate while you earn the MAT degree and regular teacher certification.

You can complete the MAT degree from anywhere in Missouri.

MAT Certification Areas