Frequently Asked Questions

This program is a great fit if you want to earn a master’s degree and pursue teacher certification in one of the following areas:

• Art K-12
• Biology 9-12
• Business 9-12
• Chemistry 9-12
• Chinese K-12
• Earth Science 9-12
• English 9-12
• Family & Consumer Science K-12
• French K-12
• German K-12
• Japanese K-12
• Language Arts 5-9
• Latin K-12
• Mathematics 9-12
• Mathematics 5-9
• Music Instrumental K-12
• Music Vocal/Choral K-12
• Physical Education K-12
• Physics 9-12
• Science 5-9
• Social Science 9-12
• Social Science 5-9
• Spanish K-12
• Speech & Theater 9-12

If you already have your teacher certification in Missouri or any other state, this is not the program for you. Refer to Missouri State’s other graduate programs in education.

You can complete all your MAT course work online. Your MAT practicum (75 hours) and student teaching (full-time for 16 weeks) are completed in a K-12 classroom.

You must complete content area courses until you earn a passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) or the current DESE required certification test. You should take the content assessment before the end of your first semester and must pass this test before enrolling in the student teaching course.

Content area courses may be seated or online.

Apply through GradCAS! Review the application and admission steps.

Get ready for more details and information to head your way.

• You’ll receive notification of your acceptance status into the MAT program.
• You’ll receive acknowledgement from MSU’s Professional Education Services.
• Your academic advisor will complete a transcript analysis and design a customized study plan for you.
• Meet with your advisor to discuss your study plan and schedule.

Meet with your advisor, complete paperwork and meet grade requirements in your courses.

• Register for courses as soon as possible after meeting with your advisor.
• Complete two background checks – the Missouri Volunteer and Employee Criminal History Service (MOVECHS) waiver and the FBI fingerprinting background check – before starting your second semester.
• Take the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) or the DESE required certification test before starting your second semester. You must pass the content assessment before enrolling in the student teaching course. 
• Complete compliance document requirements.
• Meet the MAT program’s grade requirements.
  • If you’ve started the MAT program prior to the fall 2022 semester, you will follow the graduate college final grade policy.
  • If you’ve started the MAT program in or after the fall 2022 semester, you must obtain a “B” or higher in all your MAT courses. A B-minus (B-) grade is not a ‘B or higher.’
• Earn a minimum 3.0 professional education grade point average (GPA) for certification.
• Complete an education research project and presentation, which satisfies the comprehensive examination requirement for the MAT degree.

This program contains internet-based courses and does not meet the requirements for seated/blended coursework that may be necessary for eligibility for individual student situations such as aid or visa status.

Typically, student teaching outside the United States is not approved.

Student teaching takes place in a classroom of your certification area and grade level. Student teaching is 16 weeks in a DESE accredited school for full days Monday through Friday. Student teaching outside the United States is not approved for the MAT program. 

More information about out of area student teaching can be found on the out of area student teaching website.

The MAT practicum course requires 75 hours of classroom observation, which includes teaching, reflective journals, and other coursework. The practicum must be completed in a DESE accredited classroom that matches your content certification area and grade level.