Share Your Gifts in Our Schools
Put your bachelor’s degree to work as a servant leader in your community schools. Earning your educator certification is easy — Belhaven University has the convenient online classes you need to start teaching school in Mississippi in less than a year.
Your courses will cover classroom management, evaluation strategies, legal and social issues, and more. Mentoring during Teacher Residency courses gives you valuable support as you navigate your first years of teaching.
Schools across the state and around the country need caring, confident experts like you. Get started today.
Mississippi Alternate Teacher Certification Online
Alternate Teacher Certification at Belhaven: It’s That Easy
High Demand for Talented Teachers
The need for teachers has never been greater. The time for answering your call to service is now.
Accomplished Mentors
Our highly qualified faculty members have many years of experience in K-12 classrooms.
A Legacy of Service
Belhaven University has been training teachers since 1883.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
How Teacher Licensing in Mississippi Works
| License Level | License Term | How to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Provisional | 3 years |
|
| Class A Standard | 5 years |
|
| Class AA Standard | No term |
|
Online Teacher Certification: What You Need to Know
Applicants must meet the following to be admitted to the program:
GPA or Test Requirements
- 3.0 cumulative GPA on last 60 hours of undergraduate/graduate work; OR
- 21 ACT higher or qualifying SAT score; OR
- Required passing scores on Praxis Core Test
PRAXIS II Testing
Prior to admission, applicants must pass a PRAXIS II Test in an approved content/subject area that aligns with the Belhaven University School of Education’s MAT program approved by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to permit the School of Education to make recommendations for the MDE Three-Year Alternate License. (pdf)
Applying for admission to Belhaven’s online graduate programs is quick and easy. When you have all your supporting documentation ready, just complete and submit our online application form.
These rates are for August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.
| Program | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Teaching | $615 |
| Classroom Leadership Scholarship Rate | $477 |
Classroom Leadership Scholarships are available for Mississippi teachers. Scholarships are applied to candidates who are enrolled in the Master of Arts in teaching program and are worth $400 per class.
Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.
The Master of Arts in Teaching/Mississippi Alternate Route Licensure degree is for individuals with a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree in a content area other than Education who want to become a licensed teacher in Mississippi. Belhaven University Graduate School of Education's MAT Degree – Mississippi Alternate Route Licensure program has been specifically developed to meet the rigorous standards set by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). Mississippi. This degree does not fulfill licensure requirements in any other state.
After obtaining a Mississippi Teacher License, individuals completing the program may pursue reciprocity with other states if they plan to seek employment elsewhere. This process may necessitate additional assessments or the fulfillment of specific requirements set by the respective state's education board.
- IMPORTANT: Each state/jurisdiction is responsible for its own certification/licensure requirements, which may change without notice to the Belhaven University School of Education’s certification officer or state office of certification.
- In addition to being advised by a Belhaven University School of Education authority and signing the Belhaven University School of Education Disclosure Attestation Agreement, each teacher candidate should contact the state office of certification to which they may be relocating to confirm the most up-to-date information on certification requirements. The following web link is to assist you in locating the state agency that is responsible for licensure in each state: Teaching Certification Website or Professional Licensure Directory Professional Licensure Directory.
Teacher Candidates - Please Note:
Moving your license to another state is always easier if you hold an existing license from the state that approved your educator preparation program.
Additional licensure information can be found at School of ED Licensure Disclosure.
Comprehensive Curriculum
After you get your initial 3-year teaching license and obtain a Mississippi teaching position in your licensed area, please follow the link below to submit your petition to be accepted into the appropriate Teacher Residency course.
- Teacher Residency I (Fall semester only)
- Teacher Residency II (Spring semester only)
After you get your initial 3-year teaching license and obtain a Mississippi teaching position in your licensed area, please follow the link below to submit your petition to be accepted into the appropriate Teacher Residency course.
- Teacher Residency I (Fall semester only)
- Teacher Residency II (Spring semester only)
Meet the Dean
Contact Us
Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:5