Follow Your Calling to Teach
You studied what you love for your undergraduate degree, and now you’re called to do more. Put that passion to good use in a career as a teacher. Our schools need teachers who know their subjects. Let Belhaven’s MAT prepare you for a career as an educator, ready to work in K-12 classrooms.
It’s called the “alternate route,” because it’s a way to become a licensed teacher in Mississippi without earning an undergraduate degree in education. You build on your prior experience to become a professional educator who can provide distinctive Christian leadership and service in the classroom, the school, and the community. It’s all online, so you complete coursework around your work and family hours.
Get ready to challenge yourself and refocus your career. Mississippi’s children need you.
Teacher Certification in Two Years or Less
Why You’ll Love the MAT Program at Belhaven
High Demand
The need for confident, inspiring teachers has never been greater.
Caring Mentors
Our experienced faculty guide you through your courses step by step.
Accreditation
The Belhaven University School of Education is approved by the Mississippi Board of Education to offer teacher education programs.
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.
$400 Scholarship
Per Class for Mississippi Teachers
National Recognition
Continually honored by Colleges of Distinction for our innovative approaches
140 Years of Expertise
A leader in Christian education since 1883
100% Online
7-week courses, taught year-round
Being Prepared for the Future
Belhaven not only prepared Anthony to be a successful teacher in the classroom, but also integrated his faith with the curriculum and showed him the greater good for his personal life and vocation. Upon graduating from Belhaven, he said, “I know that I am going to be prepared for my future.”
Teacher of the Month: Keshia Jackson
Keisha made a career change in her 26th year of employment. Because of the educational foundation that Belhaven gave her in the Master of Arts in Teaching program, she’s been recognized by her district as an outstanding teacher in her first year of teaching.
Two Degree Paths
Earn Your Mississippi Teaching License
Ready to become a certified teacher? It’s officially called the Mississippi Alternate Route Teacher License.
Candidates for this program choose one of two paths: the K-6 elementary level or the grades 7-12 secondary level. In addition to coursework in classroom management and specific teaching strategies, you complete two residencies for field-based experience.
- MAT- ELM/K-6: Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary K-6 Degree Plan Sheet (pdf)
- MAT-SEC/7-12: Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary 7-12 Degree Plan Sheet (pdf)
View the Professional Licensure Programs page for more information since the professional licensure requirements vary from state to state.
The Knowledge Base of Teaching & Learning
The Master of Arts in Teaching non-licensure track is perfect for gaining the skills and competencies you need to become a teacher. While this degree does not meet the requirements for state teacher certification, you have the option of changing to a licensed degree if you wish.
Coursework covers classroom management, curriculum planning, foundations of reading, and more; field-based residencies are not required.
When you’re admitted to the MAT/NON-LICENSURE degree program, you’re eligible for federal financial aid.
Two Degree Paths
Earn Your Mississippi Teaching License
Ready to become a certified teacher? It’s officially called the Mississippi Alternate Route Teacher License.
Candidates for this program choose one of two paths: the K-6 elementary level or the grades 7-12 secondary level. In addition to coursework in classroom management and specific teaching strategies, you complete two residencies for field-based experience.
- MAT- ELM/K-6: Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary K-6 Degree Plan Sheet (pdf)
- MAT-SEC/7-12: Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary 7-12 Degree Plan Sheet (pdf)
View the Professional Licensure Programs page for more information since the professional licensure requirements vary from state to state.
The Knowledge Base of Teaching & Learning
The Master of Arts in Teaching non-licensure track is perfect for gaining the skills and competencies you need to become a teacher. While this degree does not meet the requirements for state teacher certification, you have the option of changing to a licensed degree if you wish.
Coursework covers classroom management, curriculum planning, foundations of reading, and more; field-based residencies are not required.
When you’re admitted to the MAT/NON-LICENSURE degree program, you’re eligible for federal financial aid.
Working & Learning: Lashona Hendrix
Lashona met her goal of becoming certified for a five-year teaching license even while she was working full time.
The MAT at Belhaven: What You Need to Know
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be admitted to the MAT 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.
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.
Licenses vary, depending on where you are in your education and in your teaching experience. They can be good for three to five years, and the class of license tells prospective employers about your experience.
Provisional Alternate Route Teaching License (Three Years)
A qualified candidate is required to only take the following three courses to qualify for the Three-Year Provisional Alternate Route Teaching License:
- EDU 501 Measurement and Evaluation Strategies,
- EDU 506 Classroom Management and Organization, and
- EDU 602 Psychology of the Exceptional Child.
Class A Standard License (Five Years)
After completing one (1) year of teaching and while enrolled in two semesters of Teacher Residency courses EDU 502 and EDU 503, a candidate may apply for a Class A standard (5 year) license.
Class AA Standard License (Five Years)
Upon completion of the MAT program, a graduate can apply for a Class AA standard five-year license.
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.
Classroom Leadership Scholarship: If you’re pursuing your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through alternate route certification courses, you qualify for a $400 per course Classroom Leadership Scholarship. The award can’t be combined with other Belhaven scholarships. For more information, speak with your admission officer or financial aid representative.
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