Mississippi Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, or non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. In Mississippi, there are three main alternative certification routes for prospective teachers with a bachelor’s degree but no certification or license. These pathways are the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI), and the American Board Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE). In addition, Mississippi has alternate routes for career and technical education teachers (CTE). If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, see our guide to traditional route certification in Mississippi. Otherwise, continue reading to find out more about alternative route programs in the state.
Table of Contents
- Mississippi Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Best Alternative Certification Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
Candidates for Mississippi alternative teacher licensure must have a bachelor’s degree and meet one of the following testing requirements:
- Have a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests
- Have a score of 21 or higher on the ACT/SAT or equivalent
- Have a 3.0 overall GPA on their bachelor’s degree transcript or last 60 hours of course credit
Mississippi alternative teacher preparation and training programs can be completed in as little as one year. Most pathways allow candidates to lead a classroom while completing the required program. Candidates may also elect to pursue a master’s degree in teaching, education, or an academic subject that includes an approved certification program.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Mississippi
Alternative teacher certification in Mississippi typically requires testing, a training program and/or formal coursework, and a one-year teaching internship. Note that each path may be limited to licensure in certain grade levels and subject areas only. You can find further information through the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE).
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence licensure is available in biology, chemistry, English, math, and physics for grades 7-12. Those with a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or equivalent ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core scores) who have passed the related Praxis Subject Test can earn a one-year license by completing the American Board program, being hired by a Mississippi school, and applying to the MDE for a one-year, non-renewable Initial Alternate Teaching License. Under this license, candidates will take the Mississippi e-Learning for Educators eight-week online course or nine hours of MAT graduate-level courses, complete a one-year mentoring program, and apply to the MDE to upgrade to a five-year Standard Teaching License.
Career and Technical Education Licensure
Career and technical education (CTE) licensure is available in the secondary grades for candidates with an associate degree or higher and expertise in the content area to be taught. Candidates must also pass the appropriate Praxis exams and have at least one year of full-time occupational experience. Candidates who meet these requirements may be issued a three-year Vocational License. To earn a five-year renewable Standard License, candidates must enroll in a Vocational Instructor Preparation (VIP) program and complete an individualized professional development plan (PDP).
Master of Arts in Teaching Licensure
Candidates for Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) licensure must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA in the coursework for the requested content area or achieve a minimum qualifying score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests, ACT, or SAT. They must also pass the Praxis Subject Test in their desired endorsement area. After completing six graduate credit hours through an approved MAT program, candidates can apply for a non-renewable three-year Teacher Resident License which allows them to teach while continuing graduate work. Once the MAT program is completed candidates may apply for a renewable five-year Standard Teaching License.
Teach Mississippi Institute
The Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) pathway to licensure is open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core score, a GPA of at least 2.75 in undergraduate coursework for the requested content area, and who have passed the Praxis Subject Test in their desired endorsement area. Candidates attend either an eight-week intensive summer training session or an online program through the University of Mississippi to qualify for a one-year internship license. During the teaching internship candidates complete a mentorship and induction program. Candidates who complete those steps and are recommended by a local school district for licensure may earn a Five-Year Teaching License.
Testing Requirements for Mississippi Alternative Certification
Candidates for all alternative pathways in Mississippi must have a minimum score on the ACT, SAT, or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests to meet eligibility requirements. They must also pass the Praxis Subject Tests related to the endorsements sought.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Reciprocity in Mississippi is possible for teachers who hold an out-of-state certification. In most cases, two-year and five-year licenses are offered through reciprocity. For more specific information on transferring teacher certification between states, see our guide to teacher certification reciprocity or contact the MDE.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Mississippi
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by the MDE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcorn State University* | CAEP | Master’s | 5 | 2 | N.Av. | $17,938 |
| Belhaven University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 138 | 44 | 95% | $18,324 |
| Delta State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 18 | 6 | N.Av. | $14,299 |
| Jackson State University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 68 | 24 | 95% | $14,915 |
| Mississippi State University-Meridian* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 147 | 52 | 98% | $16,402 |
| Mississippi University for Women* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 1 | 1 | N.Av. | $13,023 |
| Mississippi Valley State University* | CAEP | Master’s | 55 | 6 | N.Av. | $11,064 |
| University of Mississippi* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 71 | 31 | 100% | $13,540 |
| University of Southern Mississippi* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 37 | 13 | N.Av. | $14,794 |
| William Carey University* | CAEP | Alternative, Master’s | 275 | 122 | 89% | $14,834 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Best Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Mississippi
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Mississippi. The following schools all reported 100% pass rates for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- University of Mississippi (Alternative, Master’s)4
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Mississippi based on the shortest possible time to completion. The shortest alternative certification programs are often the most affordable because they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Belhaven University (12 months)
- William Carey University (12 months)
- Delta State University (13 months)
- University of Southern Mississippi (16 months)
Additional Resources
- American Board Certification for Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Mississippi: Provides an alternate route for candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree and commit to a teaching engagement.
- ETS Praxis for Alternate Route Programs: Overview of certification exams required for alternate route candidates in Mississippi.
- MDE Office of Career and Technical Education: Guidelines for career and technical education teachers and teacher candidates.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Mississippi Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Mississippi Department of Education: https://mdek12.org/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/