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Master of Arts in Teaching

If you have a bachelor’s degree OR have already passed the Praxis in a field taught in high school, you could earn your teaching certificate and a Master of Arts in Teaching in as little as one year.

Education

Master of Arts in Teaching at William Jewell

Those currently working as teachers of record on temporary/provisional certificates can use this program to complete their coursework for initial teacher certification in the State of Missouri. This program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as an Alternative Certification Program.

Billy J. Bird, the William Jewell College mascot, posing with wings spread open, framed in a circular cutout with campus trees and a red phone booth in the background.

Interests & Attributes:

  • Education
  • Passionate
  • Problem Solver

Goals for Student Learning

Jewell’s program helps you apply your existing professional knowledge and experience to teaching. You’ll work in school classrooms immediately and learn how to teach students effectively from experienced master teachers.

The Timeframe

  • Full-time program starts in the summer and can be completed in one calendar year.
  • Part-time program can be started at any semester and can be completed in two years or less.
  • Evening, weekend and hybrid classes accommodate adult learner schedules.

The Program

  • Full-time Jewell Education professors work closely with you to mentor and support coursework, fieldwork, student teaching and beyond.
  • Includes both undergraduate and graduate coursework to achieve teacher certification and completion of the graduate degree.
  • Cost is $534/credit hour (2026-27). See tuition and fees.
  • Candidates must pass the appropriate Praxis to be eligible for Certification.

The Outcome

Immediately upon completion, you can be teaching in K-12 schools. Most MAT student teachers have jobs secured prior to the end of student teaching. Visit any regional school and you’ll find a vital presence of William Jewell graduates teaching.

While completing this program, you will build a strong network with your cohort and will make connections with alumni in the field.


“Jewell professors instill the ideals of hard work, doing what’s best for kids and thinking outside the box. They taught me the importance of trying new things in the classroom, and I’m piloting a new class in business after two years as a teacher.”

Abby Rowan Nickel, ’17, 6th grade science teacher in Wentzville, Missouri, School District

Curriculum Guides

Jewell’s M.A.T. degree is 30 graduate hours (500 course level and above). Total credits for certification vary depending upon prior credits that may apply. If you have no prior credits, you will complete 47 credits for your M.A.T. degree and certification for all areas except music, which requires between 54 and 60 depending on specialization.

Education Faculty

Find Your Place at William Jewell