Master of Arts in Teaching

If you have a bachelor’s degree OR have already passed the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) 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. This program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as an Alternative Certification Program.

How does the M.A.T. program work?

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 June 1 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 $525/credit hour (2023-24). See Cost of Attendance.
• Candidates must pass the appropriate Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) 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.

Teacher Certifications

Jewell's M.A.T. Program offers certifications for high school teaching in these areas:

• Art (K-12)
• Biology (9-12)
• Business (9-12)
• Chemistry (9-12)
• Chinese (K-12)
• Earth Science (9-12)
• English (9-12)
• Family and Consumer Sciences (K-12)
• French (K-12)
• German (K-12)
• Health (K-12)
• Journalism (9-12)
• Marketing (9-12)
• Mathematics (9-12)
• Music - Instrumental (K-12)
• Music - Vocal (K-12)
• Physical Education (K-12)
• Physics (9-12)
• Social Science (9-12)
• Spanish (K-12)
• Speech & Theatre (9-12; includes Debate)

Admission Requirements

William Jewell College seeks candidates for this program who desire to be teacher leaders. Candidates will be critical thinkers of high character who are dedicated to the profession of teaching.

To be admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching at William Jewell College, applicants must meet the following requirements and provide appropriate documentation:

• A completed Application for Admission.
• An official transcript from a regionally-accredited college or university showing the awarding of a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree.
• Evidence of content knowledge in area(s) of intended certification, as demonstrated by:
  • Undergraduate major or advanced degree in a field that is related to the prospective teaching area
  • OR GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in qualifying content area coursework, as outlined by the State of Missouri Certification Requirements
  • OR Passing Score on the Missouri State Content Assessment (MoCA) at the time of Admission.
• Official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended, whether as an undergraduate or graduate student and whether credit was awarded.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale in any previously completed education coursework.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0, based on a 4.0 scale, in the content area(s) most closely related to the prospective teaching field.
• A professional résumé/curriculum vitae.
• Complete a structured teacher interview.
• Submit a timeline and plan for passing the Missouri State Content Assessment (MoCA) in the prospective teaching field. The MoCA must be passed to obtain a teaching certificate in Missouri.