Delta State University offers a comprehensive online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program tailored for individuals without a background or degree in education. This high-quality program equips you with the essential skills to confidently enter their first classroom, as a teacher, across grades K-12. Students undergo two semesters of internship, earning a Class A teacher’s salary, and must pass Mississippi’s licensure exams to obtain your teaching license. Upon completion, you will receive a five-year renewable license and Class AA pay. This program also offers a pathway for those interested in a graduate degree in education, without seeking licensure.
100%
Online
13
Month Program
(Includes 2 semesters of internship.)
100%
Employment Rate After Graduation
Why Get an Online Teaching Master’s Degree at DSU?
The Teaching master’s program at Delta State University is designed to address the critical teacher shortage in the state of Mississippi. The program prepares individuals without a degree or background in education to become highly qualified teachers who can teach across elementary grades 4-6 (with the ability to teach K-3 upon completion), secondary grades 7-12, and specialized subjects.
An internship is a requirement for students who want to become licensed teachers. Non-licensure tracks are available if you are already licensed or simply desire a master’s degree. With all courses available online, the MAT program ensures flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments while preparing to make a difference in education.
- Applications accepted year round
- Advising available online
- Caring and supportive advisors
- No teaching experience required
- No teaching licensure requirement
- Cohort-based
- Two semesters of internship
- Three required courses before internship
- Innovative instruction
- Years of classroom experience by faculty
Concentrations in the M.A.T.
Elementary
The Elementary concentration is offered online and focuses on acquiring the skills needed to become highly qualified elementary teachers. Candidates intern for two semesters in a grade 4-6 classroom and are eligible to teach grades K-3 upon completing the MAT Program. Before interning, candidates must pass Praxis II 5018 and Mississippi’s Foundations of Reading exams. Elementary candidates learn comprehensive teaching strategies encompassing reading instruction, STEM education, and special education.
Secondary
The Secondary concentration is offered online and focuses on developing the skills required to excel as highly qualified teachers in grades 7-12, choosing from various content areas. Before interning, candidates must pass the content area-specific Praxis II exam. Secondary candidates engage in coursework that delves into secondary curriculum, effective teaching practices in their chosen content area, classroom management, assessment techniques, and special education strategies.
Special Subjects
The Special Subjects concentration is offered online and prepares students to teach grades K-12. Special Subjects covers areas such as Physical Education (PE), Art, and Music. Before interning, candidates must pass the appropriate Praxis II exam. Special Subjects candidates follow the secondary curriculum tailored to their respective fields.
Elementary (Non-Licensure)
The Elementary (Non-licensure) concentration is offered online and is for licensed elementary teachers seeking a master’s degree in education. However, any admitted candidate may opt for non-licensure. Non-licensure candidates follow the elementary curriculum and select approved electives to replace the internship courses.
Secondary (Non-Licensure)
The Secondary (Non-licensure) concentration is offered online and is for licensed secondary teachers pursuing a master’s degree in education. However, any admitted candidate may opt for non-licensure. Non-licensure candidates follow the secondary curriculum and choose approved electives in lieu of internship courses.
What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Teaching?
With an M.A. in Teaching, you can pursue a variety of career paths in the field of education. This degree primarily prepares you for roles as a certified classroom teacher in elementary, middle, or high schools, allowing you to specialize in specific subject areas. Additionally, a teaching master’s degree can open doors to leadership positions such as instructional coordinators, curriculum developers, or educational consultants. Some graduates may also choose to work in educational research or policy-making, contributing to the improvement of educational systems and practices. Overall, an M.A. degree in Teaching provides the skills and credentials needed to enter and advance in educational careers and make a significant impact on student learning and development.
”The MAT program offered me a unique opportunity to enhance my critical thinking and research skills, which have been essential to my professional growth. The program's focus on inclusivity and diverse perspectives has helped me become a more well-rounded and effective professional. I am grateful for the experience and honored to have been part of the MAT program.
KinKem Betts, Class of 20231st Grade Teacher, Shadow Oaks Elementary School
Program Goals
The goal of the MAT Program is to provide high quality instruction together with an intensive internship guided by a knowledgeable DSU supervisor to prepare candidates not only to teach, but to become educational leaders. Through coursework and internship, candidates are able to apply theory and research to their practice to become teachers engaged in innovative teaching and learning.
Admission Requirements
In addition to submitting an official application to the Delta State University Office of Graduate Studies and meeting general admission requirements for the Graduate School, applicants must submit a completed Master of Arts in Teaching Admission Portfolio that includes the following:
A. Official verification of completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regional, national, or international accredited institution;
B. Official documentation of having passed the Core Academic Skills for Educators Examination by making the scores required by the Mississippi Department of Education on the subtests of reading, writing and mathematics (Not applicable to the Non-Licensure track), or documentation of a score of at least 21 on the ACT, or a 3.0 cumulative GPA on the bachelor’s degree;
C. Documentation of having passed the Praxis II Specialty Area test by making the score required by the Mississippi Department of Education in the content area; For the elementary (4-6) license only, also documentation of passing score on The Mississippi Foundations of Reading test (Not applicable to the NonLicensure track);
D. A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75;
E. A computer-generated essay of 250 words: Why you want to teach and what you think you have to contribute to the field of education;
F. Admitted students are required to enroll in 9 hours of initial course work as specified by the program of study. (Prior approval is required). NOTE: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for the first 6 hours and a minimum of a 3.0 after the first 12 hours. A student who does not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement will be removed from the program.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed in the spring of each year, with a new cohort beginning study each June/first summer session.
Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE)*
| TEST NAME | TEST CODE | PASSING SCORE |
| Reading | 5713 | 156 |
| Writing | 5723 | 162 |
| Mathematics | 5733 | 130 |
*Effective 9/1/2019
Praxis Requirements
Elementary: Praxis Core (reading, writing, and math) and (5018), and Mississippi Foundations of Reading
Secondary: Praxis Core (reading, writing, and math) and Praxis II in the subject area chosen to teach
**An overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or an ACT composite score of 21 or higher or an SAT score of 1060 or higher will substitute for the Praxis Core.
If candidates have not passed the Praxis exams upon admission to the MAT program, they may be admitted as a non-licensure student. Completing the program through this route does not lead to teacher certification – only a master’s degree. Students must have passing scores on the required Praxis exams in order to switch to the licensure route and to complete the internships.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 on the bachelor’s degree is required for admission to MAT.
A teaching position must be secured for completion of the Internships.
Praxis II Test
Praxis II scores will be used for admission into the program. The Praxis may also be taken/passed to teach a content area for which a degree was not earned.
List of Approved Praxis II Exams for MAT (Revised August 2023)
Subject — Praxis II Test Code
Art — 5134
Biology — 5236
Business — 5101
Chemistry — 5246
Elementary Education (4-6) — 5018
English — 5038
French — 5174
German — 5183
Home Economics — 5122
Marketing — 5561
Math — 5165
Music — 5113
Physical Education — 5091
Physics — 5266
Social Studies — 5081
Spanish — 5195
Special Education – 5355
Speech Communications — 5221
These resources provide further information on the Praxis exams:
- Educational Testing Service 1.800.772.9476
- Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) 1.800.530.7988
- Mississippi Teacher Center 601.359.3631
- State Student Financial Aid 1.800.327.2980
- Office of Licensure 601.359.3483
Curriculum
There are five programs of study to choose from, elementary track (33 hours), secondary track (30 hours), special subjects track (30 hours), non-licensure elementary track (33 hours), and non-licensure secondary track (30 hours). All provide specialized knowledge for teaching areas.
For students admitted beginning May 2022:
Elementary Emphasis
Secondary Emphasis
Non-Licensure Elementary Emphasis
Non-Licensure Secondary Emphasis
Special Subjects
MS Teacher Residency Elementary
For students admitted before May 2022:
Elementary Emphasis
Secondary Emphasis
Non-Licensure Elementary Emphasis
Non-Licensure Secondary Emphasis
Degree Requirements
A candidate for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in the College of Education and Human Sciences is required to meet the following:
- Fulfill the general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University;
- Complete the courses outlined in the program of study;
- Earn a grade point average of at least a 3.0 in the major field and overall;
- Pass comprehensive exams, an examination of core content knowledge administered by a committee appointed by the division chair.
- Must obtain a full-time teaching position during the fall and spring semesters (internship) in their area of endorsement from the three-year non-renewable license.
Comprehensive Exams
Summer I 2024 Comps Date – June 3, 2024
Summer II 2024 Comps Date – July 8, 2024
Fall 2024 Comps Date – September 30, 2024
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Graduate Academic Catalog.
