Graduate Certification

Educator Preparation Program (Undergraduate Students)

At Mississippi Valley State University, undergraduate students interested in becoming educators begin their academic journey by first being admitted to the University. During their freshman and sophomore years, they are advised by the University College, where they complete their general education coursework and explore foundational concepts in education.

After successfully completing the general education requirements and gaining a foundational understanding of educational principles, students may apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Admission to the EPP is a crucial milestone, ensuring that candidates meet the necessary qualifications to pursue a career in teaching.

Admission Requirements:
To be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program, candidates must fulfill ONE of the following eligibility criteria options:

  1. Grade Point Average (GPA) Option:

    • Completion of MVSU’s General Core Courses and an additional 20 credit hours of Education courses.

    • A minimum GPA of 3.00 on these courses.

  2. Praxis Core Passing Scores Option (ETS):

    • Reading (Test Code 5713) – Passing Score: 156

    • Writing (Test Code 5723) – Passing Score: 162

    • Mathematics (Test Code 5733) – Passing Score: 130

    • Alternatively, candidates can take the combined Praxis Core Test (Test Code 5752).

  3. ACT Composite Score Option:

    • A composite ACT score of 21 or higher, with a minimum score of 18 on all subtests.

Candidate Screening Process:
Once candidates meet one of the above eligibility options, they must participate in a comprehensive screening process. This process includes:

  • Submission of a Screening Portfolio containing:

    • Two letters of professional recommendation.

    • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

    • A personal philosophy of education statement.

    • Official copies of ETS Praxis Core or ACT score reports.

    • A writing sample demonstrating proficiency in academic writing.

  • An interview with the Teacher Education Screening Committee to assess the candidate’s readiness for the program.

Candidates are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisors to ensure they meet all eligibility and screening requirements.

Licensure Requirements

Upon successful admission to the Educator Preparation Program and completion of the required coursework, candidates must meet specific licensure requirements to become certified educators in the state of Mississippi. These requirements are designed to ensure that all program completers are well-prepared for their teaching careers.

Certification Requirements:

  • Completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in the chosen subject area (e.g., Elementary Education K-6, Secondary Education in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music Education K-12, Physical Education K-12).

  • Successful Completion of Required Coursework:

    • All core courses and education courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.00.

  • Passing Scores on Required Certification Examinations:

    • Praxis II Subject Area Tests (for the chosen teaching field), with passing scores determined by the Mississippi Department of Education. Examples include:

  • Biology (7-12) Test Code 5236 Passing Score 148
  • Elementary ED (K-6) Test Code 5018 Passing Score 163
  • English Education (7-12) Test Code 5038 Passing Score 167
  • Math Education (7-12) Test Code 5165 Passing Score 152
  • Music Education (K-12) Test Code 5113 Passing Score 161
  • Physical Education (K-12) Test Code 5091 Passing Score 145
  • Social Studies (7-12) Test Code 5081 Passing Score 150

  • Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Examination:
    Candidates are also required to pass the PLT examination specific to their grade level and subject area.

  • Foundations of Reading Examination:
    For Elementary Education majors, passing the Foundations of Reading Test (Test Code 190) is a mandatory requirement.

  • Completion of a Supervised Clinical Experience (Student Teaching):

    • Candidates must successfully complete a supervised teaching experience, where they demonstrate effective teaching skills under the guidance of an experienced educator.

  • Final Recommendation and Licensure Application:

    • Upon satisfactory completion of undergraduate program coursework and student teaching, candidates may become licensed for the state of Mississippi based on:

      • A qualifying passing score on Praxis II Subject Area, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), and/or Foundations of Reading (for Elementary Education majors) examinations.

      • A final recommendation from the MVSU Department of Education to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) for the issuance of a Class A teaching license.

Candidates are advised to work closely with their academic advisors and the Student Advisement Center to ensure they meet all certification requirements.

For further details, please contact the MVSU Education Department at 662-254-3613 or visit the Mississippi Department of Education’s website.

Educator Preparation Program (MAT Candidates)

At Mississippi Valley State University, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and seek to obtain teaching licensure through an alternate route. The MAT program provides a pathway for candidates to transition into the teaching profession while receiving advanced preparation in educational theory and practice.

Admission Requirements for MAT Candidates:
To be admitted to the MAT program, candidates must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree with Minimum GPA:

    • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning.

    • An overall GPA of 3.00 or higher, or a GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours of coursework.

  2. Praxis Core Test Passing Scores (ETS):

    • Reading (Test Code 5713) – Passing Score: 156

    • Writing (Test Code 5723) – Passing Score: 162

    • Mathematics (Test Code 5733) – Passing Score: 130

    • Candidates may take all three tests on the same day using the combined test (Test Code 5752).

  3. ACT Composite Score Option:

    • A composite ACT score of 21 or higher.

Subject Area Proficiency (Praxis II):
In addition to meeting one of the general admission criteria, candidates must demonstrate subject area proficiency by passing the Praxis II Subject Area Test for their chosen teaching field. Examples include:

  • Elementary Education (4-6) – Test Code 5018, Passing Score: 163

  • Biology (7-12) – Test Code 5236, Passing Score: 148

  • English Education (7-12) – Test Code 5038, Passing Score: 167

  • Mathematics Education (7-12) – Test Code 5165, Passing Score: 152

  • Music Education (K-12) – Test Code 5113, Passing Score: 161

  • Physical Education (K-12) – Test Code 5091, Passing Score: 145

  • Social Studies Education (7-12) – Test Code 5081, Passing Score: 150

Foundations of Reading Requirement (Elementary Track Only):

  • Candidates pursuing the Elementary Education (4-6) track are required to pass the Foundations of Reading Test (Test Code 191) with a minimum score of 233.

  • Candidates in Secondary Education (7-12) tracks are not required to complete the Foundations of Reading Test.

Application Materials for MAT Program:
Candidates applying to the MAT program must submit the following:

  • Graduate Program Application (available through the Office of Admissions).

  • Three letters of professional recommendation (with a checklist from each individual).

  • Official copies of transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

  • A personal philosophy of education statement.

  • Immunization record.

Licensure Requirements (MAT Candidates)

Once admitted to the MAT program, candidates must complete specific coursework and practical experiences to earn a teaching license in Mississippi. The MAT program offers two primary pathways depending on the candidate’s teaching field (Elementary or Secondary Education).

Initial MAT Coursework and Temporary Licensure:

  • Candidates must first complete the following courses:

    • ED 502 - Classroom Management & Organization (3 credit hours)

    • ED 503 - Development, Assessment, and Evaluation (3 credit hours)

    • SE 550 - Assessment and Individual Program for Children with Disabilities (3 credit hours)

  • Upon completion of these courses, candidates may apply for a Mississippi Class A 3-Year Non-Renewable License.

  • Employment Requirement:

    • Candidates must secure a teaching position with a school district to complete their internship coursework.

Internship and Full Licensure (MAT):

  • Candidates complete a two-part internship sequence while employed in a school setting:

    • ED 506 - Dimensions of Learning/Internship I (3 credit hours)

    • ED 507 - Dimensions of Learning/Internship II (3 credit hours)

  • Upon successful completion of the internship, candidates may apply for a Mississippi Class A 5-Year Renewable License.

  • Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 throughout the program.

MAT Degree Completion and Advanced Licensure

MAT candidates have the option to continue beyond initial licensure to complete the full MAT degree (33 credit hours). This advanced program provides additional training and prepares candidates for leadership roles in education.

Required Courses for MAT Degree (33 Hours):

  • ED 510 - Research in Education (3 credit hours)

  • ED 512 - Technology for Teachers (3 credit hours)

  • ED 528 - Language & Communication Arts Across the Curriculum (3 credit hours)

  • ED 540 - Effective Teaching Strategies (3 credit hours)

Elementary Education Track (Grades 4-6):

  • ED 520 - Reading in the Elementary School (3 credit hours)

  • ED 521 - Children’s Literature (3 credit hours)

  • ED 599 - Comprehensive Examination

Secondary Education Track (Grades 7-12):

  • Complete 6 credit hours in the chosen teaching field (e.g., English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Biology, Music, Physical Education).

  • ED 599 - Comprehensive Examination

Final Recommendation and Licensure Application (MAT Candidates)

Upon satisfactory completion of the MAT program coursework and required examinations, candidates may become licensed for the state of Mississippi based on:

  • A qualifying passing score on Praxis II Subject Area, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), and/or Foundations of Reading examinations (if applicable).

  • A final recommendation from the Department of Teacher Education to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) for the issuance of a Class A teaching license.

Candidates are encouraged to maintain regular communication with their academic advisors to ensure they meet all program and licensure requirements.

For further details, please contact the MVSU Education Department at 662-254-3614 or visit the Mississippi Department of Education’s website.