Missouri (DESE) MAT alternative certificates for Teacher Certification
The MAT Alternative Certification program can save time and money since admitted students are not required to take content area coursework required for our post-baccalaureate certification programs.
Upon completion of the requirements, students are recommended to DESE for their Initial teaching certificate for Missouri. Graduate-level coursework completed for certification purposes can be applied to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree.
Admitted students may be eligible to be hired on a Provisional Certificate. Student teaching may be optional for these students.
Admission requirements
The following Columbia College admissions requirements must be completed before being considered for the MAT Alternative Certification Program:
- A baccalaureate degree (3.0 minimum overall GPA) from an accredited college or university. The degree must include general education coursework the Office of the Registrar determines sufficiently meets Columbia College standards.
- A passing score on the appropriate Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA). See below for certification areas offered through Columbia College.
- Application to the MAT Alternative Certification Program through the Graduate Studies application.
The MAT Alternative Certification program is available in Columbia (day or evening), Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis. Graduate-level certification courses are available in seat in Columbia.