Missouri Alternative Teacher Certification Program

Why Alternative Certification?

Our Missouri Alternative Certification Program is thoughtfully designed for those eager to foster learning by eliminating the requirement for content area coursework. With the potential to secure a Provisional Certificate, our students can transition directly into teaching roles. And for many, the conventional student teaching phase may not be necessary. 

What You'll Learn 

Through this program, you will transform your passion for education into a profession. Upon completion of the requirements, students are recommended to DESE for their Initial teaching certificate for Missouri.

Program Requirements 

This program is for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. View the core requirements needed for a Missouri Alternative Certification at Columbia College.

Admission Requirements 

• 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. 
• Beginning July 1, 2024, the Praxis must be completed by prospective educators, including teachers, counselors, librarians, principals and superintendents, for all areas of certification they are seeking.
  
  

  Official Praxis study guides are available at https://praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/missouri-tests.html.

• Application to the MAT Alternative Certification Program through the Graduate Studies application.  

Financial Aid Requirements

Post-Baccalaureate and Alternative certification students completing the FAFSA to receive financial aid for certification must complete the following questions on the 2026-27 FAFSA accordingly:

Section 4 – Student College or Career School Plans:

• "When the student begins the 2026-27 school year, what will their college grade level be?" – Answer "Other undergraduate (junior year and beyond)"
• "When the student begins the 2026-27 school year, will they already have their first bachelor's degree?" – Answer "Yes"
• "Will the student be pursuing an initial teaching certification at the elementary or secondary level?" – Answer "Yes"

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our teacher education programs can be completed through a traditional daytime classroom experience on our main campus in Columbia, Missouri, or through a virtual-hybrid experience, combining online learning with live evening Zoom classes. Many courses required for teacher certification include field experiences where pre-service teachers observe classrooms, assist teachers, and work directly with students. Field experiences are coordinated with schools in the pre-service teacher’s area.

Note: Columbia College teacher education programs provide Missouri residents the option to obtain DESE Certification. Out-of-state students must sign an attestation agreeing to complete their field experiences and student teaching in Missouri and work in Missouri upon graduation.