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Master of Arts in Teaching—Noncertification
Today's learners need knowledgeable and dedicated teachers. If you are interested in the field of education, and have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field of study or are working in another profession, Purdue Global's Master of Arts in Teaching, noncertification track, can help you answer the call to teach. Although the program on its own will not lead to certification, we have established partnerships with state-approved alternative certification programs that could help you pursue certification in specific states.* Those pursuing certification in specific partner states can do so via the Classroom Pathways Bundle. Students in Texas could also seek alternative certification through our alliance with the Education Career Alternatives Program (ECAP), which offers a state-approved route to teacher certification.
The program is designed to help career changers develop the professional competencies required of secondary educators (grades 5 through 12) and become well versed in academic content, application and theory, assessment, professional responsibilities, and professional relationships. The goal of the program is to provide you with an understanding of secondary teaching practices. While this program is not state-approved for licensure and does not include hands-on field experience, students who have successfully completed the program may be eligible to seek alternative certification in specific states. (Note: Completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching's noncertification track is not required in order to pursue a state alternative teacher certification program.)
The program prepares career changers who have never held a prekindergarten through 12th grade teaching license and who have never been a Teacher of Record or classroom teacher to teach diverse learners and become reflective decision makers who promote student learning.† This program is not for teachers looking for an advanced teacher preparation track.
At this time, residents of Kentucky may not enroll in the online Master of Arts in Teaching—Noncertification program.
Master of Arts in Teaching—Noncertification Program Highlights
This program is based on national professional standards for beginning teachers and is offered to students nationwide. The online coursework will provide you with an opportunity to:
- Explore the reflective decision-maker model and other research-based theories of learning with an emphasis on student diversity
- Evaluate current issues in educational psychology and philosophical viewpoints that can affect teaching priorities and strategies
- Develop skills for effective teaching, including designing curricula, organizing and managing a classroom, building literacy, and assessing secondary student learning
The program’s curriculum is designed to help you build a strong foundation in teaching methods and does not include fieldwork, student teaching, or internship requirements—the entire program can be completed online.
A Pathway to Certification Through the American Board’s Plus Program and the Education Career Alternatives Program
Classroom Pathways Bundle
The Classroom Pathways Bundle is a unique enrollment package for students looking to become certified in specific states and consists of two separate and distinct programs: the American Board’s Plus Program and the Master of Arts in Teaching’s noncertification track.
- You will complete the Master of Arts in Teaching’s noncertification track prior to beginning the Plus Program courses in order build a solid knowledge base of secondary teaching and learning principles and to develop the professional competencies required of beginning teachers.
- Upon graduation, you will complete the Plus Program and have the opportunity to become a certified teacher in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, or Wisconsin. You must pass the American Board examinations to be eligible for certification.‡
- American Board program resources and examination costs are included in the price of tuition for Purdue Global’s Classroom Pathways Bundle and may be covered by financial aid for those who qualify; one less thing to think about on your path to becoming a certified teacher.
Education Career Alternatives Program (ECAP) Alliance
Our alliance with the Education Career Alternatives Program offers you a state-approved route to teacher certification in Texas and special opportunities to save time and money by transferring select master’s degree courses into the ECAP.
Other States
Licensing requirements for teaching grades 5 through 12 vary by state. In almost every state, you must enroll in a state-approved certification program that may include completing coursework, a supervised teaching internship or student teaching course, and/or passing a subject area and pedagogy exam. If you are interested in becoming a certified teacher and live in a state that is not covered by the Classroom Pathways Bundle or the ECAP alliance, you must independently research and pursue certification in your state .On its own, the Master of Arts in Teaching’s noncertification track will not lead to certification nor will it assist you in becoming a teacher in those states.
However, if you live in a state not covered by the Classroom Pathways Bundle or the ECAP alliance, you may still pursue the Master of Arts in Teaching’s noncertification track in order to:
- Boost your knowledge of the secondary education field and develop the professional competencies required of beginning teachers
- Potentially benefit from a pay increase if your state pays more to teachers entering the field with a graduate degree
Full licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. View the interactive map to identify your state’s teaching and certification requirements.
Note: Completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching’s noncertification track is not required in order to pursue a state alternative teacher certification program.
Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, prospective students must confirm via email to their Advisor that they understand (1) the Master of Arts in Teaching’s noncertification track does not lead to certification and (2) the certification and eligibility requirements of the American Board.Students and their advisors must contact the American Board advisor to confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements for certification.
Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the program meets the specific requirements for any individual state or school system for pay increase purposes. Students must independently research the requirements in their state or school system.
Higher Education at the Highest Standards
Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and committed to the highest standards. Our specific programs hold additional industry-relevant approvals and accreditations.
What Are the Career Opportunities?
The Master of Arts in Teaching's noncertification track is designed to help career changers enter the field of secondary teaching (grades 5 through 12). The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the increases in enrollment may result in job growth for kindergarten and high school teachers through 2026.§ # If you are interested in obtaining a teaching position in your area, Purdue Global career specialists can provide you with information. If you are interested in pursuing certification in your home state, your Admissions Advisor can explain how to pursue alternative certification and who to contact at your state department. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a master’s degree and may be eligible to pursue further doctorate-level studies.**
Request InfoHow Do I Get Started?
Purdue Global offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.
Start Date
April 18, 2018Start Date
June 06, 2018Start Date
July 18, 2018Start Date
September 05, 2018Start Date
October 17, 2018Start Date
December 05, 2018What Courses Will I Take?
Curriculum in this master's degree program focuses on a variety of topics related to today's classroom, such as educational psychology, research, and assessment. Courses include:
- Reading in the Content Areas
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Research on Effective Teaching
- Perspectives on Diversity
Can I Afford This?
Here are some of the ways we can help lower the cost of your tuition and help you graduate sooner.
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Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.
Indiana resident military veterans: tuition for online undergraduate degree and certificate programs is $220.00 per quarter credit hour.
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Gainful Employment Disclosures
Access gainful employment information, including program length, tuition costs, financing options, and success rates.††
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Whether you are on your way up the corporate ladder or just getting started, our degree programs and certificates could help you prepare to take your career to a higher level.
*Purdue Global cannot recommend students who complete the noncertification track for licensure. Licensing requirements for teaching grades 5-12 vary by state. Earning a master’s degree could provide you with the background and practical experience to meet nationally recognized standards; however, enrollment in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is not required for pursuing a state alternative certification program. Purdue Global’s MAT is not accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which may be a requirement for certification or licensure in some states. The program is not state approved for teacher certification or endorsements of any kind, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.
†Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.
‡Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students must confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board (ABCTE.org). Important note on Tennessee: American Board offers a transitional license in only two county public school systems and one city public school system; it is not approved in the entire state. Licensing is available in the following school systems only: Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools.
§Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
#Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
**While many of Purdue Global's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued graduate- or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.
††Purdue University acquired Kaplan University in March 2018 and created Purdue University Global, which is following the same curriculum format and instructional delivery methods as developed and used by Kaplan University. These disclosures are based on Kaplan University data reported prior to the acquisition.