Purdue Global's Master of Science in Education program could be your path to teacher certification.
Qualified teachers are expected to be in demand. Your talent can make the difference.
As America's leadership in science, technology, and business faces global competition, improving our education system is paramount. There's a projected demand for teachers with the background and experience to inspire students and prepare them to compete on the world stage.*
If you're looking to change career paths and become a teacher, Purdue Global's Master of Science in Education lets you pursue your passion to teach online, without disrupting your current responsibilities at home, work, or in the military.
Each state or territory has unique requirements for becoming a teacher; all require aspiring teachers to:
Most states also require student teaching experience or some type of face-to-face field experience in the classroom.
These requirements are generally standard across states; however, some states may have additional or unique requirements. Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information. Additionally, you must independently research the licensing requirements in any state in which you intend to seek licensure.
Learn more about routes to alternative teacher certification, including the Classroom Pathways Bundle.
We offer alternative pathways to certification through our alliance with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (American Board).
Our online education platform offers you the flexibility to study and access your courses at a time that works for you.
Faculty members all possess doctorate degrees and help ensure that the curriculum is relevant and up-to-date. We are also one of the first institutions-and the first online participant-committed to Operation Educate the Educators, which encourages educators to develop school cultures that are supportive of military families.
The Master of Science in Education is focused on K-12 education. Thanks to the American Board alliance―upon completion of the program you may be eligible to seek alternative certification in 15 states: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.† While this degree will not lead to teacher certification on its own and is not required to pursue a state alternative certification program, the program complements the American Board program by developing your competencies in education at the master's level.
If you're interested in teaching outside of the 15 states listed above, you must independently research and pursue certification in your state. On its own, the Master of Science in Education will not lead to certification nor will they assist you in becoming a teacher in those states.‡
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm; High School Teachers, 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.
†MS Education Licensure: Purdue Global cannot recommend students who complete the Master of Science in Education (MSE) for licensure. Licensing requirements for teaching grades K-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 MSE is not required for pursuing a state alternative certification program. Purdue Global’s MSE is not accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which may be a requirement for certification or licensure in some states. The programs are not state approved for teacher certification or endorsements of any kind. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.
Students must pass the American Board examinations to be eligible for certification in AR, AZ, FL, ID, MS, MO, ND, NH, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN (Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools only), UT, or WI. Certification requirements vary from state to state. 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).
‡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.
