Get Started on Your Certificate Online Today!

Unlock your potential with the Teach Mississippi Certificate, an innovative alternate route licensure program designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies for meaningful and culturally competent practice in secondary education.

Program Highlights:

Flexible Online Learning: Access the entire program conveniently online, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule.

Licensure Opportunity: Embark on your journey towards obtaining a renewable Mississippi teacher’s license for grades 7-12 in your chosen subject area as you progress through our initial licensure coursework.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $558.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Hands-on Internship Experience: Immerse yourself in a 3-hour internship within a secondary classroom environment, tailored to your preferred geographical location. Gain invaluable real-world experience, honing your skills in planning, managing learning, conducting assessments, and serving students with special needs.

Efficient Timeframe: Complete the certificate program in just 12 hours, maximizing your time and accelerating your career progression.

Application Deadlines: Don't miss out! Apply by August 1st for the Fall semester.

Potential Career: This program prepares you for a rewarding career in teaching, specializing in grades 7-12.

Ideal Candidates: Designed for students with backgrounds outside of education, our program is tailored for those aspiring to pursue professional careers in educational settings as secondary teachers. Ideal candidates include those interested in teaching art education, biology, chemistry, English language arts, mathematics, physical education, physics, and social studies.

Students will need to be employed with a district and complete a second internship class that is not included in the certificate. MDE (Mississippi Department of Education) requires 6 hours of internship and the certificate only provides 3. The student or the school district will be responsible for the other 3 hours of internship class. If it is not completed, they will receive the certificate and a 3 year non renewable license, but will not be eligible for a 5 year renewable.

Program Structure


Course Number Course Title Hours
EDS 8243 Advanced Planning and Managing of Learning 3
EDS 6403 Evaluation in Learning in Secondary Schools 3
EDX 8173 Special Education in the Regular Classroom 3
EDS 8883 Secondary Internship I 3
Total Hours: 12

Admissions Process

Note: You must have a 2.5 GPA on the last 60 hours of your BS/BA coursework to be considered for this program. You must also have passed your content area PRAXIS.

Domestic/International Classified Admissions
  1. Submit online application. You will select Teach Mississippi as your major and Online Education as your campus
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
  5. One official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree or progress toward a degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in your native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after a bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in your native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students. Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor.

Academic Advising

After gaining admission to the university, you must contact your assigned advisor to determine the courses most appropriate to take. Before the upcoming semester, your advisor will send an email to your MSU email account, making course recommendations based on your program of study.

Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. Please check your MSU email account (NetID@msstate.edu) daily. Information on setting up your MSU email can be found at the link for student services.

Alisha Milam Headshot

Dr. Alisha Milam

Division of Education

  • Assistant Clinical Professor

Faculty and Staff

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Alisha Milam Headshot

Dr. Alisha Milam

Division of Education

  • Assistant Clinical Professor