Master of Arts in Teaching with Initial Teaching Certification

Ready to make a change? Adults looking for a meaningful career can earn their master's degree and initial teaching certification completely online.

Teachers are in high demand and, in most states, desperately needed. Meet the demand by earning your master's degree and teaching certification to teach middle level English, math, science or social studies.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a teacher, our online program is designed to help you earn your master’s degree and initial teaching certification, no matter where you live.

Wilkes is also an approved Pennsylvania provider of the intern certification external website that enables candidates to acquire their PA teaching certification before completing their degree program.

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Program Snapshot

Program Type	Format	Credit Hours
Master's Degree	Online	30

Why earn middle level teaching certification?

Everyone remembers their favorite teacher and the impact of those individuals is long lasting. Become that person for students in fourth through eighth grades. You’ll do so while enjoying career fulfillment and balance in your life, particularly if you have school-age children of your own.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning and includes 12 weeks of student teaching that can be completed at a district where you reside. It prepares you to dive into subjects that have applicability for all life paths, including English, math, science and social studies. Proficiency in these subject areas means that students have the foundation for all future studies, but also that they can excel in core areas like problem-solving, communicating and critical thinking.

Admission Requirements

Interested in Teaching Different Grade Levels?

By completing this 30-credit online program and participating in field experiences at a school near you, no matter which state you live in, you can test for high school and elementary school certifications – no need for another degree.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in any field, students' transcripts will be evaluated prior to acceptance. Learn more about admissions requirements.

What Will You Learn in the Master of Arts in Teaching?

Our curriculum includes courses in assessment; reading, writing, speaking and listening; special education; behavior management; literacy and the teaching and development of adolescent learners.
Foundational courses in adolescent development, as well as cognition and learning, set you up for success in subsequent courses in subject matter pedagogy and assessment.
Select one of four concentrations in order to dig deeply into best practices regarding the teaching of the discipline. Concentrations include: middle level mathematics, Science, social studies, or English/language arts.
You will develop lessons that address key academic standards, identify the learning needs and levels of young adolescent students and apply best practices in content delivery, assessment and communication with students, parents, fellow teachers and other school stakeholders.
Apply research-based strategies to promote social inclusion, achieve effective classroom management and incorporate classroom practices that are most appropriate for middle-level learners.

Program Highlights

Teacher Certification

The master’s degree includes middle-level certification so you can take the Praxis and be certified to teach grades four through eight. Once certified at the middle level, you can test for high school or elementary school certifications without another degree required. This program paves the way into a teaching career, no matter what your ultimate goal.

Convenient Online Learning

This program is conducted completely online. The 30-credit program culminates in student teaching conducted at school right where you reside – no travel to campus required. Worried about certification in the state where you live? Reciprocity agreements allow those who hold an out-of-state teaching license to earn a license in a receiving state, subject to meeting state-specific requirements.

Change Your Career

If you haven't found the right fit in your career, Wilkes can offer a path forward. This program is designed for students who hold bachelor’s degrees in subjects outside of education, so you’ll have the opportunity to change your career where you can share your love of learning.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition for graduate programs in education for the 2024-25 academic year is $571 per credit, or $1,713 per course. Deferment is available for employers who reimburse tuition and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates of this and similar programs serve as middle school teachers in a variety of subjects, including math, science, social studies and English or language arts. Many take on leadership roles in their districts, helping to guide the curriculum or implement new teaching strategies.

According to U.S. News and World Report, middle school teachers made a median salary of $61,320 in 2021. Benefits for teachers include:

Competitive health care plans with little to no employee contribution.
Generous retirement packages.
Time off in the summer months and for most major holidays.

Outside of the classroom, those with master’s degrees in middle-level education can pursue careers as curriculum or assessment writers, working closely with educational media or publishing companies that specialize in producing content for grades 4-8.