Education Post Baccalaureate Certification

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Why An Education Post-Baccalaureate Certification? 

Your ambition to educate the next generation deserves an equally ambitious program. Our post-baccalaureate certificates are more than just courses; they are pathways to impactful careers in teaching. Whether you choose to take your Missouri certification courses at the undergraduate or graduate level, Columbia College is committed to supporting your pursuit of excellence in the classroom. 

What You'll Learn 

Our program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your chosen teaching field. From early childhood education to special education, these programs provide the opportunity to take many of your education certification courses at either undergraduate or graduate level, depending on your professional needs and aspirations.

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 an Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate at Columbia College.

Undergraduate Program Options

The undergraduate-level Missouri teacher certification (post-baccalaureate) is for students who have a bachelor's degree and wish to fulfill Missouri teacher certification requirements by taking certification courses at the undergraduate level.

Students will develop the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for a career working with children. Coursework includes infant, child, and adolescent development; family and community partnerships; observation and assessment; children’s health and safety; and educating young children.

Understanding how young children learn is central to becoming an effective elementary teacher. Students in this program learn how to teach elementary children subjects like math, science, social studies, reading, and writing. In addition to that, this program also prepares students to manage a classroom and conduct meaningful assessments. 

Middle school certification is content specific. The content areas offered through Columbia College are language arts, math, science, social studies, and speech/theatre. A student's bachelor's degree doesn't need to be in the content area they plan to teach as long as they complete the specific content area courses listed on their certification checklist.

The professional education requirements prepare students for effective teaching, with courses from educational philosophy to classroom management to child and adolescent development.

Secondary (high school) certification is content specific. The content areas offered through Columbia College are biology, business, chemistry, English, math, social studies, and speech/theatre. The program is made up of specific content area coursework required by the state of Missouri as well as professional education coursework. This combination of professional education and content area coursework uniquely prepares students to become knowledgeable and effective high school teachers.

Graduate-level Teacher Certification

The Graduate-level Missouri teacher certification (post-baccalaureate) program is for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to fulfill Missouri teacher certification requirements.

Students have the option of taking many of their education certification courses at the graduate level. Courses taken at the graduate level for certification may also apply toward the MAT degree.

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 2024-2025 FAFSA accordingly:

  • Section 4: Student College or Career School Plans - question "Will the student be pursuing an initial teaching certification in the elementary or secondary level?" should be answered, "Yes".

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.

Online Programs

Missouri

Classes Available In Seat

Day Campus - Columbia, MO

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