Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with Teacher Certification in Elementary Education

Self-Paced

All courses offered 100% online and at your own pace.

Cost Per Credit

$735

Cohorts

Eight week cohorts begin every: July, August, October, January, March, and May.

Credits

Earn a master's in education and a Michigan teacher certificate for the elementary grades in an online program

Concordia's Teacher Certification Program is the perfect fit for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject area but wish to move into the world of education. Our collaborative program allows you to earn both a master’s degree and Teacher Certification online through convenient eight-week, self-paced courses.

Virtual Tour

Program Overview

Informational webinar is now available!

Click here to view the MSCI with Teacher Certification Webinar.

Interested in a shift in your career? Concordia's teacher certification program allows you to earn your Teacher Certification in elementary education. Our flexible post-baccalaureate program makes it so you can continue working while completing your coursework, with the flexibility to complete student teaching at a school local to you. Combining your teaching certification with a master's in curriculum instruction (MSCI) can set you apart in the field, with an added bonus of being eligible for financial aid!

Certification options

Candidates can choose to earn an elementary certification in the following grade bands:

PreK - 3rd grade (Lower)
3rd - 6th grade (Upper)

You may also choose to earn certification in both grade bands by taking an additional Methods and Literacy course (6 additional credits).

What to Expect

Candidates complete a 30-credit education sequence which allows them to teach at the elementary level while earning a Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. Courses are offered entirely online and credit can be given for previously completed education courses at the graduate level. You will be equipped to teach in PK-Grade 3 or Grades 3-6 in both the private and public sectors.

Courtney Slucter, MSCI Student

You’ll also learn how to design and use teaching methods in your content area that will make a meaningful impact in the classroom. Our Teaching Certificate Program takes a faith-based approach, which means you will bring faith and learning together in a meaningful way for your students. You will not only graduate equipped to plan lessons, but you will also learn how to build relationships to manage a classroom, use technology and best practices to engage in effective teaching, and be an educator dedicated to service in the classroom, church, and community.

Testimonials

I have grown both personally and professionally in this program because I have learned to make my decisions from a place of love...Now, my focus is more on loving the students, being supportive and creating an environment where they can flourish and spread their wings.

Rachel Krieg / MSCI with Secondary Teacher Certification

I truly loved this program; I never imagined it would be possible to juggle work, raising two kids, and continuing my education, but this experience has genuinely changed the way I teach. The tools I learned will stay with me for the rest of my career.

Yusra Siddiqui Saleh / MSCI with K-12 Health and Physical Education Certification

Throughout this program, I have gained new perspectives and a greater appreciation for different styles of teaching. Without this program, I would not have been exposed to all of these new thoughts and ideas that have made me a better educator and a better person.

Colton Ritsema / MSCI with Secondary Teacher Certification

The Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction program at Concordia has been a perfect fit for me. First and foremost, it is Christ centered. It has fit perfectly into my life as a beginning teacher helping to support me on my way to earning a teaching degree. I have used so much of what I have learned in my own classroom, often times the next day!

Kimberly Miller / MSCI with Secondary Teacher Certification

What makes this program unique for me is that the assignments aren't just read this and answer these questions. Then, study the materials and take an exam. In these classes, we are shown tools and then we have to expand our thinking into what those tools look like when applied to a classroom setting.

Tracy Patterson / MSCI with Elementary Teacher Certification

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Requirements

Students must have a certified bachelor’s degree.

Process

Application:

Apply online: www.cuaa.edu/apply
Provide all official transcripts documenting college courses and degrees.
Provide an updated resume.
Submit a personal letter of intent stating why you want to be a teacher, what skills you possess that will help you be successful in the program as well as why you chose Concordia for your master's program plus teacher certification.
Brief video introduction recorded and submitted through your Future Cardinal application
Provide a copy of your government-issued identification

Once enrolled in the program, students must have the following to graduate:

An official score report documenting passing scores on all Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) for your chosen content area (passing scores must be submitted before the student teaching semester).
Acceptance into the School of Education
Maintained a 3.0 GPA
Successfully completed all required coursework including the culminating student teaching semester

Questions

If you have any questions before or during this process, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Sara Clemm von Hohenberg via email (sara.clemmvonhohenberg@cuaa.edu) or phone 734-995-7326.

Lori A. Haven
Ed.D.

Adjunct Professor

Kristin Morsehead
Ed.D

Adjunct Professor

Teacher Certification

Frequently Asked Program Questions

Q: How long does the program take?

A: The coursework will take you about one year to complete. In addition, the required student teaching at the end of the program is a 12-week commitment.

Q: I am already a teacher. Do I have to complete student teaching?

A: Student teaching is a requirement of the Michigan Department of Education. All students must complete student teaching as a requirement of the program.

Q: Can I teach while taking courses in this program?

A: Yes! You can accept a full-time teaching job while you are enrolled in courses in our program. We can even help you find a job with one of our partner schools.

Q: Are there scholarships?

A: Yes! Concordia offers a scholarship for any student working in one of our partner schools through our Academic Community Scholarship. Alumni and veteran scholarships are also available.

The state of Michigan offers the MI Future Educator Fellowship and Concordia University is a participating partner. This scholarship offers up to $10,000 for people looking to earn their initial teaching certification.

Q: Do you accept transfer credits?

A: Yes! Master credits from other education programs can be accepted towards credit in this program.

Q: What is the format for courses?

A: Courses are completely asynchronous which means you won't have to log in at specific times or work on projects with other students. Courses start on each Monday and you have until Thursday to read the assigned materials and answer discussion questions. Weekly assignments are due on each Sunday. Each course is 8 weeks long and follows the same course format.

Q: How do the clinical experiences work?

A: Clinical experiences are spread out over the length of the program so you can continuously see teaching and learning strategies applied in classrooms by certified educators. You will complete a minimum of 15 hours of clinical experience for each course you take, excluding summer courses. If you are currently teaching full-time, you can use your current classroom hours for your clinical experiences.

Q: How is the Concordia teacher certification program different to other similar programs?

A: Our program is led by dedicated faculty that are current teachers and truly care about your success. Your emails are answered promptly and directly by your professors, the program director, and support staff. We have a job placement rate above 95% for eligible graduates. We will teach you the pedagogy you need to succeed as a teacher. Assignments will focus on giving you practical applications to utilize in your own classroom.

Q: Can I get my certification in more than 1 grade band?

A: Yes! In order to earn an additional grade band you will need to take two additional courses: one in Literacy and one in Methods.

Q: How much is tuition?

A: Tuition is $735 per credit hour. There are several scholarships available including the Academic Community Scholarship that lowers tuition by $150 per credit hour. This program is a valuable investment to earn both your teacher certification AND your master's degree.

Questions? We’re here to help!

Get answers to your questions

Our team is standing by to assist you with additional program details, financial aid options, and admissions questions.

Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with Teacher Certification in Elementary Education

Self-Paced

Cost Per Credit

Cohorts

Credits

Earn a master's in education and a Michigan teacher certificate for the elementary grades in an online program

Informational webinar is now available!

Certification options

Latest News

CUAA announces fall 2025 Scholastic Honors Lists

Lori A. Haven
Ed.D.

Lori A. Haven
Ed.D.

Bio

Education

Research Interests

Teaching Interests

Kristin Morsehead
Ed.D

Kristin Morsehead
Ed.D

Bio

Education

Research Interests

Teaching Interests

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Q: How long does the program take?

Q: I am already a teacher. Do I have to complete student teaching?

Q: Can I teach while taking courses in this program?

Q: Are there scholarships?

Q: Do you accept transfer credits?

Q: What is the format for courses?

Q: How do the clinical experiences work?

Q: How is the Concordia teacher certification program different to other similar programs?

Q: Can I get my certification in more than 1 grade band?

Q: How much is tuition?

Questions? We’re here to help!

Get answers to your questions