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.

Self-Paced

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

Cost Per Credit

$715

Cohorts

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

Credits

30

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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!

Teacher addresses student drawings pinned on the wall

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).

Endorsements in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education Learning Disabilities (LD) are also available to be added on to your Elementary certification. Both of these endorsements are K-12. Special Education LD requires 30 additional credits of course work. ESL endorsement does not require addiitonal 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.

What our current students have to say

  • I have grown both personally and professionally in this program because I have learned to make my decisions from a place of love. I try to provide a firm but loving environment where students feel safe and can thrive. Before, I would have focused more on the academic growth of the students, but this program has taught me the importance of building relationships. Now, my focus is more on loving the students, being supportive and creating an environment where they can flourish and spread their wings. I’m honored to get to encourage students each and every day!

    Rachel Krieg / MSCI with Secondary Teacher Certification

  • I have grown personally in this program by gaining new perspectives on life and education from my classmates. Some of the things that my classmates have posted/created have challenged me to evaluate my teaching philosophy and outlook on life. 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! I am grateful and thankful that God opened doors for me to pursue my education degree at Concordia.

    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. I don’t feel like you can “fake it til you make it” in these classes. You cannot simply scan the reading materials. We really need to have an understanding, otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to complete the assignments. Also, by having to put our knowledge into play, the lessons stick with me, whereas, cramming for an exam, does not.

    Tracy Patterson / MSCI with Elementary Teacher Certification
Locations
  • Online

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