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Master's Degree with Teacher Certification Accordion

If you do not already have a Texas educator certification but you do have a bachelor’s degree (2.75 GPA or higher), you can seek a master’s of science (MS) degree and educator certification at the same time. As a new teacher with a master’s degree, you’ll be more marketable. In many school districts, educators with a master’s degree are eligible for a higher pay grade. The following programs have been approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Early Childhood Education (MS) with Teacher Certification

The major in early childhood education prepares graduates for careers in both public and private educational settings in which the primary focus is young children. A graduate with a major in early childhood education should possess competencies in the knowledge of physiological and psychological development of children birth through fourth grade, curriculum theory and development, effective instructional strategies for young children, and the administration and management of classrooms and facilities for young children. This degree involves 18 hours of study in the major and 18 hours of alternative teacher certification.

Secondary Education (MS) with Teacher Certification

Students who are interested in developing depth and breadth of expertise in curriculum and instructional leadership at the secondary school level should choose the major in secondary education. The secondary education curriculum will equip graduates with proficiency in designing and conducting action research to improve classroom and school practices, the design, implementation and evaluation of secondary school curriculum, the selection of teaching models to address the learning and achievement of secondary school students, and the selection and design of curriculum and instruction reflecting philosophical systems in the middle school and high school environments. The MS option involves 18 hours of study in the major and 18 hours of alternative teacher certification.

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The alternative certification program is a non-degree seeking program for those wishing to obtain a Texas educator certification before earning a master’s degree. This program consists of 18 hours of 100% online coursework, but any educator will tell you that there is no substitution for real world experience. You will also do classroom observation and either a paid internship or an unpaid clinical/student-teaching experience.

Alternative and Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

This program is uniquely designed for those who have previously earned their bachelor's degree and now seek to make a career transition into the teaching profession. This is a non-degree seeking program for those wishing to obtain a Texas teacher certification without obtaining a master's degree.

Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Certification: For those wishing to pursue a master's degree and obtain a Texas teacher certification, we have four master's programs specifically geared toward achieving your certification. You can choose from a Master of Science in: Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood, Secondary Education, or Special Education.

Career and Technical Education Teacher Certification

We offer eight Career and Technical Education certificates designed to prepare candidates for a career as a Texas certified teacher: Trades and Industrial Education, Health Science, Marketing all which require work experience plus, Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources; Family and Consumer Sciences Composite; Human Development and Family Studies; Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Technology Education.

If you already have a Texas educator certification and you’re ready to expand your expertise, our professional certifications, master’s and doctoral programs enable you to take your career to the next level.

Expand your ability to teach special topics. To teach a dual-credit class in high school, community college-level courses, or as an adjunct, complete 18 credit hours in that area of study. Find a graduate program that matches your interests.

Our 18-hour graduate certificates are perfect for this purpose, and the credits can be applied toward a number of master’s degrees.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate

This certificate is ideal for students who either already hold a completed graduate degree or are actively in the process of earning a graduate degree and wish to earn this certificate in conjunction with their degree. In addition to the enhanced professional status that the Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) brings, this Certificate will enable the holder to meet the 18-hour SACS requirement to teach at the College level.

If you are already a teacher with a Texas Teacher Certification, the following programs are designed to help you advance and specialize as an educator.

Applied Linguistics (MA/MS) TESOL Emphasis

As a student in the Applied Linguistics program, you will engage in cutting-edge pedagogical and research strategies with others who are pursuing careers in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Whether you choose this field as a primary or complementary discipline, this program will prepare you for a variety of careers including teaching at the university level or teaching English as a second language abroad.

Early Childhood Education (MED)

The major in early childhood education prepares graduates for careers in both public and private educational settings in which the primary focus is young children. A graduate with a major in early childhood education should possess competencies in the knowledge of physiological and psychological development of children birth through fourth grade, curriculum theory and development, effective instructional strategies for young children, and the administration and management of classrooms and facilities for young children.

English (MA/MS)

Our Master of Arts in English is designed for students who, upon completion, demonstrate a foreign language proficiency while the Master of Science in English is for students without foreign language focus.

Educational Technology (MED/MS)

Educational technology is an online program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in technology integration in K-16 settings. The program focuses on designing digital learning experiences, developing a learning-centered philosophy of technology integration, communicating effectively using a variety of media, and applying research to make informed decisions for integrating technologies into teaching and learning.

Organization, Learning and Technologies (MS)

The Master of Science in Organization, Learning and Technologies program is a multidisciplinary study of human resource development, organizational leadership and organizational change in a variety of organizational settings. This program is particularly aimed at students and working professionals aspiring to learn or improve themselves as leaders, trainers and organizational improvement specialists.

Mathematics (MS) Teaching Emphasis

The graduate program in mathematics prepares you for employment as an educator on various levels, additional study at the doctoral level or one of the many non-academic areas in which mathematicians work. Graduate work in mathematics leading to the master’s degree is offered with an emphasis in actuarial science, algebra, analysis, biological mathematics, combinatorics, coding theory, differential equations, differential geometry, image analysis and processing, or probability-statistics.

Secondary Education (MED)

Students who are interested in developing depth and breadth of expertise in curriculum and instructional leadership at the secondary school level should choose the major in secondary education.   The secondary education curriculum will equip graduates with proficiency in designing and conducting action research to improve classroom and school practices, the design, implementation and evaluation of secondary school curriculum, the selection of teaching models to address the learning and achievement of secondary school students, and the selection and design of curriculum and instruction reflecting philosophical systems in the middle school and high school environments.

Organization, Learning and Technologies (MS)

The Master of Science in Organization, Learning and Technologies program is a multidisciplinary study of human resource development, organizational leadership and organizational change in a variety of organizational settings. This program is particularly aimed at students and working professionals aspiring to learn or improve themselves as leaders, trainers and organizational improvement specialists.

Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED)

A master’s degree in educational technology library science from A&M-Commerce combines the core coursework for the master’s in educational technology with the coursework required for school librarian certification in Texas. Students engage in experiential, project-and problem-based learning opportunities to create an e-portfolio of work to share with colleagues and future employers. Graduates of the program earn credentials to become certified Texas School Librarians or Library Media Specialists.

Educational Technology (MED/MS)

Educational technology is an online program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in technology integration in K-16 settings. The program focuses on designing digital learning experiences, developing a learning-centered philosophy of technology integration, communicating effectively using a variety of media, and applying research to make informed decisions for integrating technologies into teaching and learning.

School librarians have the opportunity to share a love for reading with students of all ages. You will teach students the fundamentals of using a library and its resources. You may collaborate with educators to help them find the necessary materials and resources to enhance their classroom experience. You will need two years of teaching experience and a school librarian certification to become a school librarian.

If you do not already have a master’s degree, we recommend the Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED) program, which includes the school librarian certification.

Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED)

A master’s degree in educational technology library science from A&M-Commerce combines the core coursework for the master’s in educational technology with the coursework required for school librarian certification in Texas. Students engage in experiential, project-and problem-based learning opportunities to create an e-portfolio of work to share with colleagues and future employers. Graduates of the program earn credentials to become certified Texas School Librarians or Library Media Specialists.

If you already have a master’s degree, you can pursue the school librarian certification alone or combine it with a second master’s degree for increased marketability and skill-building. The Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED) program is ideal because it includes the school librarian certification.

Educational Technology Library Science (MS/MED)

A master’s degree in educational technology library science from A&M-Commerce combines the core coursework for the master’s in educational technology with the coursework required for school librarian certification in Texas. Students engage in experiential, project-and problem-based learning opportunities to create an e-portfolio of work to share with colleagues and future employers. Graduates of the program earn credentials to become certified Texas School Librarians or Library Media Specialists.

Current Educators

If you have a teacher certification and have been teaching for three years, consider earning your master's degree in special education! Our program teaches you how to identify and equip students with exceptional needs. You'll learn how to support students with disabilities in all grade levels (K-12). We offer a thesis and non-thesis track.

Future Educators

Are you ready for a career change? Interested in becoming an educator but don't have a teaching certificate yet? We're here to help! Earn your teaching certificate while studying special education through our post-baccalaureate certification program. Our non-thesis track educates you in student engagement, classroom management and teaching interventions.

Educational Diagnostician Certification

Learn how to assess and diagnose exceptional learners through our Educational Diagnostic Certification track. You'll design prevention and intervention strategies that helps educators work with exceptional learners. We offer a thesis and non-thesis track.

School counselors, school psychologists and school social workers provide services to support students and encourage healthy development. School counselors deliver basic services to a broad range of students, while school psychologists provide specialized mental health care services to students who are struggling. School social work is a specialized field devoted to school-age children and families in educational environments. School social workers wear many hats including truancy officer, case manager, student and parent advocate, student mediator, counselor and distributor of resources.

To be a school counselor, you will need two years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in counseling with a minimum of 48 hours in counseling classes.

If you are pursuing a career in school counseling, our master's of counseling degree offers two tracks.

  • Our school counselor track prepares you to provide guidance to students of all ages
  • Our school counseling with LPC track helps you understand the importance of group dynamics, family therapies and diverse assessments within our communities.

If you already have a master’s of science in counseling, our doctoral program in counselor education and supervision offers the ability to practice, educate or lead in counseling.

Our specialist program in school psychology prepares you to help educators create a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students.

Our social work program prepares bachelor’s and master’s students to work in schools. As a student in our program you can complete internships at schools preparing you to work in this area. Our BSW graduates may work for agencies like Communities in Schools, allowing them to work within the schools to help at-risk students stay and perform well. Our MSW graduates are able to work as a school social worker providing case management, counseling and psycho-social services to help students resolve personal, emotional or social problems that may interfere with student success.

Social Work (BSW)

Our faculty will provide you with the vast knowledge of expertise, research and practice experience in the social work field including areas of social welfare, social justice and diversity. You will have an opportunity to take a variety of courses from instructors who have a strong desire and commitment to social work education and further advancement of the social work profession.

Social Work (MSW)

Our advanced generalist perspective provides an overall understanding of the many areas of social work and prepares you for LMSW practice. Our selection of courses is eclectic and student centered, and our field education program works with hundreds of agencies in a variety of social work settings. Degree programs are flexible with full-time and part-time options available ensuring that you can progress at your own pace that best suits your lifestyle.

Our programs prepare you for the administrative responsibility of the planning, operating and supervising programs, services and facilities In a school or district. They also give you the tools to evaluate the effectiveness of these resources.

Certificates
Master’s Degree Programs

Secondary Education (MED)

Students who are interested in developing depth and breadth of expertise in curriculum and instructional leadership at the secondary school level should choose the major in secondary education.   The secondary education curriculum will equip graduates with proficiency in designing and conducting action research to improve classroom and school practices, the design, implementation and evaluation of secondary school curriculum, the selection of teaching models to address the learning and achievement of secondary school students, and the selection and design of curriculum and instruction reflecting philosophical systems in the middle school and high school environments.

Doctoral Degree Programs

Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)

This degree prepares graduate students for careers in K-12 public and private schools, regional educational training facilities, college and university settings, and research and development centers.  A graduate with the Doctor of Education degree should possess competencies in research methods, statistics, curriculum, instructional design, learning, instructional strategies and effective teaching.

To become a school principal in Texas, you will need two years of teaching experience, a master's degree, and our principal certification.

If you do not already have a master's degree, our online educational administration (M.Ed) degree program, which includes principal certification, is the most likely path. However, you can pursue any one of our master's degrees and combine it with the principal certification. You will need one year of teaching experience when you begin the educational administration (MED) program.

Secondary Education (MED)

Students who are interested in developing depth and breadth of expertise in curriculum and instructional leadership at the secondary school level should choose the major in secondary education.   The secondary education curriculum will equip graduates with proficiency in designing and conducting action research to improve classroom and school practices, the design, implementation and evaluation of secondary school curriculum, the selection of teaching models to address the learning and achievement of secondary school students, and the selection and design of curriculum and instruction reflecting philosophical systems in the middle school and high school environments.

If you already have a master’s degree, you can earn the principal certification completely online.

If you are already a certified principal or have experience as a school administrator, our doctoral programs are designed for you. You can use these degrees to advance your career as a principal or pursue the superintendent certification to lead even more students to success.

Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)

This degree prepares graduate students for careers in K-12 public and private schools, regional educational training facilities, college and university settings, and research and development centers.  A graduate with the Doctor of Education degree should possess competencies in research methods, statistics, curriculum, instructional design, learning, instructional strategies and effective teaching.

To be a school superintendent in Texas, you will need three years of teaching experience, three years of managerial experience, a master’s degree, principal certification and our superintendent certification.

If you do not already have a master's degree, our online educational administration (MEd) degree combined with Superintendent Certification is the most-likely path.

The EDD program can advance your career as an administrator and can be combined with the superintendent certification.

What does it take to become a college professor? Earn a master’s and/or doctoral degree in your chosen field to gain college-level teaching experience and to hold the credentials required to teach at the college level.

To begin teaching college courses, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requires a master's degree or doctoral degree with 18 graduate hours in the discipline being taught.

Expand Your Expertise!

Increase the breadth of topics you can teach with our graduate certificates.

With our graduate degrees and certificates in higher education, you might work to improve a college’s admissions, alumni programs or student affairs. You may become a coordinator or director in any number of fields. Higher education is a unique multidisciplinary field of study. You will explore organizational theories, behaviors, development, and critical issues that are applicable to today's complex and modern organizational settings. Once you understand how a college or university works, you will also understand how other organizations such as for-profits, non-profits, governmental, military, or social service agencies should work.

Higher Education (MS)

At A&M-Commerce, we offer one of the nation's largest Higher Education programs, giving you excellence in education and endless opportunities. Our flexible degree prepares you for a wide-range of careers in academic counseling, college teaching, educational policymaking, or nonprofit organizations.

Organization, Learning and Technologies (MS)

The Master of Science in Organization, Learning and Technologies program is a multidisciplinary study of human resource development, organizational leadership and organizational change in a variety of organizational settings. This program is particularly aimed at students and working professionals aspiring to learn or improve themselves as leaders, trainers and organizational improvement specialists.

Educational Technology (MED/MS)

Educational technology is an online program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in technology integration in K-16 settings. The program focuses on designing digital learning experiences, developing a learning-centered philosophy of technology integration, communicating effectively using a variety of media, and applying research to make informed decisions for integrating technologies into teaching and learning.

Meet Our Team

Our staff is ready to help you find the right path for your career and guide you through the steps to get there! Jennifer Faunce can help you get started with any of our education programs and connect with your advisor. Tracey Stedman can assist you with Alternative Teacher Certification.

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
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