Teaching Licensure Pathway (Second Degree)
By taking advantage of the MMU Plus program, Ashley Studt is gaining more experience and knowledge in graduate-level courses.
Preparing the next generation of leaders
Turn your bachelor's degree into a teaching career.
Mount Mercy's Teaching Licensure Pathway (Second Degree) program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and want to become licensed teachers. Through this program, you'll earn a Bachelor of Science in Education while gaining the classroom experience, instructional skills, and professional preparation needed to teach in Iowa schools.
Students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a content area that aligns with their intended teaching endorsement can complete licensure requirements in as little as 12–18 months. Common pathways include:
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- History
- Industrial Technology
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
For example, a student with a bachelor's degree in history who wants to become a history teacher may qualify for the accelerated pathway.
Applicants whose previous degree is in a different field—or who wish to teach a subject outside their degree area—are still encouraged to apply. Additional coursework may be required to meet state endorsement requirements, which can extend the time needed to complete the program.
After graduation, you'll be fully licensed to teach in the State of Iowa and join the strong tradition of Mount Mercy educators making an impact on future generations.
Our program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education and prepares students for licensure in Iowa. Curriculum requirements may not meet licensure standards in other states.
I believe many kids are being led down the wrong path. I also believe that if I can help a few kids get onto the right path and create a better future, then I have achieved something meaningful with my life.
Trey Beckman '21, '22 MAEd
Special Education
With a master's degree already on his mind, the MMU Plus and teaching licensure pathway are the perfect combination for Trey Beckman.
Timeline and plan of study
Timeline
Students pursuing an elementary licensure can complete the program in 18 months, and those pursuing a secondary licensure can complete the program in 1 year. See schedule below.
Prerequisite Courses: 3 of 4 required
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Foundations of Education
- Exceptional Persons
Plan of Study
Listed below is a sample degree plan. Personalized plans can be created for all students to help expedite the time to completion.
Fall (16 credits)
- Secondary Content Methods – 3 credits
- ED322 Content Area Reading – 2 credits
- ED379 Human Relations – 3 credits
- Field Experience – 1 credit
- Core/Endorsement Class – 3 credits
Winter (4 credits)
- Principles of Education – 3 credits
- Field Experience – 1 credit
Spring (13-16 credits)
- Students Teaching – 10 credits
- ED370 Education Seminar – 2 credits
- ED375 Classroom Management – 1 credit
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education within the following endorsement areas:
- 5-12 English
- 5-12 History
- 5-12 Biology
- 5-12 Mathematics
- 5-12 Business (all areas)
- 5-12 Art
- 5-12 Music
A broad range of subjects are available:
- American Government
- American History
- Art – Education
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Economics
- English – Language Arts
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Journalism
- Mathematics
- Middle School (5-8)
- Music – Education
- Physical Science
- Psychology
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Special Education
- World History