Pathways Leading to Certification

Persons wishing to earn Louisiana teacher certification through an Alternate Certification program at Northwestern may choose one of the following graduate programs. (Students must meet Graduate School admission requirements). All programs are 100% online with multiple avenues for face to face contact (i.e., synchronous class meetings, webinars)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): 33-39 graduate hours

This online program is available to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Graduation leads to both a Louisiana teaching license and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Students can continue to work, whether in a school or other setting, until the final two semesters of internship.

Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP): 18 hours

This online program is available to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Cohort begin in the spring or summer semesters with 9 graduate hours. In the fall and following spring, candidates complete 6 hours (internship and seminar) to complete the program in one academic year. Candidates are required to secure a teaching position in their certification area to begin the internship.

Non-Master’s Alternate Certification

The non-master’s program is available on the Natchitoches campus for Music Education K-12 ONLY.