How can I obtain a Mississippi Teaching License?

For the state of Mississippi, there are several paths to teacher licensure. The following options are available for those looking for licensure:

Education Major Undergraduate Programs

Universities in Mississippi typically offer some kind of traditional teacher preparation program that leads to a Mississippi teacher license. Click here for a list of Mississippi Education Preparation Programs (EPPs).

Typically best for:

• For those entering college for the first time

• Those who know they want to teach before entering college

Master of Arts in Teaching Programs

Master of Arts in Teaching programs (like the Mississippi Teacher Corps) provide coursework that leads to teacher licensure in the state of Mississippi. Students take three initial courses and then receive a 3-year provisional teaching license. More detailed information can be found here.

Typically best for:

• Someone who has a non-education undergraduate degree (and doesn’t have a teaching license)

• Someone who decided in their junior or senior year of college to become a teacher

• Someone looking for a 2nd career in teaching

Teach Mississippi Institute

Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) is an alternate-route program that provides Mississippi teaching licenses to people who already have an undergraduate degree. More information can be found on the TMI website.

Typically best for:

• Someone who already has an undergraduate degree

• Someone looking to get a Mississippi teaching license without getting a master’s degree

• Someone looking for the most economical, non-scholarship route to a teaching license

Currently Licensed from Another U.S. State

Those who currently hold a teaching license from another state can apply to get reciprocity through the Mississippi Department of Education. Details on the process can be found here.