This is not a teacher licensure program, but rather is designed for educators who wish to deepen their understanding to become teacher-researchers and improve the practice. 

View the UMKC Catalog

Program features

• 36 credit hours of coursework
• Courses are offered in face-to-face, online or blended formats to allow scheduling flexibility for practicing professionals
• Foundational courses include the areas of human development/educational psychology, foundations of education, educational assessment, research methods, diversity, and action research 

Emphasis areas

Subject Matter Specialty

• General
• Art
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Language Arts

Early Childhood Education

• Curriculum approaches in early childhood (e.g., Project, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, HighScope, Creative Curriculum, Developmental-Interaction, and Waldorf)
• Research and theory behind play- and inquiry-based strategies
• In-depth analysis of teaching and learning theories, historical, philosophical and social contexts of education
• Culturally responsive pedagogy
• Social justice perspectives in education

Teaching English as a Second Language

This degree program is designed mainly for students, both domestic and international, who teach in U.S. PK-12 school settings, or who want to teach in intensive English programs attached to a university, community college, or abroad. Students in the MA in C&I – TESL not only receive a rich understanding of how English language is learned and taught in a variety of settings, but also gain knowledge of different characteristics (cultural, motivational, etc.) related to English language learners (ELLs). 
 
Includes the study of:

• Including linguistics
• Intercultural communication
• Second language acquisition
• Teaching English in content areas
• Teaching methods 

Related options

ELL certification only: ELL K-12 certification through the state of Missouri is a 30 credit-hour add-on program for teachers who have already earned initial certification in another area. Courses for the add-on certificate include linguistics, intercultural communication, second language acquisition, teaching English in content areas, education of exceptional children and youth, literacy intervention, educational assessment, and methods of teaching English as a second language. 
 
MA in C&I – TESL with ELL certification: The MA in C&I – TESL degree program and the ELL certification program share 6 courses. Students may choose to complete four courses in addition to the MA in C&I – TESL to earn the degree and ELL certification simultaneously.