Areas of Certification

Northwestern offers alternate certification through three pathways. Please refer to admission and retention requirements.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

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 will first complete most required courses for the program and then enter into a two -semester paid teaching internship.

The following certification areas are available:

For more information, contact Dr. Wendi O’Halloran at ohalloranw@nsula.edu at 318-357-4549.

Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP)

This intensive, online one-year program is available to those seeking teacher certification. Admission is available to those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meet GPA and licensure test requirements.

The following certification areas of available:

Candidates fulfill a two-semester paid teaching internship requirement supervised by NSU faculty. A total of 18 graduate hours are required for program completion. Up to 12 hours earned in the PREP program may transfer into a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction degree.

Participants must be employed in an NSU-approved teaching position within their certification band. Completion leads to a Louisiana teaching license.

For more information, contact Kristen Walker at walkerkr@nsula.edu or 318-357-4058.

Alternate Certification in Music K-12

This program leads to Louisiana teacher certification in grades K-12 for instrumental or vocal music. The courses are offered in a hybrid format of online and traditional classroom (33-42 hours).

For more information, contact Dr. Terrie Sanders at sanderst@nsula.edu.