Master of Science in Teaching

Change the world by changing lives - one student at a time.  

It is never too late to become a teacher.  No matter your background, the Master of Science in Teaching (MST) degree will help you transition into the field of education as a kindergarten or elementary school teacher. Drake's program is one of a small number of programs that allows you to get an elementary teaching certificate at the master's degree level.  

This is a minimum 54-credit hour degree program.  The degree program is designed for individuals who hold undergraduate degrees in a field outside of education, but would like to obtain teaching certification at the kindergarten or elementary school level (K-6).  Would you rather teach older students?  Consider the Master of Arts in Teaching program to be prepared as a middle or high school teacher.  

This part-time program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Courses are offered in the evening, online, and during the day to accommodate your lifestyle.  As you move through the degree program, more courses are taught primarily during the day.  Courses can be taken all year round. 

In addition to courses needed to receive your teaching license, you’ll fulfill requirements for at least one endorsement area while attending Drake. Contact the School of Education Coordinator of Graduate Admission for a transcript review to see which courses from your undergraduate transcript may count toward an endorsement. The number of courses you will need to take to complete an endorsement will depend on how many of your undergraduate courses fulfill state requirements.

In addition to courses needed to receive your teaching license, you'll fulfill requirements that will certify you to teach in at least one subject area. As an MST student, you are required to complete at least one endorsement while attending Drake. Contact the School of Education Coordinator of Graduate Admission for a transcript review to see which courses from your undergraduate transcript may count toward an endorsement. The number of courses you will need to take to complete an endorsement will depend on how many of your undergraduate courses fulfill state requirements.

Questions?

For more information about the MST program, contact:

Jennifer Thoma, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
jennifer.thoma@drake.edu
515-271-2599

Learn More

• Financial Aid
• International Students
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: 
  • There are a number of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing teacher licensure. See the full list of scholarship opportunities offered to School of Education students. 
  • Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, if you teach full time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. 
  • Teach Iowa Scholar Program: The Teach Iowa Scholar (TIS) Program provides qualified Iowa teachers with awards of up to $4,000 a year, for a maximum of five years, for teaching in Iowa schools in designated shortage areas.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
  • Financial Aid
• Tuition and Fees