States require that colleges and universities comply with their individual regulations to deliver university-level distance education and online courses to students residing in their states. These states, along with professional licensing bodies, and the federal Department of Education, require disclosure to students about their ability to obtain professional licensure, in the state in which they reside, upon completion of a program that leads to licensure – whether that program is offered online or on campus. Colleges and universities that offer these programs must indicate whether a program (a) meets the requirements for licensure in a particular state, or (b) does not meet the requirements for licensure in a state. In instances where the status cannot be determined, institutions are required to indicate that the program does not meet requirements.
Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with federal regulation, WWU has conducted a review of educational requirements for licensure/certification in other states to determine if the programs listed below fulfill said requirements. As the university becomes aware of changes in requirements in other states, the content will be updated. However, it is important to note that WWU is not the licensure/certification authority in those states and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certification in a particular state.
As a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), William Woods University is authorized to offer online courses to residents in all 49 member states and several US territories (excludes California and the Northern Mariana Islands). All programs not leading to professional licensure may complete online coursework if they reside in SARA member states and US territories.
William Woods University’s Education degree programs lead directly to licensure in the State of Missouri. The university has not made a determination regarding whether these programs satisfy the educational requirements for licensure in other states. If you plan to relocate outside of Missouri, we recommend earning your initial Missouri license first and then utilizing state reciprocity pathways to transfer your certification to your new home state.
| Area | Missouri Certificate / Grade Level | William Woods Program / Degree | Approx. WWU Credits | Major Requirements at WWU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | Elementary Education 1–6 | B.S. Elementary Education | 122 total degree credits; education-major requirements vary | Complete approved Elementary Education curriculum, TEP admission, content/professional education coursework, student teaching |
| Early Childhood Education | Early Childhood Birth–3 | B.S. Elementary Education + ECE add-on | ECE concentration is 12 hours | Education requirements plus prescribed ECE coursework |
| Middle School – Language Arts | Language Arts 5–9 | B.S. Middle-Level Education + Language Arts concentration | 83–86 total major/program credits; 122 distinct credits for graduation | 56-credit middle-level core + 27–30-credit concentration; all major courses C or better |
| Middle School – Mathematics | Mathematics 5–9 | B.S. Middle-Level Education + Mathematics concentration | 83–86 program credits | 56-credit core + Mathematics concentration |
| Middle School – Science | Science 5–9 | B.S. Middle-Level Education + Science concentration | 83–86 program credits | 56-credit core + Science concentration |
| Middle School – Social Science | Social Science 5–9 | B.S. Middle-Level Education + Social Science concentration | 83–86 program credits | 56-credit core + Social Science concentration |
| Special Education | Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical K–12 | B.S. Special Education | Bachelor's degree; WWU program requirements | Special education professional/content coursework, TEP, clinical/student teaching |
| Art Education | Art K–12 | B.S. Art Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | Art/content + professional education coursework, TEP, student teaching |
| Biology | Biology 9–12 | B.S. Secondary Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | Secondary education + Biology content coursework, TEP, student teaching |
| English | English 9–12 | B.S. Secondary Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | Secondary education + English content coursework, TEP, student teaching |
| Mathematics | Mathematics 9–12 | B.S. Secondary Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | Secondary education + Mathematics content coursework, TEP, student teaching |
| Social Science | Social Science 9–12 | B.S. Secondary Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | Secondary education + Social Science content coursework, TEP, student teaching |
| Speech & Theatre | Speech & Theatre 9–12 | B.S. Secondary Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | Secondary education + Speech/Theatre content coursework, TEP, student teaching |
| Physical Education | Physical Education K–12 | B.S. Physical Education | Bachelor's degree requirements | PE professional/content coursework, TEP, student teaching |
The Missouri requirements that apply across the teacher programs
For someone completing a traditional William Woods teacher-preparation program, Missouri DESE identifies the following basic requirements for the Initial Professional Certificate (IPC):
| Missouri teacher-certification requirement | What is required |
|---|---|
| Degree | Minimum baccalaureate degree from a Missouri-approved teacher education institution |
| Approved preparation program | Complete the William Woods teacher-preparation program for the desired certification area |
| University recommendation | William Woods must recommend the candidate for certification |
| Content GPA | Minimum 3.0 GPA in content-area coursework |
| Professional education GPA | Minimum 3.0 GPA in professional-education coursework |
| State assessment | Pass the appropriate Missouri-designated assessment(s) |
| Clinical/student teaching | Complete the required clinical experiences/student teaching |
| Background check | Complete required Missouri/school-district background clearance |
| WWU performance assessment | WWU reports that candidates must achieve a summative MEES score of 42 or higher to be recommended for certification |
| Course grades | WWU requires education majors to complete major/content courses with a C or better |
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) oversees the certification of teachers, principals, and other school administrators in Missouri. Individuals seeking certification must complete an approved educator preparation program, meet required academic and assessment standards, and apply through DESE’s online Educator Certification System. All applicants must also complete a criminal background check and provide official transcripts and any required supporting documentation. [dese.mo.gov], [dese.mo.gov]
For teachers, certification is available in a variety of subject and grade-level areas. Principal and administrator certification candidates must typically hold an appropriate educational leadership degree and complete a state-approved administrator preparation program. Individuals who already hold a valid out-of-state educator or administrator license may be eligible for Missouri certification through the state’s reciprocity review process. [dese.mo.gov], [dese.mo.gov]
To apply, candidates should:
Additional information, certification requirements, and application instructions can be found on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification website. [dese.mo.gov]
William Woods currently provides administration pathways through the M.Ed. Educational Leadership as 33.5–42.5 credits and prepares students for Missouri K–12 building-level certification and/or Special Education Director certification with the additional SPED micro-credentials.
The superintendent pathway is a separate advanced leadership route; Missouri’s rule specifies three years of building- or district-level administrator experience for the Initial Administrator Certificate in the superintendent area.
| Administrator area | Starting point | Required WWU program | Key Missouri requirement | What the certification permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | Certified teacher | M.Ed. Educational Leadership or EdS Educational Leadership (Principal Certification) | 3 years DESE-approved teaching experience | Building-level leadership, K–12 |
| Special Education Director | Existing school leader/principal certification pathway | M.Ed. Educational Leadership + SPED Director micro-credentials | Missouri rule requires valid professional/permanent principal or school leader certificate + approved SPED Director micro-credentials | District-level special education administration, K–12 |
| Superintendent | Experienced administrator | Ed.S. Educational Leadership –Superintendent Concentration | Professional/permanent Missouri teaching certificate + 3 years building- or district-level administrator experience + required assessment | District-level superintendent leadership, K–12 |
Certification progression after you are hired
This is particularly important if you’re building a career plan from teacher → principal → special education director/superintendent.
| Certificate | Initial period | What you generally have to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher – Initial Professional Certificate (IPC) | 4 years | Complete Missouri professional-development/induction requirements and qualify for the Career Continuous Professional Certificate pathway |
| Principal / Special Education Director – Initial Administrator Certificate | 4 years | Employment in the certified administrative area, 2 years of district mentoring, professional development/graduate-credit/micro-credential requirements, and satisfactory annual leader evaluations |
| Superintendent – Initial Administrator Certificate | 4 years | Missouri has separate superintendent upgrade requirements, including required professional development and experience |
For principals and special-education directors, Missouri currently specifies 120 hours of professional development, 8 graduate hours, a combination, or three approved micro-credentials as one route during the initial certificate period, along with two years of district mentoring and annual leader evaluations.
For teachers, Missouri currently lists 30 hours of professional development during the first four years for most professional certification areas.
William Woods’ complete DESE-approved list
Missouri DESE’s current William Woods listing identifies these certification areas: Art K–12, Biology 9–12, Early Childhood B–3, Elementary 1–6, English 9–12, Language Arts 5–9, Mathematics 5–9, Mathematics 9–12, Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical K–12, Physical Education K–12, School Leader K–12, Science 5–9, Social Science 5–9, Social Science 9–12, Special Education Director K–12, Special Reading K–12, Speech & Theatre 9–12, and Superintendent K–12.
| State | State Education Certification Agency |
| Alabama | Alabama State Department of Education |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Education and Early Development |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Education |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Department of Education |
| California | California Department of Education / Commission on Teacher Credentialing |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Education |
| Connecticut | Connecticut State Department of Education |
| Delaware | Delaware Department of Education |
| Florida | Florida Department of Education |
| Georgia | Georgia Professional Standards Commission |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Teacher Standards Board |
| Idaho | Idaho State Department of Education |
| Illinois | Illinois State Board of Education |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Education |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Education |
| Kansas | Kansas State Department of Education |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Department of Education / Education Professional Standards Board |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Education |
| Maine | Maine Department of Education |
| Maryland | Maryland State Department of Education |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Education |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Education |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education |
| Montana | Montana Office of Public Instruction |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Education |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Education |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Education |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Education |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Public Education Department |
| New York | New York State Education Department |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Department of Public Instruction |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Department of Education |
| Oregon | Oregon Department of Education / TSPC |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Education |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Education |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Education |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Education |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Education |
| Texas | Texas Education Agency |
| Utah | Utah State Board of Education |
| Vermont | Vermont Agency of Education |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Education |
| Washington | Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Department of Education |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Department of Education |
Reciprocity
If you hold a Missouri teacher certificate or Missouri administrator (principal) certificate, there is no state where your Missouri license automatically becomes that state’s full license. Instead, almost every state will consider your Missouri certification through reciprocity and issue either a comparable, provisional, temporary, or standard license after reviewing your credentials. [nasdtec.net], [castleport…stprep.com]
Short Answer
A Missouri teaching or principal certification can generally be used to seek certification in:
because Missouri is part of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. [nasdtec.net], [castleport…stprep.com]
Important Caveat
The NASDTEC agreement is not true reciprocity. It does not guarantee another state will grant you a full professional license automatically. The receiving state may require:
before granting a full professional certificate. [nasdtec.net], [licenserec…rocity.com]
For Missouri Principals and Administrators
Most states review Missouri administrator preparation programs and principal certifications similarly to teacher certifications. A valid Missouri principal certificate is typically accepted as the basis for obtaining an administrator license in another state, although additional requirements may apply. The receiving state determines the final credential issued. [nasdtec.net]
States Generally Considered Easier Transfers from Missouri
States that tend to have relatively streamlined pathways for experienced educators include:
These states are often cited as having more direct reciprocity pathways, particularly for educators with professional licenses and several years of experience. [deepcomps.com], [licenserec…rocity.com]
States That Often Require Additional Steps
Missouri educators transferring to states such as:
frequently encounter additional testing, coursework, or state-specific requirements before receiving a full professional credential. [deepcomps.com], [licenserec…rocity.com]
Graduation from the American Sign Language – English Interpretation program does not guarantee the ability to obtain certification and subsequent licensure within states that require such. Licensure and Certification is the exclusive right and responsibility of each state. To work as an ASL/English Interpreter, students must satisfy individual state certification requirements, independent of WWU graduation requirements.
Certifications are administered by individual states, NIC, BEI or the EIPA. Each state has various educational requirements to determine what level of education qualifies a student to sit for the exam. The chart below notes licensure requirement’s, and if the program meets a required educational component.
Additional information can be requested and specific state situations can be investigated. Please reach out to the Program Director at [email protected]
| State | Licensure Requirement | Educational Requirement |
| Alabama | Yes | Undetermined |
| Alaska | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Arizona | Yes | Undetermined |
| Arkansas | Yes | Undetermined |
| California | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Colorado | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Connecticut | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Delaware | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Florida | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Georgia | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Hawaii | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Idaho | Yes | Undetermined |
| Illinois | Yes | Requirement Met |
| Indiana | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Iowa | Yes | Requirement Met |
| Kansas | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Kentucky | Yes | Undetermined |
| Louisiana | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Maine | Yes | Undetermined |
| Maryland | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Massachusetts | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Michigan | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Minnesota | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Mississippi | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Missouri | Yes | Requirement Met |
| Montana | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Nebraska | Yes | Undetermined |
| Nevada | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Undetermined |
| New Jersey | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| New Mexico | Yes | Requirement Met |
| New York | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| North Carolina | Yes | Undetermined |
| North Dakota | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Ohio | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Oklahoma | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Oregon | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Pennsylvania | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Undetermined |
| South Carolina | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| South Dakota | Yes | Undetermined |
| Tennessee | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Texas | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Utah | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Vermont | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Virginia | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Washington | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| West Virginia | No Licensure Requirement found | |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Requirement Met |
| Wyoming | No Licensure Requirement found |
English 