Teacher Certification

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services at UM-Dearborn (CEHHS) has several pathways for future and current teachers to gain the knowledge, experience, and skills to become an effective classroom teacher in a variety of grade bands and subjects. 

Programs for Initial Teacher Certification

Those who are seeking Michigan teacher certification for the first time (initial certification) select one of the following options, depending on prior educational experience.  

Bachelor of Arts in Education (BA) 

Students without a prior bachelor’s degree can start or transfer to this program and choose one of three pathways: Birth to Kindergarten Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education. Selection of one or more required concentrations provides training in specific grade bands or subject areas based on teaching goals. 

Requirements for the BA:

  • Transcripts: Cumulative high school grade point averages of 3.0 or above are guaranteed admission or a GED total score of 660 (each area 165)* - waived for students submitting college/university transcripts with 25+ credits
  • College Transcripts, if applicable
  • Submission of SAT or ACT scores are optional
  • Upon review of submitted application, letters of recommendation  or essays may be requested
  • Non-Native Speakers may have additional requirements

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) 

Students with a prior bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution can seek initial secondary teacher certification via the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Selection of a required concentration provides training in specific secondary grade bands (5–9 or 7–12) or subject areas (English, Math, Science, or Social Studies) based on teaching goals. 

Requirements for the MAT:

  • Completed application for with application fee
  • Official transcripts from each college/university attended
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 (B) undergraduate/graduate grade point average or better
  • Two professional letters of recommendation using required form
  • Statement of purpose
  • CEHHS provided draft plan of study

Programs for Certified Teachers

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services at UM-Dearborn (CEHHS) can assist qualified persons who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and State of Michigan teaching certificate to pursue a program of study leading to a recommendation for an additional endorsement on their existing teaching certificate.

Master of Arts in Education (MA) 

The program is designed for educators, enabling them to continue to grow as  reflective, caring, and effective leaders. Educators continue to develop their knowledge of research and best practices that lead to effective instructional strategies for all student achievement within subject specializations. There are four areas of focus within the program; two of which lead to State Of Michigan Specialty Area Endorsements: English as a Second Language & Reading Specialist K-12

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) 

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare students for roles in PK–12 school leadership. The program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and meets MDE Standards for the Preparation of School Principals. Successful program completers are eligible, upon recommendation by the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, to apply for the Michigan Department of Education School Administrator Certificate.

Requirements for the MA and MAEL:

  • Completed application for with application fee
  • Official transcripts from each college/university attended
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 (B) undergraduate/graduate grade point average or better
  • Two professional letters of recommendation using required form
  • Statement of purpose
  • CEHHS provided draft plan of study

  • Valid State of Michigan teaching certificate 

Professional Education Certificate (PEC) 

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services at UM-Dearborn (CEHHS) offers this program for teachers seeking to earn a Professional Education Certificate or to renew their Standard Teaching Certificate.

Enhancement Program (EP) 

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services at UM-Dearborn (CEHHS) offers this program for teachers who currently hold a Michigan Permanent, Standard or Professional Education Certificate and wish to enhance their certificate with an additional area of preparation or endorsement without earning an additional degree.

Requirements for PEC and EP:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum, cumulative GPA of a 2.75 posted on the transcript
  • PEC or EP online application
  • For EP only: CEHHS provided draft plan of study
  • Copy of current teaching certificate

  • Active State of Michigan Teaching Educator Credential Number  or Personal Identification Code (PIC) (if available)