Traditional
The Traditional Pathway is for candidates who complete a teacher preparation program at a Mississippi college or university. If you’re earning a degree in education through a licensure-track program, this is the path for you.
This is the most direct path into teaching in Mississippi.
License Details
Requirements
You’re eligible if you:
- Are completing or have completed a four-year education degree from a Mississippi institution that leads to licensure.
- Completed student teaching
- Meet one of the following:
- 21 ACT score (or SAT equivalent)
- Passing score on the Praxis Core
- 3.0 GPA on your last 60 hours of coursework
- Pass:
- The Praxis Subject Test for your chosen licensure area
- The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
- The Foundations of Reading (required for Elementary and Special Education)
Approved Subjects
This pathway covers all PreK–12 grade levels, as long as the subject:
- Is part of your licensure program
- Is listed among Mississippi’s approved licensure endorsement areas
- Are completing or have completed a four-year education degree from a Mississippi institution that leads to licensure.
License Duration
- You’ll earn a standard five-year teaching license
- It is renewable and can be upgraded to a higher class level with additional education or credentials
- You can also add endorsements by completing approved coursework or passing additional subject assessments
- The license is transferable between public districts and eligible nonpublic schools in Mississippi
Restrictions
- Only Mississippi State Board-approved licensure assessments are accepted
Resources
- Alcorn State University(opens in a new tab)
- Belhaven University(opens in a new tab)
- Blue Mountain College(opens in a new tab)
- Delta State University(opens in a new tab)
- Jackson State University(opens in a new tab)
- Mississippi College(opens in a new tab)
- Mississippi State University(opens in a new tab)
- Mississippi University for Women(opens in a new tab)
- Mississippi Valley State University(opens in a new tab)
- Rust College(opens in a new tab)
- Tougaloo College(opens in a new tab)
- University of Mississippi(opens in a new tab)
- University of Southern Mississippi(opens in a new tab)
- William Carey University(opens in a new tab)
To secure an educator’s license in Mississippi, candidates must meet specific criteria. This includes achieving the minimum qualifying passing score on the state’s required licensing tests.
Keep in mind these tests serve as just one component of the comprehensive licensing process. Applicants must also fulfill other requirements detailed in the current version of the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure K-12. Prospective educators are advised to thoroughly review the guidelines to ensure compliance with all necessary criteria for their desired licensure area.
Praxis FAQs
Next Steps
Check out the Approved Programs list for pathways that lead to licensure. You can also reach out directly to a Mississippi college or university to learn more about costs, timelines, and next steps.