Post Baccalaureate Teacher Residency Licensure Certificate
Become a Licensed Teacher in North Carolina
NCDPI-Approved Program
16 Weeks of Student Teaching
Choose from 7 Licensure Areas
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If you’d like to learn more about Methodist University’s application process, admissions requirements, tuition and financial aid or specific program details, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
- Duration 2 years
- Cost per Credit $545
- Credit Hours 18–22
Program Benefits
- Full- and part-time scheduling
- 6 start dates per year
- No application fee
- Mentorship from expert faculty
- Eight-week sessions
Qualify for K–12 Licensure in One Year
The online Post Baccalaureate Residency Licensure Certificate is designed to provide an alternative pathway to initial teaching licensure.* The curriculum focuses on pedagogy to ensure you’re prepared to be an effective educator in your chosen area. With seven concentration options available, this certificate includes 18–22 credit hours. You will complete all state-required licensure exams throughout your program, graduating as a qualified professional educator.
Because this program features online coursework, you have the flexibility to study while continuing to teach. You will be assigned both a faculty supervisor and a site-based mentor during your practicum experience for guidance and support. Unlike most teacher residency licensure programs, MU doesn’t require students to complete a master’s degree. To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree and be employed or seeking employment with a public or public charter school in North Carolina.
*Students must be enrolled in or attached to the Post Baccalaureate Residency Licensure Certificate program, take and pass all licensure exams within a three-year period, and be employed at a sponsor school throughout the program.
Meet the Demand for Qualified Educators
Licensed teachers are needed in K–12 classrooms across the state of North Carolina, and our teacher residency program prepares you to fill these essential roles. Depending on the concentration area you choose, you will be qualified to teach elementary school, special education, middle grades, high school, art, physical education/health education, or music.
Employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 10% through 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.1 Factors like climbing student enrollment numbers and teachers reaching retirement age are driving this demand.
Careers and SalariesChoose From 7 Licensure Areas
- Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary Education
- Special Education (K-12)
- Education by Subject Area (Art, Music, Physical Education/Health Education)
This concentration features coursework in reading fundamentals, mathematics education, behavior management, and more. If you choose this option, you will leave the program fully certified to teach in an elementary classroom.
- Middle Grades – ELA
- Middle Grades – Math
- Middle Grades – Science
- Middle Grades – Social Studies
The concentration in Middle Grades explores topics like literacy, instructional technology, and more. Upon program completion, you will be fully certified to teach in a middle school classroom.
- Secondary Education – General Science
- Secondary Education – Math
- Secondary Education – Social Studies
- Secondary Education – ELA
In this concentration, you will study lesson planning, assessment, instructional technology, and more for secondary education. If you choose this option, you will be fully certified to teach high school.
The 18-21 credit hour concentration in Special Education (K–12) focuses on curriculum planning and instructional practices for students with disabilities as well as legal, ethical, and historical elements of special education. Upon program completion, you will be fully certified to teach in a special education classroom.
This concentration features a curriculum that explores art education theory and practice. If you choose this option, you will be fully certified to teach in an art education program.
The Music Education (K–12) concentration includes coursework in world music, conducting, music theory, and more. Upon program completion, you will be fully certified to teach in roles like elementary music teacher, band director, and choral director.
This concentration focuses on instructional methods for physical activity settings, achievement-based curriculum design, and more. You will leave the program fully certified to teach physical education or health education.
Complete Specialized Education Coursework
18–22 credit hours
The online Post Baccalaureate Residency Licensure Certificate program focuses on pedagogical practices for effective teaching in seven content areas. Students choose from options in elementary education, middle grades, secondary education, special education, music, art, and physical education/health.
A 16-week student teaching experience is also built into the curriculum, which you will complete in your current classroom. Throughout the program, you will complete all state-required licensure exams to graduate as a licensed North Carolina educator.
Explore CurriculumStart Your Application Today
Free to apply
No GRE/GMAT
Transfer up to three courses
To apply for the online Post Baccalaureate Residency Licensure Certificate program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, prerequisite courses, and a GPA of at least 2.7. In addition, you’ll need to submit a completed residency licensure form. Applicants must also be employed or seeking employment with a public or public charter school in North Carolina. Methodist University requires Visual Verification of Identity (VVOI) for all students seeking enrollment in any MU Online program. All applicants must complete the VVOI form and provide requested documents in the myMU portal prior to admission and enrollment. Students may also be asked to participate in a VVOI via an on-camera interview at any point during their enrollment at MU.
View the Application ProcessBecome a Licensed Educator for an Affordable Price
$9,000–$11,000 total tuition
$545 per credit hour
At Methodist University, we are dedicated to making your education as affordable as possible. If you or a family member are a veteran or active-duty service member, visit our Military Support page to explore the benefits available to you.
View Tuition DetailsWhat You’ll Learn
In this program, you will build the specific skill sets you need to thrive as a licensed teacher in your chosen concentration area. You will study online while completing in-person practicum experiences to apply what you learn.
Program Outcomes
When you complete your online teacher residency program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership in the classroom, school, and profession
- Establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students
- Understand the content you teach
- Facilitate learning for your students
- Reflect on your practice
Student-Centered Faculty
Methodist University’s diverse, expert faculty add quality to our programs with their extensive experience. They are invested in MU students and understand the importance of helping them prepare for the real world. At MU, you can expect:
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- Relevant experience
- Personalized feedback
- Expert guidance
Enjoy an online learning environment that offers the same quality as in-person courses, including dedicated faculty members and an overall caring, friendly atmosphere for achieving your professional and personal goals.
You’ll also have access to all of MU’s academic support services. That means you’ll get personalized assistance you need, such as access to the tutoring and writing centers. Experience a distinctive education in a flexible environment that fits your schedule.
Explore Online LearningYou can earn a high-quality education from a private institution without worrying about the cost. As a Yellow Ribbon school and a university where 97% of students qualify for financial aid, Methodist is committed to affordability.
Learn more about federal student loans and grants, military benefits, and scholarship opportunities. We’re proud to make your goals as affordable as possible.
Financial Aid OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Have other questions not answered here? Request more information or call 910.212.4956.
Methodist University’s Post Baccalaureate Residency Licensure Certificate is offered as an approved educator preparation program through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and is an alternative pathway to initial teaching licensure.
Methodist University offers six start dates every year for this program. Request more information or call us at 910-212-4956 to find out when you should apply.
When you finish the program, you will be a licensed K–12 teacher in North Carolina. Depending on the concentration area you choose, you will be qualified to teach elementary school, special education, middle grades, high school, art, physical education, health education, or music.
Currently, five full-time faculty and three part-time faculty teach in the program
Yes. This online program is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time, allowing you to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
There is a $300 Licensure exam fee attached to the EDU 6900/PXS 6600 Student Teaching course. This fee is non-refundable and will be used to purchase a testing voucher for the required PPAT® pedagogy assessment. Students are required to pass all content licensure exams prior to completing their program. You can learn more about costs and fees on the tuition page.