Beacon Program
The Beacon Program is for students who wish to complete a bachelor’s degree along with Missouri teacher certification requirements. The teacher certification programs are currently offered through most Missouri venues: the main campus in Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Rolla, and Waynesville. Not all certification options are available at all locations.
Students obtain a degree in a content area (such as psychology, English, math, history, etc.) and minor in a certification area such as elementary, middle school (general science, language arts, mathematics, social studies, speech/theatre), secondary (biology, business, chemistry, English, mathematics, social studies, speech/theatre), art K-12, or music K-12.
Courses within the education certification minors may also meet general education or major requirements, and at least half of the required professional education hours must be earned in Columbia College coursework. (Transfer courses equivalent to courses designated are accepted toward the minor.)
Majors and minors may not be added to an already earned degree. Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree could pursue teacher certification through one of our post-baccalaureate programs or our alternative certification program.