Online Education Degrees: Montana

The State of Montana’s Office of Public Instruction (OPI) oversees the K-12 public education system. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, an official elected by Montana’s voters during general elections, heads the state agency.

School boards and superintendents, who are also elected officials, govern Montana’s 302 school districts and their 684 schools (2022). Montana’s K-12 schools enrolled more than 108,800 students and employed over 7,800 teachers (i.e., 1:14 teacher-to-student ratio). Most children – or about 90% of all K-12 students – are enrolled in traditional public schools. Montana has among the highest per-student public spending in the country.

But Montana has its fair share of significant challenges in its K-12 public education system. According to the latest Education Week Quality Counts study, Montana is ranked #34 among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Montana received a C grade for its overall performance. To be fair, the United States was also given a C grade in the same survey.

Teacher recruitment and retention are among the most challenging issues, particularly in terms of the shortage of qualified teachers in K-12 schools. The oft-cited reason is that Montana has among the lowest teachers’ salaries across the country.

Many school schools are experiencing financial struggles caused by insufficient state funding, inflation, and other factors. Legislative actions have also contributed to these challenges, such as laws related to student self-defense, parental rights, and mental health services.

Fortunately, Montana continues to make significant strides in addressing these challenges. Laws have been passed that enable retired teachers to become active teachers again without compromising their pensions, increasing financial aid for aspiring teachers and providing more flexibility in the teacher licensure process. Schools have also been provided with incentives to increase the starting salaries for teachers.

Of course, these aren’t magic bullets but these are steps in the right direction that aspiring and current teachers in Montana can take heart from.

So, if you want to become part of the positive change, you should consider earning an online education degree in Montana. Here are the important things that you should know to get started in the right direction.

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Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Montana

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is also in charge of the teacher licensure process, from initial certification and renewals to add-on endorsements. Like most states, Montana has a fairly straightforward licensing process for educators and administrators.

Earn a bachelor’s degree in Education.

The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s in Education from teacher preparation program that is approved ny the state and offered by a regionally accredited institution. In Montana, there are ten regionally accredited colleges and universities offering state-approved teacher preparation programs. Most, however, offer on-campus programs that, while recommended, aren’t as convenient, flexible, and accessible as online programs for aspiring and current teachers.

Teacher preparation programs offer specializations in grade levels and subject area endorsements, too. You can choose from elementary education, secondary education, and special education. Endorsements are available in specific subjects, such as mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, and English language arts.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, you can earn a master’s degree with a licensure track. The type of license for which you’re eligible will depend on whether you have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in education.

Note that according to state law, applicants must complete an Indian Education for All course for teacher licensure purposes. This is a free two-hour online course. The Indian Education for All (IEFA) Act requires teachers to integrate American Indian content into their practice.

Complete required student teaching experience and other field experiences.

In Montana, aspiring teachers must complete at least 14 weeks of relevant and successful student teaching experience. If you’re enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, it’s usually part of the curriculum. In most programs, students have already completed the didactic courses as a prerequisite for the student teaching experience (i.e., as a culminating degree requirement).

Aspiring teachers must also earn a minimum GPA – the current standard is 2.7 GPA – and complete first aid and CPR certification training. Applicants should pass state and federal criminal background checks, including fingerprinting.

Achieve qualifying passing scores on required teacher certification tests.

Montana doesn’t have a specific basic skills test for teacher certification purposes. Besides completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, aspiring teachers must achieve qualifying passing scores on Praxis Subject Assessments. These assessments determine their compliance with the standards for Highly Qualified Status for teachers.

Note that you will only take and earn passing scores on the subject and grade level relevant to your license. Montana allows the following:

Elementary K-8
Secondary Education (5-12)
Art (All Grades)
Reading (All Grades)
World Languages (All Grades)
Biology
Chemistry
English
Earth Science
Economics
Government/Political Science
World and US History
Geography
Physical Science
Mathematics
Physics
French
Spanish
German

Fees apply for taking the Praxis Subject Assessments. These vary between $90 and $180, while test time varies from 1.25 hours to 4 hours.

Apply for teacher certification.

Applicants should submit their completed application documents and other documents through the Teach Montana website. The supporting documents include:

Official transcripts
Proof of completion of state-approved teacher preparation program with official recommendation for teacher licensure
Praxis Subject Assessments scores (Note that Montana also accepts proof of GPA or a passing score on the portfolio in lieu of these scores)
Proof of payment of application fee (Fees range from $80 to $90 for first-time applicants and a $25 technology fee)
Fingerprint background check

Applications can take several weeks to process.

Montana has a two-tiered system of licensure for teachers.

1. Class 1 Professional License

The Class 1 Professional License has a five-year validity, but it can be renewed in compliance with continuing education requirements. This is for experienced teachers with the following credentials:

Completed a state-approved teacher preparation program
With at least three years of successful teaching experience (Proof/verification required)
A master’s degree in education

2. Class 2 Standard License

The Class 2 Standard License is an initial teaching license for new teachers. The renewable license has a five-year validity. Eligibility requirements include:

A bachelor’s degree in education
Completed a state-approved teacher preparation program
Qualifying passing scores on the required teacher certification exams (e.g., Praxis Subject Assessments)

Montana also issues licenses for non-teaching personnel in K-12 schools, such as school administrators and specialists.

3. Class 3 Administrative License

Principals, superintendents, and other professionals in administrative positions apply for the Class 3 Administrative License. This is a five-year license that can be renewed; professional development and continuing education requirements apply. Applicants must:

Possess a master’s degree in educational leadership
Complete a state-approved administrator preparation program
Provide proof of relevant work experience

4. Class 4 Career and Technical Education License

Teachers who want to specialize in career and technical education (CTE) subjects apply for the Class 4 CTE license. Again, this is a renewable license with a five-year validity for each issuance. Applicants must possess relevant and sufficient education and industry experience in the specific CTE subjects they want to teach.

5. Class 5 Provisional License

This is a temporary license that cannot be renewed, although it’s valid for three years. Candidates must meet full licensure requirements during the three-year validity.

6. Class 6 Specialist License

Social workers, psychologists, and counselors, among other professionals working in non-teaching specialized roles in K-12 schools, apply for the Class 6 Specialist License. This is also a five-year license that can be renewed. Applicants must possess licensure in their areas of specialization and possess a relevant graduate-level degree.

7. Class 8 Dual Credit-Only Post-secondary Faculty License

This is a teaching license for post-secondary teachers in dual credit courses offered in secondary schools. Applicants must have official approval from their post-secondary institutions, like two-year community colleges and four-year universities. Candidates must also have faculty status. The license is valid, provided these two requirements are maintained.

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

High school students and adult learners seeking admission into online bachelor’s degree programs in education must be aware of these requirements:

Completed online application form and payment of application fee
High school diploma or GED equivalent OR an associate degree
Official transcripts

Professionals who want to enter the teaching profession and current teachers who want to advance their careers must take note of these admission requirements for online graduate programs:

Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework, usually with a minimum cumulative GPA requirement
Professional resume
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE/GMAT), if required

A valid teaching certificate and relevant work experience are also common requirements.

Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Montana

Elementary School Teachers $60,981
Middle School Teachers $61,790
High School Teachers $61,900
Special Education Teachers $59,043
Superintendents $167,314
School Administrators $111,861
Principals $110,828
Assistant Principals $91,180
Curriculum Development Specialists $105,494
Instructional Coordinators $70,820

Scholarships for Future Educators in Montana

The Peters Education Scholarship program chooses four students every year who will receive financial aid to reduce their student loans.
The Alice Lee Lund Excellence in Teaching Award is a merit-based scholarship for master’s degree students either teaching or planning to teach in Montana.

The 4 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Montana

Only four of the ten colleges and universities offering state-approved teacher preparation programs offer degree in education online programs. These post-secondary institutions:

Have regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Obtained a programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Emphasize academic excellence and provide excellent online student support services

University of Montana

The Montana University System’s flagship university, the University of Montana, offers online education programs through its Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences. In turn, the College is home to three departments – Teaching and Learning, Counselor Education, and Educational Leadership – that houses master’s and doctoral degree programs. The College prides itself on producing teachers and doers whose influence shapes Montana’s society.

MA in Counselor Education – School Counseling

The 60-credit program enables candidates to gain advanced competencies in empowering young minds in school settings. Candidates prepare for success as licensed school counselors thanks to the CACREP standards-aligned curriculum. The program of study requires completion of at least 700 hours of supervised school counseling experience.

MA in Education

Candidates must either possess a teaching license or must be interested in non-school setting professional careers. This is also an excellent foundation for doctoral studies in education. Candidates tackle a rigorous curriculum with emphasis on Diversity, Learning and Assessment, Educational Research, and Critical Social Issues. There’s a thesis requirement, too.

MEd in Educational Leadership

Candidates prepare for success in earning a Class 3 Administrative License along with a K-12 Principal Endorsement. This is a 34-credit program consisting of 12 courses as well as a comprehensive exam and field experience. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Courses include Foundations of Education Leadership, Measurement and Analysis of Educational Data, and Educational Research.

MEd in International Educational Leadership

This is a collaboration between the Department of Educational Leadership and the Office of International Programs. Candidates select from two tracks – first, complete six electives in your area of interest, and second, complete two electives and an internship. There’s a world language requirement.

MEd in Teacher Librarian Studies

The program aims to produce high-quality media/information technology specialists and teacher-librarians among the in-demand jobs in Montana.

PhD in International Educational Leadership

This is also a collaborative program that emphasizes international education and leadership. Candidates complete 91 credits that include didactic coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a completed dissertation. A world language requirement is also a degree requirement.

The University of Montana also offers certificate programs in:

Superintendent Leadership
Early Childhood Education
Principal Leadership

In-state Tuition: $8,152
Online Education Degrees: 6
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Montana State University

MSU, a public land-grant research university, is the state’s largest university in terms of enrollment. Bobcats think outside of the box and take pride in being creators, thinkers, artists, and researchers in more than 250 disciplines.

MA in Teaching

Candidates in the MA in Teaching program can earn the degree in 12-14 months. This is a cohort program with a conducive learning environment for licensed teachers with a strong desire to teach in rural communities. Candidates complete a year-long immersion experience in these rural communities. Graduates are eligible for a teaching license in either Elementary or Secondary Education, as well as endorsements in Science, English, Math, and Social Studies.

MS in Science Education

The interdisciplinary program prepares candidates for success as science educators in and out of classrooms. Candidates complete and present a capstone research project.

Master of Music in Music Education

Candidates must possess a teaching license as music teachers. The two-year, 30-credit program emphasizes K-12 music education, including its practical applications. A major project or paper is required as a culminating requirement.

MS in Mathematics Education

This is a hybrid program intended for working professionals, including practicing teachers.

MA in English Education

Candidates are practicing secondary school teachers who specialize in English and literacy.

MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

Candidates choose from two tracks – the Technology Education track and the Professional Educator option. The program also offers a Certificate in Library Media for licensed teachers interested in the additional endorsement.

MSU also offers doctoral programs:

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction (Hybrid)
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Hybrid)

In-state Tuition: $7,727
Online Education Degrees: 8
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Montana State University Billings

MSU Billings was established as the Eastern Montana Normal School (1927) and changed its name to the Eastern Montana College of Education (1949). Indeed, it has a long history of excellence in teacher preparation. Online programs are offered through MSUB Online.

MEd in Curriculum and Instruction Teacher Licensure

Candidates complete 38-41 credits depending on their specialization – either Elementary or Secondary. This is a teacher licensure program for individuals with a non-education bachelor’s degree. Candidates must achieve passing scores in the PRAXIS II Content Exams for graduation.

MEd Reading Option

Reading supervisors, principals, and teachers pursue the MEd in Reading degree for its learning and research opportunities.

MEd in School Counseling (K-12 Option)

If you’re interested in becoming a licensed school counselor, you can pursue the MEd in School Counseling degree. You’re eligible for a Class 6 School Counselor Specialist license upon program completion.

MS in Special Education

Candidates choose from two options:

Advanced Studies
Generalist

In-state Tuition: $6,258
Online Education Degrees: 4
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University of Montana Western

UMW started as the Montana State Normal School, and thus, it’s also known for the excellent quality of its teacher preparation programs.

BS in Early Childhood Education

The 120-credit program welcomes aspiring and current early childhood education professionals. Students choose from several specializations, including School Age Care, Mental Health, and Infant-Toddler, among others.

BS in Early Childhood Education: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3

This is a 129-credit program designed for licensed teachers who seek an Early Childhood Education: P-3 endorsement.

In-state Tuition: $6,431
Online Education Degrees: 2
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