Abstract: Exploring the integration of distance education in a Masters of Arts in Teaching program in an effort to place more quality teachers in Mississippi classrooms. Mississippi currently has the largest teacher shortage per capita in the U.S. and more than 50% of K-12 teachers currently teaching in Mississippi have graduated through alternative certification programs. This paper will discuss the efforts of Mississippi State University placing more quality teachers in the classroom and review research on current trends and data about alternative certification programs and online programs. The U.S. Department of Education awarded MSU 3.1 million dollars to fund this program over 5 years in an effort to help fill the teacher shortage in Mississippi.