Program Overview

Alternative Teacher Certification Program

The Alternative Teacher Certification Program at Texas State University is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree and wish to receive their initial teacher certification. The program is offered through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, which has a long history of producing highly qualified teachers for Texas schools.

Program Overview

There are two pathways in the alternative certification program: Accelerated and Non-Accelerated.

• Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Pathway: This pathway incorporates self-paced modules and three evidenced-based online courses taught by Texas State faculty, as well as the option to secure a paid yearlong internship with support from an experienced mentor. In some cases, students choose to pursue a typically unpaid semester-long student teaching option. Throughout this program, students can earn 15 graduate-credit hours.
• Non-Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Pathway: The length of the non-accelerated pathway depends on the individual's academic background. These certifications include coursework from multiple programs and possibly departments. As such, the department related to the content area of the certification will determine how many classes the individual will take in addition to the required Education courses. The non-accelerated alternative certification pathway also includes the option to pursue a paid yearlong internship or typically unpaid semester-long student teaching.

Certification Areas

The program offers certifications in the following areas:

• Chemistry Grades (7-12)
• Core Subjects with STR Grades (EC-6)
• English Language Arts and Reading Grades (7-12)
• History Grades (7-12)
• Languages Other Than English - French Grades (EC-12)
• Languages Other Than English - German Grades (EC-12)
• Languages Other Than English - Spanish Grades (EC-12)
• Life Science Grades (7-12)
• Mathematics Grades (7-12)
• Physical Science Grades (6-12)
• Physics/Mathematics Grades (7-12)
• Science Grades (7-12)
• Social Studies Grades (7-12)
• Special Education Grades (EC-12)

Program Details

• Total Hours: Varies
• Location: San Marcos, with some online options

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.

• Application: Completed online application
• Application Fee: $20 nonrefundable application fee, or $60 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Additional Fees for Certification Applicants:
  • $35 nonrefundable Texas Education Agency technology fee (required upon offer of admission to the master's certification program)
  • $75 nonrefundable teacher certification plan fee (if offered admission)
• Transcripts & GPA:
  • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
  • A 2.75 overall GPA for the most recently completed baccalaureate/master's degree or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of the most recently completed baccalaureate degree
• Test Scores:
  • GRE Scores: Not required
  • Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT): Most applicants will not be required to take the PACT. Two types of applicants are required to pass the respective PACT of their credential area for admission:
    • Applicants with lower than 2.75 GPA
    • Applicants who have not completed at least 12 semester credit hours in the secondary subject area of the certificate the applicant is seeking (15 hours if seeking certification in math or science above 7th grade)
  • TOEFL Scores: Applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores that meet the minimum program requirements unless they have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or one of the exempt countries.

Additional Information

• Application Decisions: International applicants, reapplication process
• Documents & Other Requirements: If currently enrolled or have previously been enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program, an EPP Candidate Transfer Form must be submitted along with the application. If currently having an emergency permit, a copy must be submitted with the official application.