Alternative Certification Program

Overview

The Alternative Certification program at Marshall University is designed for individuals who want to teach but do not have a teaching license. To be eligible, applicants must meet the West Virginia Department of Education standards. The program involves the following steps:

• Receive and accept an eligible teaching position offer from a West Virginia county.
• Complete the IHE form and pay the fee.
• Apply to Marshall University as a non-degree seeking student and pay the fee after WVDE approval.
• Complete registration forms for the current semester.
• Complete the courses for that semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Duration

The program typically takes one calendar year to complete. The number of courses varies depending on the program:

• Regular education program: six one-hour-credit courses.
• Special education program: four courses (three one-hour-credit and one three-hour-credit).
• Autism program: completion of the special education program plus two additional three-hour-credit courses.

Schedule

The schedule is on a one-year rotation, with one course offered at a time whenever possible. Typically, students take one eight-week course in the first half of a semester and a second eight-week course in the second half. Summer courses are offered in the Summer II and Summer III semesters.

Start Date

Students can begin the program in the spring, fall, or summer semesters and should finish within one year.

Deadline

Registration forms and the Memo of Understanding form are sent 4-6 weeks before the semester begins, with a deadline specified in the email. Missing the deadline may result in starting the program in the next semester.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is not available for the alternative certification program due to a substantial discount on tuition.

Course Format

All courses are completely online, with some mandatory online meetings for certain courses.

Transfer to MA Program

After completing the alternative certification program, students can transfer to the MA in Education program, with an Individualized Plan of Study area of emphasis. Courses can be transferred in blocks of three.

Transfer Credits

Typically, transfer credits from previous education courses are not accepted, as determined by the West Virginia Department of Education.

Degree and Certification

The alternative certification program is not a degree program and does not result in a certificate. Students can obtain a transcript from the Registrars' Office if needed.

Textbooks

Textbooks can be found on Amazon, eBay, or other bookseller websites, as they are not part of the regular Marshall University courses.

Required Textbooks

The required textbooks for the following courses can be found on the Alternative Certification Textbooks page:

• EDF 580
• CI 500
• CIRG 580
• CI 581
• EDF 581
• CISP 580

The context provided does not include information about the program's overview, objectives, or a detailed description.

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Outline:

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Duration:

Typically one calendar year

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Regular Education Program:

• Six one-hour-credit courses

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Special Education Program:

• Four courses:
• Three one-hour-credit
• One three-hour-credit

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Autism Program:

• Special education program + two three-hour-credit courses

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Schedule:

• One-year rotation
• One course at a time whenever possible
• Fall & Spring:
• One eight-week course in the first half of the semester
• One eight-week course in the second half of the semester
• Summer:
• One course in Summer II semester
The context provided does not include information about the assessment methods and criteria used in the program.

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Teaching:

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Delivery:

• Completely online
• Asynchronous (except CIRG 644 with mandatory online evening meetings)

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Faculty:

Information not provided

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Unique Approaches:

• Focus on supporting new teachers starting their careers while taking graduate-level courses.

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Careers:

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Pathways:

• Teaching positions in West Virginia

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Opportunities:

• Employment with the county offering the teaching position

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Outcomes:

• Eligibility for teacher licensure in West Virginia

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Other:

• Agreement with the SESC provides a substantial discount on tuition, making the program ineligible for financial aid.
• This program is not a degree program.
• Participants can transfer to the MA in Education program after completing the program.
• Completion allows transferring courses in blocks of three to get a head start on the MA program.
• MA program becomes eligible for financial aid after completing the alternative certification program.
• Textbooks for the program are typically found on Amazon, eBay, or other bookseller websites.
• Required textbooks list available at: https://www.marshall.edu/coepd/alternative-certification/

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.