TXST ACE (Alternative Certification for Educators) is an Accelerated Certification Program for bachelor's degree holders ready to become Texas PK-12 teachers - combining expert instruction, real-world experience, and individualized guidance.
The program offers a flexible, accelerated path to teacher certification - combining online coursework and field experience.
- Online Coursework
- Three evidence-based, asynchronous courses (9 credit hours)
- TEA-required online training modules
- Field-Based Experience
- 50 hours of classroom observation and engagement in a PK–12 setting
- Clinical Experience Options
- Clinical Teaching: One semester of full-time student teaching (6 credit hours in one semester)
- Paid Internship: A year-long, school-based internship in a paid teaching position you secure (6 credit hours across two semesters)
Please note: Candidates already hired as PK-12 teachers but who have not yet completed teacher certification are eligible for this program, as are candidates who are preparing to initially start a career as a teacher in the future.
$4,400* Accelerated, Flexible, Affordable
With tuition costing $4,400, our program focuses on practical training and effective instructional strategies. *For Texas Residents
Program Overview and Unique Features
- Reduced tuition rate of $4,400 for 15 credit hours
- Courses taught by nationally-recognized TXST faculty
- Unique, supervised experience in classroom teaching
- Expert mentoring support during clinical experience
- 100% online course modality offering flexibility for working adults
- Multiple starting points: January, May, or August
- 5-week classes in summer; 8-week classes in fall and spring
- Start a paid teaching internship after one semester of coursework (or coursework across multiple semesters – YOU choose your pace of completion)
- Texas Education Agency accredited university with over 125 years of teacher preparation excellence
Program Structure
Three programs and certifications from which to choose:
- Elementary Education (Early Childhood - 6th grade)
- Secondary Education (7th grade - 12th grade)
- Science
- Social Studies Composite
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- History
- Math
- World Languages
- English/Language Arts
- Special Education - All Level (Early Childhood - 12th grade)
Supervised Experience in Classroom Teaching:
- Option 1:
- Paid Internship (one academic year, 3 hours each semester): Upon successful completion of the courses, program requirements, and required certification testing, students are eligible to be hired by districts as Teachers of Record. As a result, will be paid a full salary, with benefits, and have primary responsibility for instruction while under TXST faculty supervision.
- Option 2:
- Unpaid Student Teaching (one 6-hour semester): Upon successful completion of courses, program requirements, and mandatory certification testing, students have the opportunity to student teach. During this experience, you will collaborate with a mentor teacher and have a TXST faculty supervisor.
- Option 3:
- Uncertified Teachers (one academic year): Uncertified teachers who have been hired as Teacher of Record in a Texas District of Innovation are eligible to complete certification through this program. They are paid a salary, with benefits, and have primary responsibility for instruction. Their clinical supervised internship is integrated with their existing teaching position.
Application Information
All materials for this non-degree program are submitted via the online application system:
- Complete an online application ($20 application fee, $60 for international applicants).
- Choose “teacher certification” when applying for the TXST ACE
- Submit the following materials:
- Completed bachelor’s degree in any area
- Copy of an official transcript from each institution where undergraduate course credit was granted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA in last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (Conditional acceptance is possible if GPA is <2.75)
More Information About Applying
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines* | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Aug 01 | June 1 |
| Spring | Jan 02 | October 1 |
| Summer I | May 01 | March 15 |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration. Late fees will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What teacher certifications are offered through this program?
- Elementary Education - Early Childhood – 6th grade
- Secondary Education – Science or Social Studies Composite, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Math, World Languages, English/Language Arts
- Special Education – All Level (EC – 12th grade)
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Who is eligible for Texas State’s Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program?
- Any individual with a bachelor’s degree and an overall 2.75 overall GPA or in the last 60 credit hours.
- Certain teaching certificates have minimum credit hour requirements. Click on the certificate name below to see overall requirements.
- If you have questions about eligibility, contact: altcert@txstate.edu
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How do I become eligible for a paid internship?
- Upon successful completion of the courses and required certification testing, students enrolled in Texas State University’s Accelerated Alt TCert Program are eligible to be hired by districts as Teachers of Record. As a result, they will paid a full salary, with benefits, and have primary responsibility for instruction.
- Texas State University has extensive relationships with districts throughout the state of Texas. We can facilitate connections with these districts. However, it is the responsibility of the student to find a placement.
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Is this program eligible for financial aid?
Yes, however, the grants, scholarships, and loans you are eligible for vary by student and the number of courses in which you are enrolled.
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What if my GPA lower than 2.75?
You can be admitted if you pass the PACT that is required for your certification area and a resume review. Click here for more information about the PACT. The resume review will be used to see if your work, business, or career experience demonstrates achievement equivalent to the academic achievement represented by the GPA requirement.
Alternative Certification Fees Beyond Tuition
Alternative Certification Fee Breakdown
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