The Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ACP) prepares individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree to be teachers in Texas PK-12 schools. The accelerated program incorporates self-paced modules, three evidenced-based online courses, and the option to secure a paid yearlong internship with support from an experienced mentor. 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 start as a teacher in the future.
Alternative Teacher Certification
$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 graduate credit hours and teacher certification
- Courses taught by nationally-recognized TXST faculty
- Unique, supervised experience in classroom teaching
- Expert mentoring support
- 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 take up to three 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
- 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): Upon successful completion of the courses and required certification testing, students are eligible to be hired by districts as Teachers of Record. As a result, they will be paid a full salary, with benefits, and have primary responsibility for instruction.
- Option 2:
- Unpaid Student Teaching (one semester): Upon successful completion of courses and mandatory certification testing, students have the opportunity to student teach. During this experience, you will collaborate with a mentor teacher.
- 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).
- 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)
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines* | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | June 15 | June 1 |
| Spring | October 15 | October 1 |
| Summer I | April 15 | 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:
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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.
-
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
(PDF, 155KB)