Alternative Teacher Certification
CERT Alternative Teacher Certification
Program Overview
Texas State University’s Alternative Teacher Certification Program is for those individuals who have a bachelor’s degree and would like to receive their initial teacher certification. The Alternative Certification Program is offered through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, which has a long history of producing highly qualified teachers for Texas schools. There are two pathways in TXST’s alternative certification program: Accelerated and Non-Accelerated.
Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Pathway
The accelerated pathway incorporates self-paced modules and three evidenced-based online courses taught by Texas State faculty, and 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. Our Accelerated Pathway quickly prepares you to enter the classroom and make a difference in the lives of Texas students. Throughout this program, students can earn 15 graduate-credit hours.
- 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)
Non-Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Pathway
The length of the non-accelerated pathway depends on your academic background. These certifications are include coursework from multiple programs (and possibly departments). As such, the department related to the content area of your certification will determine how many classes you 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 Program | Total Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|
Certification Program Initial Teacher Certification | Total Hours Varies | Location San Marcos |
Certification Program Accelerated Initial Teacher Certification | Total Hours 15 hours | Location Online |
Online Availability
The Accelerated Initial Teacher Certification program is offered completely online. If you are not a Texas resident and will not relocate, please visit the Office of Online and Extended Programs. International applicants to the online program will not be eligible to receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa from Texas State and may review the eligibility requirements of enrolling in online programs and contact the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with questions.
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Application Deadlines
| Deadlines* | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines* Fall | U.S. Citizen June 15 | International June 1 |
Deadlines* Spring | U.S. Citizen October 15 | International October 1 |
Deadlines* Summer I | U.S. Citizen April 15 | International 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.
Standard Certification Contact
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
altcert@txstate.edu
512.245.3701
Education Building, Room 3045
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $20 nonrefundable application fee
or - $60 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
and - $35 nonrefundable Texas Education Agency technology fee (if offered admission)
- $75 nonrefundable teacher certification plan fee (if offered admission)
There are additional fees associated with certification programs to be paid after admission. Review important information about the additional fees to be paid.
- $20 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 2.75 overall GPA for your mostly recently completed baccalaureate/master's degree or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of your most recently completed baccalaureate degree*
*Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Applicants - If your GPA is lower than 2.75, you can still be admitted if you pass a resume review and the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) that is required for your certification area. For more information, contact altcert@txstate.edu
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE Scores
- GRE 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 (e.g., Math, French, etc.) of the certificate the applicant is seeking (15 hours if seeking certification in math or science above 7th grade).
- If you have questions about whether you need to take the PACT, please email altcert@txstate.edu
TOEFL Scores*
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or one of the exempt countries found on the TEA standards and Texas State University standards.
- official TOEFL iBT scores with minimum individual scores of
- 22 listening
- 22 reading
- 24 speaking
- 21 writing
*Exceptions are made for students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution of higher education in India. These students must meet the following requirements:
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
- Review important information about official test scores.
- This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores. -
Documents & Other Requirements
- If you are currently enrolled or have previously been enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program, you will need to submit an EPP Candidate Transfer Form along with your application.
- If you currently have an emergency permit, you will need to submit a copy with your official application.
- If you plan to apply for the Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Pathway in a secondary content area (e.g., Math, French, etc.) and are worried that you may not have the appropriate academic background, email altcert@txstate.edu to get pre-application advising.