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³Ô¹ÏÍø requires all candidates to have an overall GPA of 2.75 and a 2.75 in pedagogical courses.  

The program lasts approximately 2 years, with the final year being a year-long internship. Students may also be required to take a semester or more of core courses. Exemption from these courses is granted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Education Department regarding course questions.

Yes, the Alternative Certification program does allow students to certify in a field outside of their undergraduate degree. However, students may need to take additional foundation courses before they begin clinical teaching or their internship. This is considered on a case-by-case basis.

No, the Alternative Certification Program is not a degree program. Students are classified as degree-holder certification seekers. The program allows students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree to complete the required courses and student teaching necessary to hold a teacher’s certificate.

Current undergraduates interested in earning a master’s degree plus teacher certification should consider the 4+1 program. 

Yes, the ³Ô¹ÏÍø offers some online courses for the undergraduate, Alternative Certification, and master’s 4+1 programs. We also offer late afternoon and evening classes to accommodate working professionals. 

Please refer to the course catalog and schedules for more information, or contact the certification officer. 

Please visit for details on tuition rates. Alternative Certification students may be eligible for the educators cohort rate. 

The ³Ô¹ÏÍø recognizes that many individuals completing Alternative Certification also hold current jobs and/or teaching positions. The program is designed to be flexible and accommodate working professionals. Upon entrance into the program, students will meet with a supervisor to create a course plan that aligns best with their goals and circumstances. 

Alternative Certification students must complete at least 30 observation hours under teachers who are state-certified with 3 or more years of teaching experience. Subject areas of observation vary based on the student’s certification. If you are already working in a school, you may complete observation hours there as long as these criteria are met. If you are not currently working at a school, the ³Ô¹ÏÍø will place you in a school for observation.