University of Texas System

Program Information

Degree Offered

Teacher Certification in 23 different certification areas: EC-4 Generalist; EC-4 Bilingual Education Generalist; ESL Supplemental Certification; Grades 4-8 Generalist; Grades 4-8 Bilingual Education Generalist; Grades 4-8 Language Arts Composite; Grades 4-8 Mathematics Composite; Grades 4-8 Science Composite; Grades 4-8 Social Studies Composite; Grades 8-12 Business; Grades 8-12 French; Grades 8-12 German; Grades 8-12 Spanish; Grades 8-12 History; Grades 8-12 Journalism; Grades 8-12 Social Studies Composite; Grades 8-12 Speech; Grades 8-12 Dance; Grades 8-12 Theatre Arts (*Option 1); Grades 8-12 English Language Arts and Reading; Grades 8-12 Life Sciences; Grades 8-12 Physical Sciences; Grades 8-12 Science Composite; Grades 8-12 Mathematics

Format: Online

Program Description:

The ATCP Online program, offered through the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), provides a unique opportunity to become a fully certified teacher in 12 to 18 months taking your instructional courses fully online via the Internet. The program is designed to certify individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees in disciplines other than education.

It is ideal for working adults wanting to change careers; those teaching on emergency credentials; those currently teaching without certification; or substitute teachers needing certification. ATCP Online focuses on 23 certification areas plus the ESL Supplemental Certification.

In this program, you will work as a paid teacher of record in the classroom and begin three to four highly focused semesters of college work at the same time, with individual mentoring, supervision, and certification test preparation. Participants working in the classroom as a teacher of record generally receive the same salary and benefits as an entry-level teacher. You may take up to 12 hours before working as a teacher of record.

When you complete the required course work you will also have nine or more graduate hours that may be applied towards a future master's degree. The program also requires that you pass the Texas Content Exam before the initial Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) certification in your particular field. Upon satisfactory completion of the program and both of the required state exams, the University of Texas at El Paso and the school district will recommend you to the State Board of Educator's Certification for a Texas Teaching Certificate that has reciprocal recognition both in Texas and in 41 states.

Accreditation:

SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for admission to ATCP Online, you must first meet the following requirements: a) Have received your bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education; b) Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a four-point scale; or a 2.75 in the last 60 hours; c) Have the mandated entry requirement hours for the desired certification area with a GPA of 2.50; d) Provide either a recent GRE with a combined score of 800 or TASP/THEA passing scores of Writing – 220, Reading – 250, Math – 230, Essay Score – 5 Required; e) Provide three letters of recommendation, to include one from each of the following: an educator, an employer, and a personal reference.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: {Item not available}

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: Not applicable