Alternative Certification Program
About UHCL's Alternative Certification Program Information (ACP)
Launch a rewarding teaching career through the UHCL Alternative Certification Program (ACP). Our flexible pathways allow you to start teaching full‑time while completing certification requirements, and many new teachers begin with a starting salary of over $62,000, plus comprehensive health and retirement benefits. If you already hold a bachelor's degree, you can quickly enter the classroom, meet "highly qualified" standards, and even pair your certification with a master's degree. Start your journey to becoming an impactful educator today.
Request InfoApply NowACP Plans
- Non-degree Seeking Information
- Applications for Internships, Apprentice Teaching, and Clinical Teaching
- TEA's Alternative Certification Program Webpage
Program Director
Dr. Carol Waters
Email: watersc@uhcl.edu
Clinical Option
Internship
- Candidates must complete TEA's 50 hours of field experiences, with 25 of those hours being interactive with K-12 students
- Candidates must obtain, and submit to the CPDT Office, a contract or "Letter of Intent to Hire" from a participating independent school districts, prior to January 1st (spring semester) or August 1st (fall semester) the semester's
- Candidates may only be hired to teach in their area of certification.
- Apply for Probationary or Intern Certificate with fees on the TEA Website.
- Candidates must submit all required documentation to the CPDT office prior to the start of the teaching position.
- Special Notes:
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that all candidates remain under university supervision while in the program and serving as the Teacher of Record in a public school;
- Candidates may remain on a probationary certificate for one to two years while completing coursework and serving as the Teacher of Record in a public school, if satisfactory progress is being made;
- An intern certificate is limited to one 12-month period. (TAC7, 230.36), However, a candidate who served a year on an intern certificate may be eligible for a probationary certificate for their second and third year; and
- Periodic eligibility audits.
Residency
Please visit Texas Residency at UHCL.
Once the candidate has completed all course requirements, they will be given information on how to apply for a standard teaching certification.
*Substitute teaching and instructional aide experience does not meet all of the criteria for 50 clock hours (TAC §228.35). Up to 15 clock hours may be satisfied by serving as a long-term substitute. Service record required to verify.
Cost Information
Get schooled on the projected costs for tuition, books, supplies and more for your
education degree from UHCL.
Admissions Requirements
UHCL’s College of Education would love to have you join us. Find out today what it takes to apply.