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 Degree Plans
- Non-degree Seeking Information
- Applications for Internships, Apprentice Teaching, and Clinical Teaching
- TEA's Alternative Certification Program Webpage
Clinical Option
Traditional Clinical Teaching
Register for:
- TCED 4378 - Clinical Teaching I (1st semester)
- TCED 4978 - Clinical Teaching II (2nd Semester)
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.
- Register for:
- TCED 4678 Post Degree Internship I (1st semester);
- TCED 4679 Post Degree Internship II (2nd semester);
- 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.
Deadlines for Applying
- Graduate Deadlines
-
FallNew Degree-Seeking Students - August 1
Returning UHCL Students - August 15 -
SpringNew Degree-Seeking Students - January 5
Returning UHCL Students - January 15 -
SummerNew Degree-Seeking Students - May 1
Returning UHCL Students - May 25
Please note, some graduate programs have special deadlines and requirements. For more information, go to How to Apply as a Graduate Student. The online application is scheduled to close for Graduate students after the Formal UHCL Student deadline of each semester.
Applying After the Priority Deadline
New, non-degree seeking, and returning UHCL students applying after the deadlines above may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the appropriate graduate enrollment counselor for more information. A $50.00 Late Registration Fee or $50.00 Late Payment may apply.
Review the UHCL Academic Calendar for registration and payment dates and deadlines.