Graduate Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

The Texas A&M University–Texarkana Teaching and Professional Programs in Education (TPPE) offers Texas Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ACP) for students who hold a baccalaureate degree. The program starts with online coursework and field-based experiences. After completing coursework, field-based experience, and passing the required TExES certification exams, the student teaching requirement may be fulfilled with a paid internship as teacher of record for one school year (fall/spring or spring/fall) in a Texas public school. The student continues online coursework during the ACP internship and is eligible to apply for certification when all coursework, internship, and testing requirements are met. Texas A&M University-Texarkana is an approved Educator Preparation Program, teacher candidates must be admitted into an approved educator preparation program to meet alternative program (ACP) certification requirements to become a certified educator in Texas. 

To be accepted into the Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved Educator Preparation Alternative Certification Program (ACP) an applicant must complete two separate applications:

For the university application, select the graduate application. For the program, select non-degree seeking with a concentration in Teacher Certification (not eligible for financial aid) or the Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teacher Certification (is eligible for financial aid). A master’s degree is not required for certification. 

Link of approved certification areas for Texas A&M University-Texarkana. 

Admission Requirements

1) Graduate application to the university 

2) Application to Alternative Certification Program (ACP) in TK20

3) Official transcripts on file with Admission Office 

4) Undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or will be awarded a bachelor's degree in the current semester 

5) 2.7 or higher GPA undergraduate cumulative or last 60 hours for non-degree seeking ACP; 3.0 or higher GPA for Master's in Curriculum & Instruction 

6) Required content hours for certification sought OR TX PACT (Pre-admission Content Test) exam passed in content level/area for certification (submit score report to ACP Office) Note: PACT exam is for admission only and does not fulfill certification requirements.  

7) Oral interview with faculty 

Out of Country Applicants

  • Out of country applicants to the teacher preparation program must meet ONE of the following:

    • Verification of satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language- Internet-Based Test (TOEFL-IBT).  Scores are required for all four areas: Speaking (24), Listening (22), Reading (22), and Writing (21)
    • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in the U.S.
    • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree outside of the U.S. where English was the primary language of instruction
    • Verification of three creditable years of teaching experience in an educational setting in the U.S.

Please contact education@tamut.edu or (903) 223-3044.

For additional information and for a list of Certifications offered please visit the Graduate Alternative Certification Program website.