Alternative Certification Program Online
If you have a bachelor’s degree in any field, this online certification program will prepare you to become a qualified teacher in Texas through accelerated online coursework and in-person learning experiences.
Program Overview
Our 100% online alternative teacher certification at a glance
Meet the rising demand for teachers when you complete your Alternative Certification Program online from Lamar University. Whether you currently work in a school setting or are switching career paths, this high-value online program provides you with marketable teaching credentials for an affordable tuition. Plus, prepare to sit for the Texas educator certification exam.
Develop your ability to instruct, assess and encourage students with a university recognized for producing top-tier educators. Tailor your in-person student teaching placement to your needs when you choose between a 14-week clinical experience or a one-year paid internship. Both opportunities enable you to expand your professional network within Texas school districts.
In this Alternative Certification Program, you will:
- Understand the importance of creating a learning environment in which diversity and individual differences are respected
- Examine the impact of teacher-student interactions, interactions among students on classroom climate and student learning and development, and ways to establish a positive classroom climate that fosters active engagement in learning among students
- Realize the importance of communicating enthusiasm for learning and the necessity of communicating teacher expectations for student learning
- Acquire knowledge of instructional design principles and theories and will apply this knowledge to plan and develop curriculum, deliver instruction and design assessments
- Design units of instruction and lesson plans in an organized fashion, design instruction and assessment for K-12 classes that include exceptional students and diverse populations, and use effective teaching strategies and technology
- Learn how to design instruction appropriate for all students that reflects an understanding of relevant content and is based on continuous and appropriate assessment
- Promote student learning by providing responsive instruction that makes use of effective communication techniques, instructional strategies that actively engage students in the learning process and timely, high-quality feedback
- Understand the importance of creating a learning environment in which diversity and individual differences are respected
- Examine the impact of teacher-student interactions, interactions among students on classroom climate and student learning and development, and ways to establish a positive classroom climate that fosters active engagement in learning among students
- Realize the importance of communicating enthusiasm for learning and the necessity of communicating teacher expectations for student learning
- Acquire knowledge of instructional design principles and theories and will apply this knowledge to plan and develop curriculum, deliver instruction and design assessments
- Design units of instruction and lesson plans in an organized fashion, design instruction and assessment for K-12 classes that include exceptional students and diverse populations, and use effective teaching strategies and technology
- Learn how to design instruction appropriate for all students that reflects an understanding of relevant content and is based on continuous and appropriate assessment
- Promote student learning by providing responsive instruction that makes use of effective communication techniques, instructional strategies that actively engage students in the learning process and timely, high-quality feedback
Also available:
Lamar University offers a variety of online education programs that can help broaden your impact. Learn about our other education programs.
*Price includes distance learning fee.
Tuition
Stay on budget with affordable tuition
The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing the Alternative Certification Program online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative Certification Program | $342 | $1,026 | $7,182 |
*University fees are included in the tuition listed. University fees are able to be covered by Financial Aid if you choose to apply and are qualified.
Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.
Total program cost depends upon transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information, contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
View key dates and deadlines
Our Alternative Certification Program online features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Find the start date that works best for you and apply before the application deadline associated with it.
| 8 week courses | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I | 1/11/24 | 12/21/23 | 12/28/23 | 1/4/24 | 3/5/24 |
| Summer I | 5/30/24 | 5/9/24 | 5/16/24 | 5/23/24 | 8/1/24 |
| Fall 1 | 8/22/24 | 8/1/24 | 8/8/24 | 8/15/24 | 10/9/24 |
Now enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your certification online?
Admissions
Review the requirements for your online alternative teacher certification program
The Alternative Certification Program online has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
University Admission Requirements
- Online Application & Fee: University requirements will be assessed by the online application through ApplyTexas.org. There is a one-time application fee of $25.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended*
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any academic area/discipline is required.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must have a 2.75 GPA or above on the last 60 hours of your previous degree
- Apply and be accepted to the Alternative Certification Program
- Pass the appropriate Certify Teacher or PACT exam, as required by an advisor per TEA guidelines
Requirements Following Entry Into the Alternative Certification Program:
- After the first semester of coursework, if the appropriate scores are not submitted, students will not be allowed to enroll in any additional courses until the TSI requirement has been met. All post-baccalaureate classes are monitored for compliance with TSI policy.
- A student must have a “B” or better in all courses taken for certification. If less than a “B” is earned in any course, the course must be retaken.
Send transcripts to:
Lamar University Online Admissions
P.O. Box 10017
Beaumont, Texas 77710
OR
Submit electronically to [email protected]
*All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Lamar University Office of Admissions will no longer require community college transcripts for graduate applicants. Official transcripts from all other institutions will be required. However, if a department or program wishes to review a community college transcript for decision purposes, the department or program may directly request the applicant to submit the official community college transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions for processing.
Courses
Find out what you will study in your Alternative Certification Program online
This online Alternative Certification Program consists of 18 or 21 hours of coursework depending on your choice between a 14-week clinical experience or a one-year paid internship. Courses are offered on a rotational basis.
Students will be required to take 5387 or 5375.
