More Information

FAQs

• How do I pay?

  The cost for the program is $5995. This bundle price includes all tuition and fees for the 12 graduate hours you will complete. The tuition for this program is not eligible for financial aid or scholarship because it is not a degree seeking program. However, we currently have partnerships with several Houston area school districts that offer financial support through payroll deduction options. Please reach out to the Cashier's Office to find out more about payment options for the program.

• How do I decide which certification is right for me?

  Sam Houston State University's ACP offers several certification areas. Per the Texas Administrative Code §227.10. Admission Criteria:

  (4) For an applicant who will be seeking initial certificate in the classroom teacher class of certificate, the applicant shall have successfully completed, prior to admission, at least:

  (A) a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject specific content area for the certification sought, unless certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; or

  (B) 15 semester credit hours in the subject specific content area for the certification sought if the certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; or

  (C) a passing score on the appropriate content certification examination as specified in the figure provided in this subparagraph. Figure: 19 TAC §227.10(a)(4)(C)

  For assistance in determining the appropriate certification and certification pre-admission test, reach out to our program director for support.

  Approved Certifications:

  • Art (Grades EC-12)
  • Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish (Grades NA)
  • Core Subjects with STR (Grades 4-8)
  • Core Subjects with STR (Grades EC-6)
  • Dance (Grades 6-12)
  • Early Childhood: PK-3
  • English Language Arts and Reading (Grades 7-12)
  • English Language Arts and Reading with STR (Grades 4-8)
  • English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with STR (Grades 4-8)
  • English as a Second Language Supplemental (Grades NA)
  • Family and Consumer Sciences (Grades 6-12)
  • Health (Grades EC-12)
  • History (Grades 7-12)
  • Journalism (Grades 7-12)
  • Languages Other Than English - Spanish (Grades EC-12)
  • Life Science (Grades 7-12)
  • Mathematics (Grades 4-8)
  • Mathematics (Grades 7-12)
  • Mathematics/Science (Grades 4-8)
  • Music (Grades EC-12)
  • Physical Education (Grades EC-12)
  • Physical Science (Grades 6-12)
  • Science (Grades 4-8)
  • Science (Grades 7-12)
  • Social Studies (Grades 4-8)
  • Social Studies (Grades 7-12)
  • Special Education (Grades EC-12)
  • Speech (Grades 7-12)
  • Technology Education (Grades 6-12)
  • Theatre (Grades EC-12)
• What are the testing and certification requirements?

  Please visit the SHSU Educator Preparation Program FAQs site for additional information on testing and certification

• Will I be placed at a campus for my observations and internship?

  Per TEA, "you must secure a teaching assignment at the grade level and in the subject area of your target certificate." Sam Houston State University's College of Education has partnerships with several TEA approved school districts. If you need assistance in finding a campus to complete your observation hours, please reach out to our program director for more information.

• Can I transfer from another alternative certification program?

  Yes, if you are in good standing with your program, you can transfer to our ACP. Please reach out to ACP@shsu.edu about the process for transferring from another alternative certification program and the steps required to complete the process.

• Can I apply to the program if I have a degree from another country?

  Yes, candidates with out of county degrees are eligible to apply. You will need to have your transcript evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation service. More Information.

  You will also need to fulfill at least one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including US Territories.
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
  • Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT).
    

  To have scores submitted directly to TEA, use the entity code 8225 (State Board for Educator Certification). *If you are enrolling in an educator preparation program, please do not use this entity code. Contact your program for the correct code.

  • Speaking 24
  • Listening 22
  • Reading 22
  • Writing 21

  More information regarding TOEFL

  Effective October 22, 2017, English language proficiency requirements have been amended, including new score requirements for the Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT) [TAC §230.11(b)(5)(A-C)].

Program Contact

Dr. Holly Moore