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Master of Art in Education with Alternative Teaching Certification 

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The College of Education offers an alternative certification pathway for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and who are seeking to obtain a master’s degree with initial Texas certification to teach in PK-12 classrooms.

UTEP’s Master of Arts in Education with Alternative Certification Program combines research-based approaches to curriculum planning, classroom management, and effective instruction, intensive coaching and hands-on practice in classrooms with additional graduate study in a chosen concentration– all toward the goal of preparing the highest-quality teachers to successfully serve all students. Students in the program participate in initial intensive preparation comprised of three graduate-level courses, followed by a residency classroom placement that includes tailored coaching and mentorship by a UTEP Site Coordinator. While completing the year of residency, students take additional online/hybrid courses in their chosen concentration area to complete their master’s degree. This program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Teacher candidates who are part of the Miner Teacher Residency ACP opt to gain certification as a Teacher of Record (Resident Intern) or through a classroom placement with a mentor teacher at one of UTEP’s partner schools (Resident Apprentice).

Early Childhood/Elementary Education (MA- ACP- EC/EE)

The M.A. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education with ACP is for individuals who are seeking Texas EC-6 teaching certification and who want to concentrate their master’s work on Early Childhood Education (Birth to Age 8).  Fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken as part of the ACP program; fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken in Early Childhood Education.

Elementary Education (MA- ACP-EE)

The M.A. in Elementary Education with ACP is for individuals who are seeking Texas EC-6 teaching certification and who want to concentrate their master’s work on Elementary Education (with an emphasis on literacy/biliteracy).  Fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken as part of the ACP program; fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken in Elementary Education and related studies.

Secondary/All Levels Education (MA-ACP- S/ALE)

The M.A. in Secondary/All Levels Education with ACP is for individuals who are seeking Texas secondary teaching certification and who want to concentrate their master’s work on Secondary/all levels education.  Fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken as part of the ACP program; fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken in Secondary Education and related studies.

Special Education (MA-ACP-SPED)

The M.A. in Special Education with ACP is for individuals who are seeking Texas K-12 Special Education teaching certification and who want to concentrate their master’s work on special education.  Fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken as part of the ACP program; fifteen graduate credits (5 courses) are taken in Special Education.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants who have never been admitted into a Texas approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) must meet the following requirements to be considered for acceptance into the ACP:

• Conferred baccalaureate degree from an institution that is recognized by one of the regional accrediting agencies 
• Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher or a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester credit hours (SCH)
• Pass the Pre-admission Content Test (PACT) for the desired certification area.  More information can be found about PACT registration can be found  .
• International students are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 
  • Minimum passing scores per TEA: 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, 21 for writing
• Attend a scheduled interview with College of Education Faculty/Leadership

Application Process:

To apply for the M.A.- ACP (all concentrations), students must complete TWO applications.  Only students who have been accepted into both the College of Education ACP and the Graduate School are eligible to complete the M.A.-ACP program.

First, students must complete the College of Education UTEP Miner Teacher Residence Alternative Certification Program Application. Prospective students submit:

• Texas Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) score report
• An Essay (prompts provided)
• Resume
• Names and Contacts for three professional references
• Official Transcripts
• International students are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language

Application Deadlines:  

• To begin in Fall Semester, applications must be received by July 15^th.
• To begin in Summer Semester, applications must be received by April 15^th.

 To apply, go to the College of Education ACP Application Process page.

Then, candidates who are admitted into the College of Education ACP will be instructed to complete the application process through UTEP’s Graduate School.  Prospective students submit to the Graduate School:

1)  a resume;

2) a written statement of purpose describing personal and professional goals related to obtaining the degree; and

3) transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended; transcripts should indicate at least a minimum satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

International students whose first language is not English must also submit an Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score; the score requirement can be found at .

To complete the second application for the M.A.-ACP program, go to Graduate School Application, select this program when prompted and follow the directions provided to submit your application.

Background Checks

Pursuant to the Texas Education Code TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to student teaching (i.e., residency); and pursuant to the TEC, §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. 

Still have questions about the M.A.- ACP program? College of Education staff are ready to answer your questions.  Please contact us at acp@utep.edu.

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