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Certification-Only Program

Do you have a passion, desire, or ambition to teach, but do not do not wish to pursue a second undergraduate degree? We have a program to fit your needs.

The Certification-Only Program allows you to be enrolled at the University and, at the same time, you may be eligible to earn the full salary and benefits of a certified teacher. 

Don't wait till later to enroll when you could become a Ragin' Cajun today!

If you have met all the requirements listed and would like to schedule an appointment to have your transcript(s) and/or Praxis scores evaluated, please call 337-482-5066 to speak to someone in the Office of Student Services to schedule your appointment.

Certification-Only Program Alternative Path to Certification

The Certification-Only Program Alternative Path to Certification consists of 21 credit hours of course work, plus an additional 6 credit hours of either the academic internship or the teacher residency. At this time, the Certification-Only Program does not offer any courses online. We offer classes in the afternoon or evening, usually from 5:00 p.m. to 7:50 p.m., and classes are typically held one day a week. This allows our candidates to work full-time as a teacher and still be able to obtain certification through the Certification-Only Program Alternative Path to Certification.

Upon successful completion of all requirements for official acceptance into the Certification-Only program, a candidate is then eligible for a Practitioner License 2 (PL 2) which allows you to teach while enrolled in the Certification-Only Program.

There are specific steps you must take to be enrolled in and accepted into the Certification-Only Program Alternative Path to Certification:

NOTE: Candidates in this program do not participate in a formal graduation upon completion of the program. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will receive an initial teacher certification.

Acceptance into the University

Apply as an undergraduate student today to take your first step towards becoming an official Ragin' Cajun Certified Teacher. When completing the university admissions application, a student should apply as an undergraduate non-degree seeking student. The field of study on the admissions application should be "Alt. Certification in Education".

Tuition

The Louisiana TOPS Program (Tuition Opportunity Program for Students) does not cover the cost of tuition for the Certification-Only Program.

Candidates must meet all program requirements to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition is based upon how many credits you will be taking each semester. Visit the Student Bursar's Office to find out more about the current fee schedule.

Requirements for Acceptance into the Program

Once you are officially admitted into the university as an Alternative Certification candidate, you must fulfill all program requirements listed below prior to official acceptance in the Certification-Only Program Alternative Path to Certification.

  1. A candidate must have earned a non-education baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. A copy of an official transcript must be submitted to provide proof a baccalaureate degree was earned.
  2. A candidate must pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge (specific subject area) test required for the initial certification area.
  3. A candidate must submit one-page summary essay outlining reasons for and commitment to teaching.
  4. A candidate must submit a one-page summary of educational and work experiences.
  5. A candidate enrolling into Health & Physical Education must have earned at least 15 credit hours in Health or Kinesiology courses prior to acceptance into the program.
  6. A candidate enrolling into Instrumental Music Education must meet all of the following music requisite requirements:
    1. Music Theory: Music Theory II or equivalency exam
    2. Keyboard Skills: Piano II or equivalency exam
    3. Instrument: Audition passed at level of a barrier exam
    4. Ensemble Experience: highly recommended for major instrument
  7. A candidate enrolling into Vocal Music Education must meet all of the following music requisite requirements:
    1. Music Theory: Music Theory II or equivalency exam
    2. Keyboard Skills: Piano II or equivalency exam
    3. Vocal: Audition passed at level of a barrier exam
    4. Ensemble Experience: highly recommended for major instrument

Official Acceptance into the Program

After you have successfully completed all requirements, a signed prescription plan will be provided upon request to acknowledge eligibility for a Practitioner License 2 (PL 2).

NOTE: A candidate must earn a grade of a "C" or better in all professional education or specialized academic education courses required in the Certification-Only Program.

Clinical Experience Handbook

The Clinical Experience Handbook serves as a pacing guide to help the intern, cooperating teacher, school administrator, and/or university supervisor determine an appropriate calendar or timeline to ensure the completion of all requirements after official acceptance into the Certification-Only Program.

Contact Us

If you have met all the requirements listed and would like to schedule an appointment to have your transcript(s) and ACT and/or Praxis scores evaluated, please call 337-482-5066 to speak to someone in the Office of Student Services to schedule your appointment.