Pathways to Certification

Pathways offered through Florida Gulf Coast University

This describes Alternatives to degree programs for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in an area outside of education who are interested in becoming teachers.   All courses are offered at the graduate-level, making it possible to apply some of them to a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at FGCU.

The following link is to Frequently Asked Questions regarding Alternative Certification answered by the Florida Department of Education:

Florida Department of Education FAQs about Alternative Certification

There are three paths to teacher certification available through FGCU:

Course-by-Course

FGCU offers five graduate courses approved by the State of Florida for teacher certification.  FGCU also offers a state-approved special methods course for students seeking secondary certification.  Students who successfully complete these courses and meet the three state certification exam requirements may be eligible for a temporary teaching certificate upon being hired in a full-time teaching position.

Application Process:

Prospective students must submit an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions as a post-Baccalaureate non-degree seeking student/Teacher Certification.  Upon acceptance to FGCU, students can contact our office for assistance in registering for certification courses.

Teacher Immersion Program (TIP)

TIP is a state approved program that qualifies completers for a 5 year Professional Teaching Certificate. This program is competency-based and meets all Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.  A special feature of this program is a practicum course that includes 15 day intensive internship in a K-12 classroom.

Admission Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Statement of Eligibility for a Temporary Certificate from the Florida Department of Education
• Passing score on all four sections of the General Knowledge Test
• Passing score on the Subject Area Exam
• GPA of 2.75 or above
• Three letters of recommendation from professionals
• Application Process

Application Process: 

Prospective students must submit an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions as a post-Baccalaureate non-degree seeking student/Teacher Certification/TIP.  Upon acceptance to FGCU, students will work with a faculty advisor to develop a program of study.

Teacher Credential Certificate (TCC)

The post-baccalaureate Teacher Credential Certificate (TCC) program is designed for students with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than education, who seek to meet the licensure/certification requirements for a Florida Educator’s Certificate. FGCU offers six undergraduate courses approved by the State of Florida for TCC. Individual completing the program meet all of the coursework requirements specified on a Florida Statement of Eligibility for educator certification. Teaching practicum and Florida Teacher Certification Exam requirements are not addressed in the program, and must be completed prior to applying for a Professional Educator’s Certificate from the Florida Department of Education.

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