Frequently Asked Questions:

What alternative certification programs does Tech offer?
For our early childhood, elementary, middle grades mathematics or science, and secondary content areas, there are two routes you can take to get teacher certification. First, you may enter the 39-hour program which will lead to a master's degree and certify you to teach. The second route is to enter the 27-hour program which is a certification only program; it does not lead to any type of degree. For our special education and K-12 content areas, we offer master’s only programs.

What are the admission requirements? Refer to specific Plans of Study on alt cert webpage.

What if I don’t have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.5?

For the MAT programs, you must have a 2.5 cumulative UGPA. You may take additional undergraduate courses in order to raise your GPA to the required level. You may submit copies of all undergraduate transcripts to Ms. Gleason for evaluation by mail or fax. Please indicate the program you are interested in and your contact information.

For the Non-Master’s programs, you may have a 2.5 cumulative OR earned UGPA. As indicated for the MAT programs, if you do not have the 2.5 cumulative or earned UGPA, you may take additional undergraduate courses in order to raise your gpa to the required level. You may submit copies of all undergraduate transcripts to Ms. Gleason for evaluation by mail or fax. Please indicate the program you are interested in and your contact information.

Are all undergraduate hours and quality points used in calculating the UGPA or only the hours included in the bachelor’s degree?

All undergraduate coursework is considered as long as it is from a regionally accredited university.

Do I need to have completed 30 hours of undergraduate coursework in the content area I am seeking certification in if my bachelor’s degree is in another area?

No. A passing score on the PRAXIS II content exam(s) is sufficient to show content mastery.

What tests do I need to take in order to be admitted?

• PRAXIS I OR an ACT composite score of 22 OR a SAT combined verbal and math score of 1030, OR a Master’s Degree from an accredited university. NOTE: If any part of PRAXIS I has been taken and not passed, the ACT/SAT or Master’s options are forfeited.
• PRAXIS II content exam(s) – specific to your content area
• GRE (master’s programs only) – take general exam; formula used to compute acceptable score shown on Plans of study.

See PRAXIS INFO for required test numbers and required scores.

When are the tests offered? How do I register to take the exams?

PRAXIS I may be taken at the ULM testing center (318-342-5336) or Prometrics in Bossier (318-742-7349). These are computer-based exams. Call to set up a testing appointment. Offered weekdays. Takes 3-4 weeks for official scores to be received. May also be taken paper/pencil (see PRAXIS INFO on how to sign up). Results will take approximately 6 weeks to come in.

PRAXIS II is only offered by paper/pencil at this time. PRAXIS INFO will provide information on test dates, test centers, test preparation, test registration, etc.

Is there any way to be admitted on a “conditional” basis?

Louisiana Tech will allow you a one-quarter “conditional” admission as long as you have met the required UGPA, have passed all three parts of PRAXIS I and/or are eligible for a PRAXIS I  waiver, and have submitted required paperwork. PRAXIS I content exams and the GRE must be taken in the first quarter of enrollment in order to continue taking coursework in subsequent quarters. Please note that this may delay your eligibility for financial aid and your application for a Practitioner license.

When does the program start?

Tech is on the quarter system (10-week quarters). The fall quarter begins in early September, winter quarter in late November, spring quarter in early March, and summer quarters in late May/early June. We admit students into the alt cert programs every quarter.

How many classes must I take each quarter?

You are required to be enrolled in at least one class in order to be considered admitted to the program. You may take up to 9 hours without special permission for grad school and 12 hours for non-master’s programs. If you are unable to attend one of the quarters, you will need to complete a one-page readmit to come back into the program. If you are out more than one quarter, you will have to submit a new application.

How long will it take to complete the program?

This will vary depending on which program you are in (non-master’s/master’s), how many classes you choose to take each quarter, and whether you will complete student teaching (1 quarter) or an internship (3 quarters).

What is the difference between student teaching and an internship? Do I have to complete both?

Student teaching is one-quarter long and is for any student that is not in a current teaching position. Internship is for those already teaching in a public school and is one year long. Interns will complete internship in their own classroom.

How long must the essay on “all children can learn” be?

Submit two-page double-spaced essay with your response to the statement, “All Children Can Learn.” Consider socioeconomic status, culture, gender, learning disabilities, and gifted and talented. Evaluated with rubric. (See GENERAL INFO)

What is the format for the letters of recommendation?

These are character references. The letters may not be from a relative. Some suggestions might be a teacher/professor, employer, family friend, minister, etc. The letter should indicate the relationship between the student and person recommending the student, how long he/she has known the student and in what capacity, and why they believe the student would be a good candidate for the teaching program at Louisiana Tech University. The letter should be addressed to Ms. Melanie Gleason, Certification Counselor, Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 3163, Ruston, LA 71272.

Where do I send my application? What else needs to accompany the application?

Submit an application to Admissions with $20.00 fee and request that official transcripts from any schools other than Tech be mailed to Admissions for the non-master’s programs. For the MAT programs, submit an application to Graduate School with $30.00 fee and request that official transcripts from any schools other than Tech be mailed to the Graduate School. See FORMS for applications and other admission paperwork.