Pursue certification in specific partner states through Purdue Global’s Classroom Pathways Bundle or other alternative certification routes.
The Classroom Pathways Bundle is a unique enrollment package for students in the Master of Science in Education program who are interested in teacher’s certification in specific states.
Students enrolled in the Classroom Pathways Bundle/American Board Plus Program will:
The American Board Plus Program does not include courses or student teaching. Rather, it is designed to help students prepare for and pass American Board examinations in fulfillment of state licensure requirements. As a Master of Science in Education student, you'll also receive additional Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK) resources, including workbooks and supplementary quiz banks. American Board program resources and examination costs are included in the price of tuition for Purdue Global's Classroom Pathways Bundle and may be covered by financial aid for those who qualify.
Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, prospective students must confirm via email to their Advisor that they acknowledge that the Master of Science in Education does not lead to certification and understand the certification and eligibility requirements of the American Board. Students and their advisors must contact the American Board advisor to confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements for certification.
Important note on Tennessee: American Board offers a transitional license in only two county public school systems and one city public school system; it is not approved in the entire state. Licensing is available in the following school systems only: Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools.
It is important to examine alternative teacher certification paths based on your state's licensure requirements. You can visit our interactive map and click on the state where you are interested in becoming a teacher for links to your state's certification requirements. We've also summarized some steps to help you identify suitable state alternative certification programs and requirements for certification.
Licensing requirements for teaching grades K through 12 vary by state. In almost every state, you must enroll in a state-approved certification program that may include completing coursework, a supervised teaching internship or student teaching course, and/or passing a subject area and pedagogy exam. If you are interested in becoming a certified teacher and live in a state that is not covered by the Classroom Pathways Bundle, you must independently research and pursue certification in your state. On its own, the Master of Science in Education will not lead to certification nor will it assist you in becoming a teacher in those states.
Note: Completion of Purdue Global’s Master of Science in Education is not required in order to pursue a state alternative teacher certification program.
Access our interactive map to identify your state's teaching and certification requirements.
Contact your state’s alternative certification advisor.
To find your state’s alternative certification advisor, we recommend searching online for your state’s government or education site. You can also use our interactive map; click on the state where you would like to teach for a link to your state’s department of education.
Research a suitable alternative certification program.
Review the information from your state’s website or that you received from your state’s advisor. You should contact each state-approved program director and ask the director questions about admissions requirements, the length and cost of the program, course format (online or campus), time commitment, and location for onsite field experiences such as student teaching, paid internships, and practicums. Also, make sure you understand the course transfer and undergraduate transcript policies, and undergraduate GPA requirements.
Identify a suitable alternative certification program and enroll.
Once you fully understand your state’s requirements and have identified a program that meets your certification needs, you can proceed with the Master of Science in Education enrollment process. If you need more information, you can reach one of our Admissions Advisors who can help.
*MS Education Licensure: Purdue Global cannot recommend students who complete the Master of Science in Education (MSE) for licensure. Licensing requirements for teaching grades K-12 vary by state. Earning a master’s degree could provide you with the background and practical experience to meet nationally recognized standards; however, enrollment in the MSE is not required for pursuing a state alternative certification program. Purdue Global’s MSE is not accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which may be a requirement for certification or licensure in some states. The programs are not state approved for teacher certification or endorsements of any kind. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.
Students must pass the American Board examinations to be eligible for certification in AR, AZ, FL, ID, MS, MO, ND, NH, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN (Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools only), UT, or WI. Certification requirements vary from state to state. Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students must confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board (ABCTE.org).
†Prior to enrolling in the Classroom Pathways Bundle, students must confirm they are eligible for a state alternative certification program. Students must confirm costs, deadlines, additional fees, required approvals, residency, and continuing requirements with American Board (ABCTE.org). Important note on Tennessee: American Board offers a transitional license in only two county public school systems and one city public school system; it is not approved in the entire state. Licensing is available in the following school systems only: Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools.
