Online Teacher Certification Graduate Certificate

Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in teaching is designed for individuals who are already teaching on an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate or seeking a traditional student teaching placement. Throughout this program, you’ll receive clinical support and guidance to foster your growth and development as a teacher.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 15

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 29

Degree questions, answered

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Two pathways to completing this graduate certificate in teaching

The graduate certificate in teaching is a two-semester program aligned with the Arizona Department of Education’s requirements for teacher certification in mild/moderate special education, secondary physical education, elementary education and secondary education. 

This certificate can be completed via one of two pathways:

  • Traditional pathway: This pathway is for students not currently employed as a teacher of record. Students who choose this pathway will be placed as student teachers as part of the program.
  • Alternative pathway: To be eligible for this pathway, you must be employed as a full-time teacher of record aligned with their certification area on the Alternative Teaching Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education (or out-of-state comparable certificate) before starting the program.

Focus your studies to fit your career goals with one of four tracks

Through this graduate certificate in teaching, you’ll receive clinical support from ASU faculty who are actively engaged in the educational research community. You’ll learn about instructional practice, assessment, content, inclusive teaching practices and more.

To customize your learning to your career goals, you'll also be required to choose a track. Available tracks include:

  • Elementary education: Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in elementary education, K-8. In order to teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
  • Secondary education: Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in secondary education, 6-12.
  • Secondary education physical education: Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification in secondary education, 6-12, along with the physical education, preK-12 endorsement.
  • Special education (mild/moderate): Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in mild/moderate disabilities, K-12 as documented by student needs in the individualized education program.

Please note: The special education track only prepares students to seek certification in mild/moderate disabilities. Those interested in working with students with intense support needs must complete the Master of Education in special education – teacher certification program.

Upskill your teaching career

This program includes the coursework and professional experience needed to receive an Institutional Recommendation for Arizona teacher certification.

After earning this certificate, you can continue to further your teaching career by pursuing a master’s degree. Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree within three years of completing their certificate have the option to transfer their credits to one of the following programs: 

Professional licensure and certification

ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: ASUeducation@asu.edu.

Will my certificate say "online"?

No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Graduate teacher certification courses

Throughout your courses, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to be an effective teacher in the areas of learner-centered practices, learning design, classroom environment and professional responsibilities. This certificate consists of 9–11 courses, for a total of 25–29 credit hours, depending on the track you choose.


Graduate teacher certification career options

As a student in the online teacher certification program, you’ll already be employed as a full-time teacher of record in elementary or secondary education or be placed as a student teacher. This certificate provides you with the coursework and professional experiences needed to obtain a standard teaching certificate in Arizona (or another state agency if it meets credentialing requirements). Roles your teacher certification can lead to include, but aren’t limited to:

Learn from renowned educators

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Learn from renowned educators

The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. View the graduate program's application deadlines.

Please note: This program has an earlier application deadline than other online degrees offered by Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. 

Study at one of the top colleges for teaching and education

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

#2


best online master’s in educational administration programs.

#3


best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.

Top 5


best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs.

Top 10


best online master's in education programs.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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