Pathways to Licensure: Alternate Routes

Alternative Pathways to Licensure

Licensure Pathways for Individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (Alternative Pathways to Licensure). These pathways often allow you to work as teacher of record in a school district while meeting licensure requirements. Click the name of the Alternative Route to learn more information:

Arkansas Professional Educator Pathway (ArPEP)

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas licensure in any first-time licensure area with the exception of Special Education K-12, Adult Education, and Guidance and School Counseling.
What should I expect from this program?	2 year commitment. 2 weeks of face-to-face intensive training during each summer. Monthly training commitments throughout each year. Candidate must secure a position as a teacher of record in an Arkansas school for the duration of the program.
What do I need to qualify for the program?	A bachelor’s degree or higher from a nationally/regionally accredited IHE. Passing scores on the current Praxis Subject Assessment for the subject/grade level. Clearance of all required background checks. Completed ArPEP Online Application (Application opens in March).
How much does it cost?	$1500 each year ($3000 for the entire program). Individuals licensing in Computer Science grades 4-12 are eligible for a tuition waiver.
When/How can I apply?	The application is open from March-May. Apply online. For more information visit the ArPEP website or contact Stephanie Hall, ArPEP Program Advisor, at 501-682-4589 or stephanie.hall@ade.arkansas.gov.

American Board (ABCTE)

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas licensure in all middle level 4-8 areas, Biology 7-12, Chemistry 7-12, Physics 7-12, English 7-12, Social Studies 7-12, Math 7-12.
What should I expect during this program?	American Board program is self-paced and 100% online. Estimated completion time is 7-10 months.
What should I expect after completing this program?	Eligibility to work in an Arkansas public or charter school under a three-year provisional license. Eligibility for a standard license after three years of teaching under a provisional license, completion of Arkansas’s mentoring program, and recommendation by the employing superintendent.
What do I need to qualify for the program?	A bachelor’s degree or higher from a nationally/regionally accredited IHE. Submit your official college or university transcripts to the American Board. Pass a standard background check.
How much does it cost?	$1900 for standard enrollment. If licensing in social studies, the subject area Praxis assessment is required. Praxis assessments typically cost between $100-$150.
When/How do I apply?	Enroll anytime online For more information, visit the American Board-Arkansas Teacher Certification website or call American Board at 1-877-669-2228.

Arkansas Teacher Corps (ATC)

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas licensure in any first-time licensure area with the exception of Special Education K-12, Adult Education, and Guidance and School Counseling.
What should I expect from this program?	7 week intensive summer training in Northeast Arkansas that includes teaching summer school. 3 year commitment to teach in one of the following areas of the state: Northeast (ex: Blytheville, Osceola, West Memphis) Central-east (ex: Forrest City, Helena, Marianna) Southeast (ex: Dumas, Pine Bluff, Lake Village) Southwest (ex: Hope, Prescott, Texarkana)
What do I need to qualify for the program?	Bachelor’s degree or higher. 2.75 or above GPA. Minimum 21 ACT/1650 SAT score. Clearance of all required background checks.
How much does it cost?	No cost for the training program, but Praxis subject assessments must be passed before beginning summer institute. Most Praxis exams cost between $100 and $150 per test.
When/How should I apply?	Deadlines for Fellowship Applications: Expedited Decision- November 1 Early Decision- January 1 Regular Decision- March 1 Apply Online. For more information, visit the Arkansas Teacher Corps website or call 1-479-575-6418.

Highly Qualified Professor (HQP)

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas licensure in any first-time licensure area.
What should I expect from this program?	Completion of required professional development. Demonstrate pedagogical competence through either completion of pedagogy professional development courses, or passing a current Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
What do I need to qualify?	A four-year college master's degree or higher. Providing verification of 3 years of work experience as teacher of record in the licensure content areas at an accredited institution of higher education.
How much does it cost?	Background clearances $50. Application fee $75. If choosing to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam most exams are between $100 and $150.
How can I apply?	Start the process by contacting Sarah Dupuis at sarah.dupuis@ade.arkansas.gov. For more information, visit the HQP website.

iTeach

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas licensure in any first-time licensure area with the exception of Special Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, Adult Education, and Guidance and School Counseling.
What should I expect from this program?	iteach Arkansas is self-paced and 100% online. Seven (7) online courses. Completion time is 1-2 years. Candidate must secure a position as a teacher of record in an Arkansas school to complete the one-year paid residency.
What do I need to qualify for the program?	A bachelor’s degree or higher from a nationally/regionally accredited IHE. 2.5 GPA. Completion of first online course TCAR 5000. Passing scores on the current Praxis Subject Assessment for the subject/grade level prior to teaching position and receiving a provisional license. Clearance of all required background checks.
How much does it cost?	$99 to enroll. $99 monthly fee while enrolled and teaching ($4399 for the entire program). Access to Teaching Channel at no additional cost. Access to Praxis test preparation at 240 Tutoring at no additional cost.
When/How can I apply?	Enroll anytime online. For more information, visit the iteach Arkansas website or call 866-860-0697.

Provisional Professional Teaching License (PPTL)

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas Licensure in any first-time licensure area with the exception of Elementary Education K-6, Special Education K-12, Adult Education, and Guidance and School Counseling.
What should I expect while working under the license?	No training or support other than what the employing district provides to all novice teachers. Requirement to complete 12 hours of training in pedagogy each year of licensure. This is in addition to PD required by state law or by the employing district. Must be employed in an Arkansas public school or public charter school.
How much does it cost?	Praxis subject assessments must be passed before the provisional license is issued. Most Praxis exams cost between $100 and $150 per test. Background checks ($50) must be cleared before the provisional license is issued.
When/How can I apply?	Start the application process anytime by calling Luci Jackson at 501-682-4342. For more information, visit the PPTL website or call Luci Jackson at 501-682-4342 or luci.jackson@ade.arkansas.gov.

Teach for America (TFA)

What does it offer?	A pathway leading to Arkansas Licensure in any first-time licensure area with the exception of Special Education K-12, Adult Education, and Guidance and School Counseling.
What should I expect from this program?	A 5 week summer institute at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi the summer before you begin teaching. 2 year commitment to teach in an area of the state identified as high minority and high poverty, such as Helena-West Helena, Little Rock, and Marianna.
What do I need to qualify for the program?	Bachelor’s degree or higher. 2.7 or above GPA. Cleared background checks.
How much does it cost?	No cost for the training program, but Praxis subject assessments must be passed before beginning summer institute. Most Praxis exams cost between $100 and $150 per test. Food and housing will be provided during the summer institute.Candidates are expected to cover the additional costs of travel to the summer institute.
When/How should I apply?	Applications are open Sept-March. Apply Online. For more information, visit the Teach for America website.

Master’s Degree leading to a first-time license (MAT, MEd, MTLL)

What does it offer?	A DESE approved program of study leading to Arkansas Licensure in all first-time licensure areas with the exception of Guidance and School Counseling.
What should I expect from this program?	Often referred to as MAT, MTLL, or MEd. 30 or more hours of graduate level coursework. Most programs allow candidates to teach under a provisional license while enrolled.
What do I need to qualify for the program?	Bachelor’s degree or higher. Check with the university regarding specific graduate school/MAT admission requirements. Clearance of all required background checks.
How much does it cost?	Cost of the master’s degree will vary, but an estimate is around $10,000. Candidates may qualify for financial aid.
Which universities offer MAT programs?	Arkansas State University Arkansas Tech University Harding University Henderson State University John Brown University Southern Arkansas University University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas at Monticello University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of Central Arkansas Williams Baptist University
When/How should I apply?	Most programs accept applications continuously and offer coursework during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Contact the university to get more information on course offerings. For more information,explore the university’s website or contact a university representative.

Educator Preparation Programs offered through Colleges and Universities: Traditional and Alternative Routes

For more information about a specific program, reach out to a contact for the institution of higher education.

IHEs with approved EPPs and licensure area(s) offered

Legend:

B = Bachelor's degree program; M = Master's degree program; MAT = Master of Arts in Teaching; MEd = Master's of Education; MTLL = Master of Education in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership

S = Specialist degree program; D = Doctoral degree program; G = Graduate non-degree program; U = Undergraduate non-degee program; PS = Post-Secondary licensure

³ = Embedded Coaching Endorsement; ⁵ = Must hold secondary license in core subject area; ⁶ = U-Teach Program of Study; ⁷ = Teacher Academy Program; ⁸ = Embedded in UAFS programs

Alternative Educator Preparation Programs

	Early Chidhood Education PreK	Elementary Education	Middle Childhood	Secondary	Secondary	Broad Range	Special Education/Early Childhood Integrated	Special Education
Grade/Age Levels	PreK	K-6	4-8	4-12	7-12	K-12	B-K	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	G⁷	MAT	MAT	MAT		MAT		MAT
Arkansas Tech University			MAT MTLL	MAT MTLL	MAT MTLL	MAT MTLL
Harding University	G⁷	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT
Henderson State University	G⁷	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT
John Brown University			MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT
Southern Arkansas University		MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT		MAT
Univ Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	G⁷
Univ Of Arkansas - Little Rock	G⁷		MEd	MEd G	MEd G	MEd G		MEd
Univ Of Arkansas - Monticello		MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT		MAT
Univ Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff		MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT
Univ Central Arkansas	G⁷	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT		MAT
Williams Baptist University			MAT	MAT	MAT	MAT
Number Of Programs	6	7	12	13	12	13	2	7

Elementary

	Elementary Education
Grade/Age Levels	K-6
College / University
Arkansas State University	B
Arkansas Tech University	B
Central Baptist College	B
Crowley'S Ridge College	B
Harding University	B
Henderson State University	B
John Brown University	B
Lyon College	B
Ouachita Baptist University	B
Philander Smith College	B
Reach University	B
Southern Arkansas University	B
Univ Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	B M
Univ Of Arkansas - Fort Smith	B
Univ Of Arkansas - Little Rock	B
Univ Of Arkansas - Monticello	B
Univ Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff	B M
Univ Central Arkansas	B
University Of The Ozarks	B
Williams Baptist University	B
Number Of Programs	22

Middle Childhood

	English / Language Arts	Mathematics	Science	Social Studies
Grade/Age Levels	Grades 4-8	Grades 4-8	Grades 4-8	Grades 4-8
College / University
Arkansas State University	B	B	B	B
Arkansas Tech University	B	B	B	B
Central Baptist College	B	B	B	B
Harding University	B	B	B	B
Henderson State University	B	B	B	B
Ouachita Baptist University	B	B	B	B
Southern Arkansas University	B	B	B	B
University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith	B	B	B	B
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock	B	B	B	B
University Of Arkansas - Monticello	B	B	B	B
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff	B	B	B	B
University Central Arkansas	B	B	B	B
Williams Baptist University	B	B	B	B
Number Of Programs	13	13	13	13

Secondary & Multi-Level Core Content Programs

	Chemistry	English / Language Arts	Mathematics	Biology/Life Science	Physics	Physics / Math	Social Studies	Computer Science	Physical Ed / Health
Grade/Age Levels	Grades 7-12							4-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	B	B	B	B	B		B		B
Arkansas Tech University		B	B				B	B	B
Central Baptist College		B					B		B
Crowley'S Ridge College									B³
Harding University	B	B	B	B			B		B
Henderson State University		B	B	B	B		B	B	B
John Brown University	B	B	B				B	B
Lyon College		B	B	B			B
Ouachita Baptist University	B	B	B	B		B	B		B³
Southern Arkansas University	B	B	B				B		B
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	B⁶M	B M	B⁶M	B⁶M	B⁶M	B⁶M	B M	B⁶	B
University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith		B	B	B			B
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock	B	B	B	B	B		B		B³
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff	B	B	B	B			B		B³ M
University Central Arkansas	B⁶	B	B⁶	B⁶	B⁶		B	B	B
University Of The Ozarks		B	B	B					B³
Williams Baptist University		B					B		B³
Number Of Programs	9	17	14	11	5	2	16	5	15

Foreign Languages

	French	German	Latin	Mandarin Chinese	Spanish
Grade/Age Levels	K-12	K-12	K-12	K-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	B				B
Arkansas Tech University					B
Harding University	B				B
Reach University					B
Southern Arkansas University					B
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	B M	B M			B M
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock	B				B
University Central Arkansas	B			B	B
Number Of Programs	6	2	0	1	9

Visual and Performing Arts

	Art	Music - Instrumental	Music - Vocal	Drama	Speech	Drama/Speech (Blended Program)
Grade/Age Levels	K-12	K-12	K-12	7-12	7-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	B	B	B
Arkansas Tech University	B					B
Harding University	B	B	B	B		B
Henderson State University	B	B	B
John Brown University			B
Lyon College		B	B
Ouachita Baptist University	B	B	B	B		B
Southern Arkansas University		B	B
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	B	B	B	B M	M	M
University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith		B	B
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock	B	B	B
University Of Arkansas - Monticello		B	B
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff	B	B	B
University Central Arkansas	B	B	B
University Of The Ozarks	B
Williams Baptist University	B	B	B
Number Of Programs	11	13	14	4	1	4

Career and Technical Education

	Adult Education	Agricultural Sciences and Technology	Business Technology	Family and Consumer Science	Industrial Technology	Marketing Technology
Grade/Age Levels	PS	7-12	4-12	7-12	7-12	7-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	G	B	B
Arkansas Tech University		B
Harding University				B
Henderson State University			B	B
Southern Arkansas University		B
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	G M	B	B G	B G	B G
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff		B	B	B
University Central Arkansas				B
University Of The Ozarks			B
Number Of Programs	3	5	6	6	2	0

Special Education

	Early Childhood/Special Ed. Integrated (First-time License)	Early Childhood/Special Ed. Integrated (Add-On License)	Pre K Special Ed. to an Early Childhood License (Add-On License)	Special Education Resource (Add-On License)	Special Education (First-time License)	Special Education (Add-On License)	Special Education - Hearing (Add-On License)	Special Education - Visual (Add-On License)
Grade/Age Levels	B-K	B-K	Age 3,4,5	K-6, 7-12	K-12	K-12	K-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University				G	B	G M
Arkansas Tech University		G		G		G M
Harding University	B	G		G	B	U G M
Henderson State University		G	G	U G	B	G M
John Brown University				G		GM
Ouachita Baptist University				U
Southern Arkansas University				G		G M
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	B		G	G	B	G
University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith				U
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock					B	G M
University Of Arkansas - Monticello				G		G
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff					B
University Central Arkansas		G		G	B	U G M
Number Of Programs	2	4	2	12	7	19	0	0

Add-on Endorsements (Teaching License Required)

	Early Childhood PreK Endorsement to K-6 License	Coaching	Driver Education	Educational Examiner	English as a Second Language	Gifted and Talented	Grades 5-6 Endorsement to Sec. 7-12 License 5
Grade/Age Levels	Age 3,4,5	K-12	7-12	K-12	K-12	K-12	5-6
College / University
Arkansas State University	U G	U			G	G M
Arkansas Tech University		U					U
Harding University		U			U G	G
Henderson State University	U G	U		G	U G		U G
John Brown University	U				U G
Lyon College		U
Ouachita Baptist University	U	U			U
Southern Arkansas University		U		G	U G	G M
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville		U		G	G	G M
University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith	U
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock	U G	U			U	G M
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff		U					U
University Central Arkansas		U	U		U G	G
University Of The Ozarks		U
Williams Baptist University		U
Number Of Programs	9	13	1	3	14	10	4

Add-on Endorsements (Continued)

	Instructional Facilitator/Teacher Leader	Library Media Specialist (Master's Required)	Dyslexia	Reading Specialist (Master's Required)	Online Teaching Endorsement
Grade/Age Levels	P-12	K-12	K-12	K-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University			G	M S	G
Arkansas Tech University		M	G	M	G
Harding University			G	G M
Henderson State University	G M				G
John Brown University					G
Southern Arkansas University	G M	G M
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville			G	M S	G
University Of Arkansas - Fort Smith				B⁸
University Of Arkansas - Little Rock			G	M	G
University Central Arkansas	M	M	G	M	G
Number Of Programs	5	4	6	10	7

School Counseling

	School Guidance and Counseling (first-time) (Master's Required)	School Guidance and Counseling (add-on) (Master's Required)
Grade/Age Levels	K-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	G M	G M
Arkansas Tech University	M	M
Harding University	G M	G M
Henderson State University	G M	G M
John Brown University	G M	G M
Southern Arkansas University	G M	G M
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	G M	G M
University Central Arkansas	M	M
Number Of Programs	14	14

Non-Instructional Services

	School Psychology Specialist	Speech Language Pathologist (Master's Required)
Grade/Age Levels	K-12	K-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	S	M
Harding University		M
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville		M
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences		M D
University Central Arkansas	M D	M
Number Of Programs	3	6

Administrators

	Building Level - Principal	Special Education Administrator	Gifted and Talented Administrator	Curriculum Administrator	District Level - Superintendent
Grade/Age Levels	P-12	P-12	P-12	P-12	P-12
College / University
Arkansas State University	G M S	G M S	G M S	G M S	S
Arkansas Tech University	G M			G M	S
Harding University	G M	G M		G M	G S
Henderson State University	G M S	G S		G S	G S
Southern Arkansas University	G M			G	G
University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville	G M	M		M	G S
University Of Arkansas - Monticello	G M
University Of Arkansas - Pine Bluff	M
University Central Arkansas	M			M S	S
Number Of Programs	18	8	3	13	10

Colleges and Universities offering a free Associate’s Degree in Education through the AR Future Grant

An Associate’s Degree in education can jumpstart your pathway to licensure by meeting coursework requirements necessary for admission into a traditional Arkansas approved educator preparation program.

AR Future List Map

All Degree

Institute of Higher Education	Degree Type	Degree Name
Arkansas Tech University (ATU)	Associate Degree	Early Childhood Education
Southern Arkansas University (SAU)	Associate Degree	Elementary Education, Middle School Education
Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC)	Associate Degree	Early Childhood Education
Arkansas State University Beebe (ASUB)	Associate Degree	Education
Arkansas State University Mountain Home (ASHMH)	Associate Degree	Education
Arkansas State University Mid-South (ASUMS)	Associate Degree	Education (K-6, 4-8)
Arkansas State University Newport (ASUN)	Associate Degree	Education
Black River Technical College (BRTC)	Associate Degree	Education
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA)	Associate Degree	Education
East Arkansas Community College (EACC)	Associate Degree	Education
National Park College (NPC)	Associate Degree	Education
North Arkansas College (NAC)	Associate Degree	Education
Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)	Technical Certificate	Early Childhood Education
Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)	Associate Degree	Early Childhood Education, Teaching
Ozarka College	Associate Degree	Education
South Arkansas Community College (SACC)	Associate Degree	Education
Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAUT)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana (UAHT)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC)	Associate Degree	Education

Early Childhood Education

Institute of Higher Education	Degree Type	Degree Name
Arkansas Tech University (ATU)	Associate Degree	Early Childhood Education
Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC)	Associate Degree	Early Childhood Education
Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)	Technical Certificate	Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education, Middle School Education

Institute of Higher Education	Degree Type	Degree Name
Southern Arkansas University (SAU)	Associate Degree	Elementary Education, Middle School Education

Education

Institute of Higher Education	Degree Type	Degree Name
Arkansas State University Beebe (ASUB)	Associate Degree	Education
Arkansas State University Mountain Home (ASHMH)	Associate Degree	Education
Arkansas State University Newport (ASUN)	Associate Degree	Education
Black River Technical College (BRTC)	Associate Degree	Education
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA)	Associate Degree	Education
East Arkansas Community College (EACC)	Associate Degree	Education
National Park College (NPC)	Associate Degree	Education
North Arkansas College (NAC)	Associate Degree	Education
Ozarka College	Associate Degree	Education
South Arkansas Community College (SACC)	Associate Degree	Education
Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAUT)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana (UAHT)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM)	Associate Degree	Education
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC)	Associate Degree	Education

Education (K-6, 4-8)

Institute of Higher Education	Degree Type	Degree Name
Arkansas State University Mid-South (ASUMS)	Associate Degree	Education (K-6, 4-8)

Early Childhood Education, Teaching

Institute of Higher Education	Degree Type	Degree Name
Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)	Associate Degree	Early Childhood Education, Teaching

Pathways for Individuals with Experience in a Career and Technical Field (Technical Permit)

These permits are for professionals leaving industry and entering the education field.

Eligibility Requirements and application

Educator Effectiveness and Licensure