Alternative Teacher Certification for Post Baccalaureate
Launch Your Teaching Career with Falcon Fast Track
UT Permian Basin’s Falcon Fast Track is a flexible, 100% online post-baccalaureate certification program designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are ready to take the next step toward becoming a certified Texas educator.
This nationally accredited program (CAEP) offers personalized support, multiple certification area options, and the flexibility to complete your preparation while maintaining current employment. Candidates may choose to earn certification only or pair it with a Master’s degree for additional professional advancement.
Take the Next Step in Your Journey
Learn about the Falcon Fast Track eligibility and requirements.
Apply in a Few Simple Steps
Ready to start your path to teacher certification? Our streamlined process makes it easy. Submit your application, choose your certification area, and upload your essay.
Program & Certification Fees
Explore the list of certification coursework and cost associated with Falcon Fast Track.
Fast Track Certification Areas
FAQ's
How to Apply
- Complete a UTPB Graduate Application.
- Choose major: Certification (Elem, Mid-grades, Secondary, or All-level).
- Under Educational Background Section - question 4, list specific content area. Write required essay (Essay of 1-2 pages, see Essay Rubric) *Why do you want to be a teacher, what characteristics do you possess that make you a good candidate and what will you accomplish as a teacher?
- Submit and Pay $40 application fee.
Certification Coursework
Complete five 8-week online courses plus an internship or clinical teaching experience. Courses are designed by experienced educators to prepare you for success in the classroom—and on the Texas PPR exam.
You'll receive a custom certification plan and ongoing one-on-one support from a Fast Track academic advisor.
Program & Certification Fees
Tuition: $1,935; pay per course plus additional fees:
- $200 - $325 : Course Materials (depends on area)
- $78 - TEA Certification Fee (per certificate)
- $50 - Fingerprinting Fee
- $10 - UTPB Certification Fee
- $116 - TExES certification exam fee (per exam), if applicable
Course Tuition Break Down
$300/course x 5 instructional courses$100 technology fee
$35 TEA fee
$300 total for internship course
*Fees are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time.
Apply Credits Toward a Master's
Up to 15 credit hours may count toward a Master's degree in:
- Professional Education
- Literacy
- Bilingual/ESL Education
Note: Not all programs accept certification credits. Check degree requirements.
| Admission Type | Eligibility | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Admission | - Bachelor’s degree from accredited U.S. institution - GPA 2.50+ (overall or last 60 credit hours) |
- 12 credit hours in content area (15 for math/science) •PACT Information - Passing score on PACT or TExES (may be waived if course hour minimum is met) - English proficiency (met with U.S. bachelor’s or higher) - 1–2 page essay: motivation and qualifications for teaching |
| Contingency Admission | - Currently enrolled in final semester of bachelor’s program - Degree must be conferred by semester end |
- Must meet all other regular admission requirements - Admission valid only for the semester granted; not extendable |
| Out-of-Country Admission | - Degree earned outside the U.S. - Seeking U.S. degree equivalency |
- Transcript evaluation confirming U.S. bachelor’s equivalency - English proficiency via: • U.S. degree (not including territories) • Degree from SBEC-approved English-speaking country • TOEFL-iBT: Speaking 24, Listening 22, Reading 22, Writing 21 |
Fast Track Certification Areas
Falcon Fast Track is authorized by the Texas Education Agency to prepare teachers in the following areas. Our advisors can help you find the areas that best match your abilities and interests, and give you the best changes for employment.
Pre-K & Elementary
- Core Subjects EC-6 (Includes English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
- Optional supplements in Bilingual (Spanish) or ESL
Intermediate & Middle Grades 4-8
- Core Subjects (includes English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Optional supplements in Bilingual (Spanish) or ESL
Secondary 7-12
- Chemistry
- English Language Arts/Reading
- History
- Life Science
- Math
- Physical Science
- Science
- Social Studies
- Speech
- Optional supplements in ESL
All Level (Grades EC-12)
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- LOTE: Spanish
Dismissal Policy
This policy is specific to the EPP’s programs for initial and advanced educator certification in Texas, and does not replace any broader university and graduate school retention/dismissal policies.
Dismissal Policy
