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Teacher Education
The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) is a state-approved transfer degree that provides the first two years of coursework required for students pursuing Texas teacher certification. This program prepares future educators with foundational knowledge in teaching, learning, and child development and is designed for seamless transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree leading to initial teacher certification.
- Career Path
- Liberal Arts & Humanities
Programs
Teaching, A.A.T.
This degree is a state-approved collegiate degree program consisting of lower-division courses intended for transfer to baccalaureate programs that lead to initial Texas teacher certification in grades Pre-K to 6 or 4-8. The degree includes 42 hours of the core curriculum, 6 hours of major prerequisites, and 12 hours in courses related to teaching.
If a student completes any part of an AAT Field of Study (FOS) curriculum as developed by the Texas Higher Education Board, the FOS courses will be transferred to a Texas public higher educational institution and must be substituted for that institution’s lower division requirements in the degree program leading to initial Texas teacher certification. The student shall receive full academic credit for the transferred FOS courses in the related university degree program leading to initial Texas teacher certification. The following universities have approved the AAT plan below for transfer toward initial Texas teacher certification: Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, University of Houston, University of Houston-Downtown, University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Victoria, University of St. Thomas and Texas Tech University.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
Students will be able to:
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Explain the contexts of classrooms serving special populations in general and special education classrooms or settings.
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Analyze and evaluate teacher preparation programs, effective teaching strategies, their own employability, and the role of educators as they decide whether teaching could be a satisfying career for them.
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Describe the characteristics of exceptional learners, including legal implications.
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Explore and examine current issues affecting the field of education today.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
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- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
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View the Teaching, A.A.T.Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
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Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
History, Teacher Certification Track, A.A.
The Associate of Arts in History degree plan serves the HCC mission by preparing students for successful transfer to baccalaureate programs in History at four-year colleges and universities in the metropolitan Houston area and beyond.
If a student completes any part of an AAT Field of Study (FOS) curriculum as developed by the Texas Higher Education Board, the FOS courses will be transferred to a Texas public higher educational institution and must be substituted for that institution’s lower division requirements in the degree program leading to initial Texas teacher certification. The student shall receive full academic credit for the transferred FOS courses in the related university degree program leading to initial Texas teacher certification. The following universities have approved the AAT plan below for transfer toward initial Texas teacher certification: Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, University of Houston, University of Houston-Downtown, University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Victoria, University of St. Thomas and Texas Tech University.
To be eligible for an Associate in Arts (AA), an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), or an Associate in Science (AS) degree from HCC, a student must successfully:
Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit as follows: (a) for the AA degree, 43 hours of required core courses and 17 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major (b) for the AAT degree, 44 hours of required core courses plus 16-18 hours of required pre-teaching courses (c) for the AS degree, 43 hours of required core courses plus six additional hours of mathematics, four additional hours of natural science, and 7 hours of transferable electives, usually focusing on the student's transfer major.
Students will be able to:
-
Explain the contexts of classrooms serving special populations in general and special education classrooms or settings.
-
Analyze and evaluate teacher preparation programs, effective teaching strategies, their own employability, and the role of educators as they decide whether teaching could be a satisfying career for them.
-
Describe the characteristics of exceptional learners, including legal implications.
-
Explore and examine current issues affecting the field of education today.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
- Duration
- 2 years (full time)
- Program Format
-
- In-Person
- Hybrid
- Campus Location
- Total Minimum Credits: 60
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View the History, Teacher Certification Track, A.A. Program degree plan to see the total credit hours required.
- Cost
-
Enter the semester credit hours into the Tuition & Cost Calculator to estimate tuition.
Alternative Teacher Certification, CE Certificate
The Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) at Houston City College (HCC) is a state-approved program that prepares individuals for Texas certification in elementary and secondary education. It is designed for those without formal teacher training or with degrees in other fields, such as biology or art.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirement for Education Preparation Programs (EPP) Admissions
To be eligible for admission, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
The bachelor's degree must be earned and conferred by an institution recognized by one of the regional accrediting agencies approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
International Degrees
If you earned your undergraduate or graduate degree outside the United States, you must submit an official evaluation of your international transcripts from a foreign credential evaluation service.
Refer to International Transcripts for a list of acceptable evaluation services.
Your evaluation must include:
- U.S. degree equivalency
- Overall grade point average (GPA)
- Course-by-course analysis
- Divisional course analysis (required for grades 7–12 certification)
A "teacher certification" evaluation is preferred.
For additional transcript details, visit International Transcripts or atcp@hccs.edu
Test of English as a Foreign Language
English Language Proficiency Requirement
All applicants to the HCC Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) must demonstrate English language proficiency before being formally admitted to the program, in accordance with Texas Education Agency 19 TAC §230.11 and State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) requirements.
How to Meet the Requirement
Applicants may satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement through one of the following options:
- U.S. Degree - Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or its territories.
- Approved Foreign Country Degree - Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in a country approved by SBEC where English is the primary language of instruction. 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C). Click HERE to view approved countries.
- TOEFL iBT Examination - Applicants who do not meet the degree requirements above must submit official TOEFL iBT scores meeting the minimum required levels:
Speaking: 18-23
Listening: 17-21
Reading: 20-24
Writing: 17-23
* B2 (High-Intermediate) level scores for each section:
Reading: 4
Listening: 4
Speaking: 4
Writing: 4
(For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, candidates must meet the High-Intermediate (B2) level in all sections.) Click here for link to ELP requirements. - Out-of-State Certification - Hold a standard teaching certificate from another U.S. state that required examinations for issuance.
Required Documentation:- Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the issuing institution or an approved credential evaluation service.
- Official TOEFL scores must be submitted if applicable.
Important Notice
English language proficiency must be verified before a formal offer of admission is issued. Applicants whose degrees are from non-exempt foreign countries cannot be admitted on a contingent basis.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, as determined by official transcripts. The GPA calculation is based on the following:
- The completed bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution.
- The most recent 60 semester credit hours of the bachelor's coursework from an accredited institution.
- If fewer than 60 hours have been completed at the current institution, coursework from previous institutions will be included.
Content Mastery
Demonstrate content mastery in the content area for the certification sought by meeting the prerequisite coursework requirements or submitting a passing score on the content examination through the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) TExES Program.
The program requires a minimum number of content-specific semester hours before program acceptance.
Students who do not meet the prerequisite requirements may demonstrate content mastery by submitting a passing score on the PACT TExES Program in the specified content area. Please review the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Pre-Admissions Content Test for more information.
Background Check
Chapter 227 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) outlines requirements for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), including informing applicants about background checks and certification eligibility.
- Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check before employment as an educator.
- A background check is also required before clinical teaching.
Applicant Notifications
- Policy on Non-Military Candidates- The Houston City College Alternative Teacher Certification Program does not accept transfer coursework or education for credit in the Educator Preparation Program.
- Policy on Military Experience- The Houston City College Alternative Teacher Certification Program does not accept military service, prior coursework, or training for credit in the Educator Preparation Program.
- Potential Ineligibility – Individuals with certain criminal convictions may be denied certification.
- SBEC Rules – Guidelines on how criminal history affects certification eligibility.
- Right to a Criminal History Evaluation – Applicants can request a preliminary evaluation to check their eligibility before starting the program.
Before admission, applicants must demonstrate subject mastery for the desired certificate by completing prerequisite coursework or passing a PACT TExES content exam.
Transcripts must show completion of the required coursework with a “C” or better grade. Courses must be at the 1000-2000 level (freshman-sophomore) or, if specified, upper-level (3000-4000/Junior-Senior), including graduate-level courses.
Courses starting with zero are developmental and do not count toward degree mastery.
Applicants who do not meet these prerequisites are ineligible but may complete the required coursework or exam to apply for a future semester.
Accepted Course Prefixes:
- English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR): ENGL, LITR, WRIT
- Mathematics: MATH
- Science: BIOL, CHEM, PHYS, GEOL, ASTR
- Social Studies: HIST, GEOG, ECON, GOVT
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Students without a bachelor's degree: Meet with an academic advisor to discuss the Teacher Education, AAT. This transferrable program includes the required foundational courses for a bachelor’s degree. - Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) like the HCC-ATCP!
- Complete 50 observation hours during the pre-service observation course.
- Complete a year-long internship as the teacher of record.
- Apply for state certification after EPP recommendation.
- Obtain the Texas Classroom Teacher Standard Certificate from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Certified educators: Previously certified teachers are not required to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to renew, teach in another state, or earn an additional certification. Review the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Educator Testing webpage for exam registration and preparation.
Please review the following links for further steps:
Elementary (Early Childhood through 6th Grade)
- Core Subjects (EC-6)
Middle School (Grades 4 through 8)
- Core Subjects
- English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
High School or Secondary (Grades 7 through 12)
- Life Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Science (6-12)
- Science
- English Language Arts & Reading
All Levels (Early Childhood through 12th grade)
- Special Education
- Physical Education
Supplemental (Not stand-alone certificates)
- Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental
Houston Community College's Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) is accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
SBEC: Responsible for public-school educators' preparation, certification, and professional conduct standards.
TEA: Oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and provides staff support to SBEC.
Education Preparation Program (EPP) Accreditation: For ratings, pass rates, and performance reports, visit the Consumer Information page.
Teacher Supply and Demand: Access the TEA report on teacher demand in Texas.
Performance Reports: View HCC’s Performance Over Time Reports by navigating to the “Accountability System for Educator Preparation Annual Reports” section with the latest reporting years. Recent status reports are also available.
Informal Complaint
We encourage individuals to address concerns directly with the relevant staff member, such as the Program Field Supervisor, Instructor, etc. whenever possible. Most concerns can be resolved quickly through open communication. Informal complaints must be addressed with the staff member within 10 business days of the incident or concern.
Formal Complaint Submission
Complaints Policy
Houston City College Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) is committed to maintaining a transparent and accessible process for handling complaints.
Candidates, applicants, and the public may file a complaint directly with the program using our internal complaints process.
Additionally, all EPPs are required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide access to the state’s complaint process. Anyone wishing to file a complaint with TEA may do so using the link below:
How to File a Complaint with Texas Education Agency.
This link is provided in compliance with 19 TAC §228.123, and is posted on our website, included in applicant materials, and available upon request.
Have Questions?
We are here to help.
The Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP)
- Program Format
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- In-Person
- Campus Location
- Total minimum contact hours for this certificate: 432
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View the Alternative Teacher Certification, CE Certificate catalog listing to see the total courses required.
- Cost
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Each course is $422, with nine classes totaling an estimated $3,798 to complete the ATCP requirements.
This does not include application fees, state-required fees, and testing fees.