CarolinaCAP - CarolinaCrED : College of Education

The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation, or CarolinaCAP, is a non-degree pathway leading to full licensure for teacher candidates.

It is a collaboration among South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina, and Mira Education with the goal of creating a high-quality alternative pathway into teaching that marries the expertise of local teachers, schools, and districts with nonprofits, data collection partners, and institutions of higher education.

CarolinaCAP candidates participate in a unique, personalized experience:

Individualized support from a coach selected by the district and trained in the CarolinaCAP Coach model
Engaging coursework designed by expert University of South Carolina faculty
Micro-credentials selected by CarolinaCAP candidates with the support of a coach
Multiple opportunities to learn and grow in virtual learning communities

To qualify for CarolinaCAP:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA*
- *Applicants applying for certification in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education: Multi-categorical (PK–Grade 12) need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirements will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Evidence of passing score(s) on the Praxis II subject area assessments
Individuals who have previously enrolled in student teaching or another alternative certification program are ineligible for CarolinaCAP.

Certification Areas and Academic Requirements

Middle Level Science

Degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or closely related field minimum of 6 hrs of biology, 3 hrs of chemistry, and 3 hrs of physics from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for middle level science

Middle Level Mathematics

Degree in mathematics, engineering, statistics, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of mathematics coursework including a calculus sequence from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for middle level mathematics

Secondary Biology

Degree in biology, biomedical engineering, biomechanical engineering, biochemical engineering, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of biology coursework from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary biology

Secondary Chemistry

Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of chemistry coursework from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary chemistry

Secondary Physics

Degree in physics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of physics coursework from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary physics

Secondary Math

Degree in mathematics, engineering, statistics, or closely related field with a minimum of 18 hrs of mathematics coursework including a calculus sequence from a regionally accredited university
Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for secondary mathematics

Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirements will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for early childhood education.

Elementary Education

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirements will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Passing scores on the SC required Praxis Subject Area Assessment for elementary education

Special Education: Multi-categorical (PK–Grade 12)

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
Applicants not meeting the 2.75 requirement will be considered for admission with a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA and passing scores on the three parts (reading, writing, and mathematics) of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators.
Passing score on ETS Praxis II Special Education Multi-categorical Subject Assessment – Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild-to-Moderate Applications

Start The Pre-Screening Process Today!

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Program to Pathway

Program Overview Slideshow: