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Logo for Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation. Includes a blue outline of South Carolina connected by lines to three circles (green, yellow, and red) with slogan: Spurring Innovation Through Collaboration.

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!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Application Process

Residency Pathway

Candidate Progression

District Partners

Resources, Stories & News

Our Team

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Program to Pathway

Program Overview Slideshow:

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