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.
2021-2022 Certification Areas and Academic Requirements
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
