Non-Degree Seeking (NDS) Pathways

Non-Degree Seeking (NDS) Pathways

None of these programs lead to a degree or certificate.  For tuition and fee information, please visit the Office of the Bursar. 

Alternative Principal Pathway (087A)

The Non-Degree Seeking: Alternative Principal Pathway is a 20-hour pathway, delivered in a fully online format.  For tuition and fee information, please visit the Office of the Bursar. 

• This is a Non-Degree Seeking Pathway which DOES NOT qualify for Financial Aid

In order to complete this pathway option, a student must:

1. Have a valid Oklahoma teacher certification.
2. Have a Master’s Degree.
3. Have two years of full-time teaching experience in public or private schools accredited under a valid state issued teacher credential.
4. Have two years of relevant work experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
5. Have received a passing score on the subject area competency exam.
6. Submit a plan to the Director of Teacher Education at ECU for completing an alternative certification pathway within three years.

• This certificate SHALL NOT exceed three (3) years and SHALL NOT be renewable.
• This pathway does not guarantee certification. Please refer to the certification laws of your state.

For additional information, and current Programs of Study, please visit the Academic Catalog and Graduate Handbook.

---

Alternative Teaching Pathway (087C)

The Non-Degree Seeking: Alternative Teaching Pathway is a variable hour pathway, dependent on individual needs, and is delivered in a mixed format.  For tuition and fee information, please visit the Office of the Bursar. 

• This is a Non-Degree Seeking Pathway which DOES NOT qualify for Financial Aid

East Central University will admit without further qualifications, and provide an opportunity to complete Standard Certification requirements, any Alternative Certification candidate approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Such candidates will be permitted to take any course(s) the candidate deems necessary or desired to meet standard certification requirements detailed by the OSDE.  The Dean of the College of Education and Psychology will meet with all Alternative Certification candidates to discuss courses available and to assist as necessary in the development of an Individualized Certification Plan.  For Alternative Placement candidates seeking coursework in the Education Department, course pre-requisites must be met but other blocks will be removed.

1. Apply to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) for admission to the Alternative Placement Program (all applications are online).
2. After you receive your initial letter from the OSDE, schedule a meeting with ECU’s Certification Officer (Dean, College of Education and Psychology).
3. Complete the form “Individualized Certification Plan for Alternative Certification Candidates” AFTER the OSDE has reviewed your application and transcript, and has sent your status letter.
4. Classroom management, teaching skills and reading class are now required for alternative certification.
5. The candidate will have three years to complete OSDE requirements to move the alternative certificate to a standard teaching certificate.
6. Alternative Certification is not available for Early Childhood or Elementary.

• This pathway does not guarantee certification. Please refer to the certification laws of your state.

For additional information, and current Programs of Study, please visit the Academic Catalog and Graduate Handbook.

---

School Superintendent Pathway (0875)

The Non-Degree Seeking: School Superintendent Pathway is a 16-hour pathway, delivered in a fully online format.  For tuition and fee information, please visit the Office of the Bursar. 

• This is a Non-Degree Seeking Pathway which DOES NOT qualify for Financial Aid

In order to complete this pathway option, a student must:

1. Have a valid Oklahoma teacher certification in Early Childhood, Elementary, Elementary/Secondary, Secondary, Vocational-Technical, Library Media Specialist, or Speech-Language Pathology.
2. Have a Master’s Degree and certification as a school principal or meet alternative certification requirements for school principal certification.
3. Have two years of full-time teaching experience in public or private schools accredited under a valid state issued teacher credential.
4. Have two years administrative or supervisory experience in public or private schools accredited under a valid state issued teacher credential.
5. Have two years of relevant work experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
6. Have received a passing score on the subject area competency exam.
7. Submit a plan to the Director of Teacher Education at ECU for completing an alternative certification pathway within three years.

• This certificate SHALL NOT exceed three (3) years and SHALL NOT be renewable.
• This pathway does not guarantee certification. Please refer to the certification laws of your state.

For additional information, and current Programs of Study, please visit the Academic Catalog and Graduate Handbook.

---

Special Education Boot Camp Pathway (087B)

The Non-Degree Seeking: Special Education Boot Camp Pathway is a 9-hour/rotation pathway, delivered in a fully online format.  For tuition and fee information, please visit the Office of the Bursar. 

• This is a Non-Degree Seeking Pathway which DOES NOT qualify for Financial Aid

Students will complete three graduate classes (9 credit hours) and then apply with Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) for Provisional Certification.

In order to complete this pathway option, a student must:

1. Have earned any four-year degree from an Institution of Higher Education holding Regional Accreditation.
2. Have a Grade Point Average of 2.75 or higher from a previous degree program.
3. Have a recommendation from a representative at a school district or Institution of Higher Education.
4. Pass a National Background Check.
5. Commit to complete a master’s degree or certification in special education.
6. Commit to remain with a district for at least three years after earning standard certification in special education.

• This pathway does not guarantee certification. Please refer to the certification laws of your state.

If securing the Provisional Certification through ECU, please e-mail the director of Special Education for specific details.  ECU’s program consists of the aforementioned process plus the following steps to move the provisional certificate to a standard certificate.

For additional information, and current Programs of Study, please visit the Academic Catalog and Graduate Handbook.