Transition Programs

Not all teachers' backgrounds are the same

We know that not everyone follows the same path to a career in education, which is why we've created transition programs that help you achieve your goal of becoming a teacher—regardless of your background.

Aspiring Teacher Alternative Certification programs

There are two Aspiring Teacher Alternative Certification programs at SOE—elementary education and secondary education—and each has specific admissions requirements.

Get detailed information about admission requirements and how to apply

Second Bachelor's Degree Program

Our Second Bachelor's Degree program is intended for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school and would like to pursue a second bachelor's degree in education, specializing in either elementary or secondary education. It takes approximately three years as a full-time student to complete the program. Because the program leads to a degree, students may be eligible for financial aid.

Apply to the program online as an undergraduate degree student through the IUPUI Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Once admitted to IUPUI, students in the Second Bachelor's Degree program are advised in the IU School of Education at IUPUI (SOE). If you would like to speak with an advisor before enrolling, please contact the proper advisor on our advising team.

Second Bachelor's Degree Program in Elementary Education

Students who complete the Second Bachelor's Degree program in elementary education will receive a bachelor's degree from SOE and will be eligible for teacher certification for grades K-6.

The elementary education program typically consists of 85-100 credit hours, which includes the two-year teacher education program. Transcripts from a student's first bachelor's degree are evaluated to see if any courses can be applied to the second degree in education. If you received a C or better in a course from your first degree, it can be used in the second degree if it is equivalent to a degree requirement.

You may opt to pursue dual certification in Reading, English as a New Language, or Special Education. This option would increase the total number of credit hours required, but not necessarily the length of the program.

Second Bachelor's Degree Program in Secondary Education

Students who complete the Second Bachelor's Degree program in secondary education will receive a bachelor's degree from SOE and will be eligible for teacher certification in their major area for grades 5-12. All grades physical education or art students will be eligible for teacher certification for kindergarten through grade 12.

The secondary education program typically consists of 70-90 credit hours, which includes the two-year teacher education program. Transcripts from a student's first bachelor's degree are evaluated to see if any courses can be applied to the second degree in education. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the coursework for the Second Bachelor's Degree program.

You may opt to pursue dual certification in Reading, English as a New Language, or Special Education. This option would increase the total number of credit hours required, but not necessarily the length of the program.

Learn how to apply

Questions? Contact us:

IUPUI School of Education
ES3116
902 W. New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317-274-6801 (phone)
317-274-6864 (fax)