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Alternative Route to Teacher Licensure Program

What is Alternative Route to Licensure?

The Utah State University Alternative Route to Licensure Program (ARL) helps qualified individuals earn a Utah Teaching License for secondary education and a Master of Education Degree.  Utah State University works in partnership with the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) to create ARL teachers.   

Who is Utah State University’s ARL Program for?

Interested individuals need to have a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in a subject area that is taught in Utah secondary schools.  Most importantly, one must meet the USOE eligibility requirements in order to be approved for hire (check out USOE requirements at www.schools.utah.gov/cert/apt).  Also, one must meet the requirements and apply for Graduate School at Utah State (for more info visit http://www.usu.edu/gradsch/). Only individuals approved by USOE can apply to Utah State University’s ARL Program.  Because there is a partnership between Utah State University and USOE it is essential that participating individuals understand the requirements, policies, procedures, and deadlines of both institutions. 

Why Utah State University’s ARL Program?

Earning a teaching license and a Master’s degree through Utah State University’s ARL Program has significant advantages.
1. Individuals gain a broader and deeper perspective of education by taking graduate level courses from a top quality university.
2. One can earn a Master’s Degree while earning a teaching license.  This is important because courses for your license count toward your Master’s Degree.
3. Utah State University’s ARL courses are offered all over the state.
4. Earning a Master’s Degree translates into a substantially higher salary.

Download the Secondary Education Plan C Program of Study

How do I get started?

Individuals interested in the ARL program should visit the USOE website at www.schools.utah.gov/cert/apt.  To be eligible for Utah State’s ARL Program, one must have applied to and been approved for hire by USOE.  At this point you should complete the Utah State University’s ARL application and send it along with a copy of your transcripts and a copy of your approval letter from USOE. 
Send to:
David Vernon
Utah State University
2500 S. State Street
5th Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Once an individual is accepted into Utah State University’s ARL program, s/he must immediately apply to the Graduate School at Utah State (for more info visit http://www.usu.edu/gradsch/).  Acceptance into graduate school is imperative to obtaining a Master’s degree.  If one is not accepted to graduate school, cannot earn a Master’s degree.  However, s/he can work toward his/her teaching license.

Download a Getting Started Checklist

If you have any questions, contact David Vernon at (801) 646-5570 or (801) 597-0640.