Certification Only-Option Program &
Master of Arts in Teaching With K-8 certification
Who takes advantage of the CO-OP Program?
CO-OP stands for Certification Only -- Option Program. It is designed for adults who have already
earned a four-year undergraduate degree in any field and now wish to become a certified teacher in a K-8 classroom.
The CO-OP can guide you into a classroom in two different ways.
- Successful completion of the CO-OP provides 27 graduate credits as well as a
recommendation for Alaska K-8 certification from the Alaska Pacific University Education Department.
Simply complete the certification process with the State of Alaska and you are ready to teach.
- After completing the CO-OP, you have the opportunity to take just 9 additional graduate credits and
receive the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
What sets the CO-OP apart from other programs?
- The CO-OP enables you to gain a teaching certificate in just three semesters (15 months)-while you
continue to work during the day.
- Students in CO-OP also earn graduate credit toward a degree-27 credits.
- Students in CO-OP benefit from APU's excellent, student-centered faculty and learn how to
teach an active-learning classroom.
- After students have become certified and entered the teaching profession, they can re-enroll at
APU for their final 9 graduate credits and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in just one additional semester.
- The CO-OP works beautifully for substitute teachers and teachers in private schools seeking
certification and a master's degree.
- The CO-OP program is approved through the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
- The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) has been offered by Alaska Pacific University for over
thirty years and enjoys an excellent reputation in the Anchorage School District and elsewhere.
It has an outstanding placement record.
