Transition to Teaching Licensure Program
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Do you have a bachelor’s degree or higher and want to teach? Consider our Transition to Teaching program!
The Transition to Teaching licensure program is based on the premise that you already have subject matter expertise and focuses on teaching you how to teach it. This 18-credit program supports your development as an effective teacher and provides a pathway for initial licensure in Indiana in your content area. It is a fast-paced mechanism for people ready for a career change or for teachers on emergency permits to earn full credentials. Purdue offers both fully online and residential options for secondary (grades 5-12) teachers.
Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.
What’s Best For Me, Online or Residential?
You will receive the same Purdue quality and qualify for the same Indiana teaching license upon successful completion regardless of which program you choose. However, each program has distinguishing features. Aside from the obvious—the courses for the online program are exclusively online, whereas the residential courses take place face-to-face on the West Lafayette campus—the classes themselves are different. The residential coursework includes more classes that are content specific; for example, if you want to become an English language arts teacher, you’ll take more classes with other prospective English teachers in how to teach English. You will also have a faculty advisor in your content area. The online courses, on the other hand, are not content specific; you’ll learn how to teach in a cohort of prospective teachers across content areas. An advantage of the online program is that we are able to serve a wider array of secondary content areas. The fee structure for both programs is comparable, depending on factors such as full- or part-time status and residency status.
Time to Completion
Whether you choose the online or residential program, the timeline to completion could be as short as 12 months if you begin in the summer and take, on average, two courses per term. The summer start is necessary for this configuration because the program concludes with your full-time teaching internship, which is only available in fall and spring semesters. Students starting in the fall or spring typically take 18 months to complete program requirements.
Alternative Special Education Licensure Programs
Special Education is not part of the TTT program, but does have licensure only programs.
- Special Education Non-degree, Intense Invention (Licensure Only) Distance Only
- Special Education Non-degree, Mild Intervention (Licensure Only Distance Only
*The mild initial is required to apply for the intensive initial licensure program.
For application information, view the:
Request Information
Program Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the Secondary TTT Program, you must meet ONE of the following entrance qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent with a grade point average of at least three (3.0) on a four (4.0) point scale from an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the subject area that the individual intends to teach. (Coursework may not be taken or repeated after earning the degree to raise the overall GPA.)
- A graduate degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the subject area or a related field that the individual intends to teach.
- Both a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution with a grade point average of at least two and five-tenths (2.5) on a four (4.0) point scale, and five (5) years professional experience in the subject or a related area that the individual intends to teach.
- Both a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution and proof that the individual has passed the state approved content area examination in the subject area that the individual intends to teach.*
*Applicants who are eligible for the TTT program via pathway #4 must pass the Praxis content exam for their desired content area prior to admission. Bear this in mind when planning your starting semester.
Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review
The Office of Teacher Education and Licensure will conduct a Transcript Evaluation and Credentials Review (TECR) to verify your eligibility and outline program and licensure requirements for your desired content area. Requesting a TECR is an important first step in admission to the TTT program. If you have not had any communication regarding your transcript evaluation after two weeks, please follow up with Office of Teacher Education Licensure at licensure@purdue.edu to check the status of your TECR.
Career Outlook
Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow in the next 10 years. To find out more visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (visited June 29, 2021).
Job Titles
- Secondary Teacher or High School Teacher
- Assistant Teacher
- Tutor
- STEM Teacher
Online
Toward the bottom of this page are the content areas available for online Transition to Teaching students at Purdue. These content areas are for secondary only—that is, grades 5-12—so your license would not make you eligible to teach in an elementary school. All content areas have essentially the same 18-credit Plan of Study with some variation for the two selective courses, as outlined below.
Plan of Study
The Plan of Study for online Transition to Teaching students is as follows. All courses are 3 credits each for a total of 18.
- EDCI 596: Transition to Teaching: Pedagogy I (first course. May be taken concurrently with EDCI 585 and/or a selective. It is offered every term)
- EDCI 597: Transition to Teaching: Pedagogy II (16-week capstone methods course, offered in fall and spring only; includes a 50-hour field experience. May be taken concurrently with EDCI 585 and/or a selective)
- EDCI 585: Multicultural Education (offered in spring and summer sessions)
- Two selectives – All are 8-week courses offered at various times during summer, fall, and spring sessions. Options:
- EDCI 52003 Theories & Trends in Curriculum & Instruction
- EDCI 52004 Teachers as Leaders
- EDCI 53000 English Language Development
- EDPS 55500 Differentiating Curriculum & Instruction
- EDPS 54000 Gifted, Creative, and Talented Children
- EDST 51400 Economics of Education
- EDST 51600 School Community Relations
- EDST 60900 Legal Aspects of American Education
- EDCI 695: Teaching Internship (typically the last course, offered in fall and spring only. Involves 16 weeks of full-time student teaching, which can take place in the context of your employment, provided you are teaching in your content area. Students are discouraged from taking another course concurrently)
*Note exceptions to the two selectives:
- Students in Agriculture will take ASEC 54100 Program Planning for School-Based Agricultural Education and another ASEC class (ASEC 64000 Courses of Study in AGED Programs as the default; ASEC 59000 FFA and SAE Coordination as a backup; or forthcoming course ASEC 54200 Leadership and Career Development) in lieu of the two selectives.
- Students in Family & Consumer Sciences will take EDCI 65200: Seminar in Family and Consumer Sciences in lieu of one of the selectives.
- Students in STEM fields might consider STEM- or math-specific alternatives within the online M.Ed. program with advisor and instructor permission for one or both selectives.
Students spend an average of 15 hours a week on homework. All courses are 100% online and 8 weeks long except for EDCI 597: Pedagogy II and EDCI 695: Teaching Internship, which are both 16 weeks.
Online Transition to Teaching Content Areas
The online TTT content areas available are:
- Agricultural Education
- Business Education (5-12)
- Career and Technical Education:
- Agriculture (5-12)
- Business Information and Technology (5-12)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (5-12)
- Health Science Education (5-12)
- Marketing (5-12)
- Trade and Industrial Education (5-12)
- Computer Education (5-12)
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Fine Arts:
- Instrumental and General Music (5-12)
- Theatre Arts (5-12)
- Vocal and General Music (5-12)
- Health Education (5-12)
- Journalism (5-12)
- Language Arts (including speech and English) (5-12)
- Mathematics (5-12)
- Physical Education (5-12)
- Science Education:
- Chemistry (5-12)
- Earth/Space Science (5-12)
- Life Science
- Physical Science
- Physics (5-12)
- Social Studies:
- Economics (5-12)
- Geographical Perspectives
- Government and Citizenship (5-12)
- Historical Perspectives (5-12)
- Psychology (5-12)
- Sociology (5-12)
- World Languages:
- Arabic (5-12)
- American Sign Language
- Chinese (5-12)
- French (5-12)
- German (5-12)
- Italian (5-12)
- Japanese (5-12)
- Korean (5-12)
- Latin (5-12)
- Russian (5-12)
- Spanish (5-12)
- Other (5-12)
Residential
Below are the content areas available for residential Transition to Teaching students. Each content area has its own Plan of Study that outlines the 18 credit hours required of that content area. Contact the program coordinator at the top of the Plan of Study in your content area below.
Residential Program Application
Students wanting to participate in the Residential TTT program should first confirm that your content area is offered in the residential format (consult the list below). Follow the instructions on the Residential TTT Graduate Application Instructions and be sure to select “On-campus/Residential” from the drop-down menu. Be sure to contact your program coordinator, whose information is located on the program fact sheet.
Residential Transition to Teaching Content Areas
- Engineering/Technology Education
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts Education
- Language Arts Education (including speech and English) (5-12)
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education:
- Social Studies Education:
Cost
The Transition to Teaching Licensure Program is affordable and competitive in cost.
Indiana STEM Hoosier Academy may have funding available for those entering in STEM or Ag related fields.
View Residential Costs
Full-Time (8+ Credit Hours) Fall/Spring
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
| General Service | $4,603.90 | $4,603.90 |
| Technology Fee | $94.10 | $94.10 |
| Repair and Rehabilitation Fee | $161.00 | $161.00 |
| Student Fitness and Wellness Fee | $117.00 | $117.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Non-Resident Tuition (Out-of-state) | – | $9,401.00 |
| Total Semester Cost | $4,996.00 | $14,397.00 |
Part-Time (1-7 Credit Hours) Fall/Spring
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
| General Service | $329.05 | $329.05 |
| Technology Fee | $7.55 | $7.55 |
| Repair and Rehabilitation Fee | $11.25 | $11.25 |
| Student Fitness and Wellness Fee | – | – |
| Student Activity Fee | – | – |
| Non-Resident Tuition (Out-of-state) | – | $600.45 |
| Total Semester Cost (variable) | $347.85 | $948.30 |
Full-Time (6+ Credit Hours) Summer
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
| General Service | $4,603.90 | $4,603.90 |
| Technology Fee | $94.10 | $94.10 |
| Repair and Rehabilitation Fee | $161.00 | $161.00 |
| Student Fitness and Wellness Fee | $117.00 | $117.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Non-Resident Tuition (Out-of-state) | – | $9,401.00 |
| Total Semester Cost | $4,996.00 | $14,397.00 |
Part-Time (1-5 Credit Hours) Summer
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
| General Service | $329.05 | $329.05 |
| Technology Fee | $7.55 | $7.55 |
| Repair and Rehabilitation Fee | $11.25 | $11.25 |
| Student Fitness and Wellness Fee | – | – |
| Student Activity Fee | – | – |
| Non-Resident Tuition (Out-of-state) | – | $600.45 |
| Total Semester Cost (variable) | $347.85 | $948.30 |
*Other fees may apply for student teaching and licensure
For questions and additional information, students should seek guidance from the Purdue University Office of the Bursar.
View Online Costs
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
| Total Cost Per Credit (includes fees) | $450 | $650 |
| Credits | 18 | 18 |
| EdTPA & Supervision Fees | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Total Tuition & Fees | $9,700 | $13,300 |
*Tuition and fees are charges on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increase. Annual increases may change the total program costs.
*Note: Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be applied to this program.
*International fee may be applicable.
*Textbooks and course materials are not included.
*The teaching internship course will have additional fees for the EdTPA portfolio ($300) and for supervision ($1300). These course fees will be in addition to the cost of the course tuition and are subject to change each year.
Transition to Teaching participants (both residential and online) in the STEM content areas – including Agriscience – may be eligible for funding up to $9250 from the Hoosier STEM Academy. Contact Dr. Tara Star Johnson for more information.
All licensure programs are eligible for financial aid, provided you take at least 6 credits (2 classes) per semester. Visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
Admissions
The program offers rolling admissions, meaning students can join fall, spring, or summer. The application process can take 4-8 weeks after all parts of the application are submitted. Please plan accordingly for the term you would like to begin.
All required documentation (e.g., official transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose and the Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR)) must be submitted for the application to be reviewed for consideration of admission.
Applications must be completed before being submitted to faculty for review.
Deadlines
Fall
| TECR Request Deadline | July 1 |
| Complete Program Application Deadline | July 15 |
| Content Exam Pre-Requisite Deadline | July 15 |
Spring
| TECR Request Deadline | November 1 |
| Complete Program Application Deadline | November 15 |
| Content Exam Pre-Requisite Deadline | November 15 |
Summer
| TECR Request Deadline | March 15 |
| Complete Program Application Deadline | April 1 |
| Content Exam Pre-Requisite Deadline | April 1 |
*Deadlines are the same for TTT Online and Residential
Admissions Requirements
You will need the following for your admissions application
- Academic Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
Share information that will help reviewers understand your academic interests and objectives, assess your academic background, preparation, and training, and determine if you are a good match for the program to which you are applying. - Personal History Statement (1-2 pages)
Help reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to attend graduate school. - Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR)
Prior to admission to a graduate level Teacher Education Licensure Programs, a TECR is necessary. The TECR will verify your program and licensure eligibility requirements for your desired content area. The TECR is customized to each individual applicant and includes a list of required courses, the title, code, scheduling information, and links for program-specific licensure exam(s), and other important information. Cost $35. - 2 letters of recommendation: submit just names and emails. The application system will generate an email to your recommenders to upload their recommendation letters
- Resume
- Official Transcripts:
- Electronic transcripts need to be sent to:
gradadm@purdue.edu Attn: Tara Johnson - Mailed transcripts need to be sent to:
Purdue University Graduate Admissions
155 S. Grant
Young Hall, Room 170
West Lafayette, IN 47907
- Electronic transcripts need to be sent to:
- No admissions application fee
Online TTT Graduate Application Instructions – Make sure to select the “Online/Distance” option.
Residential TTT Graduate Application Instructions – Make sure to select the “Residential/On-Campus” option.
Program Faculty & Staff
Our faculty are nationally recognized and have the ability to work personally with students to individualize their plan of study to meet personal career interests and goals.
Faculty
Staff
Testimonials
Jeremiah Burke
TTT Student Spring 2023
Jeremiah Burke
TTT Student Spring 2023
When I first began my search into a Transition to Teaching program. I wasn’t exactly sure where to begin. The only thing I knew is that in order to make it work, the program would have to be online. I’ll be honest though, in possibly switching careers to education from the Air Force, I was a little overwhelmed with trying to grasp all of the requirements necessary to become accepted into a program. I remember sitting down and creating a list of all of the schools that offered online programs in the state of Indiana and began contacting them one by one. Right away, Purdue stood out to me. They were punctual in their responses and they provided a wealth of information about their program. As I was still trying to figure out what program would be best for me, another thing that stood out was the faculty at Purdue – more specifically Dr. Tara Johnson. Dr. Johnson took time out of her incredibly busy schedule to conduct a Zoom meeting with me to explain the program details. This spoke volumes to me about the faculty, character and integrity of Purdue’s program. None of the other programs that I was considering were as easy to navigate and communicate with, let alone have a professor “sit down” with them to discuss their program. During the meeting, Dr. Johnson described Purdue’s TTT program in a way that was easy to understand, she outlined the path to success, and most importantly, she cared. In that meeting, it was easy to see that Dr. Johnson was dedicated, passionate and a devoted member of Purdue’s talented education program, and it was in that moment that I knew that if I were fortunate enough to get into Purdue’s program, I would jump at the opportunity in a heartbeat.
My initial impression of Dr. Johnson rang true with each of the professors I had during the Transition to Teaching program. In addition to being incredibly knowledgeable and subject matter experts in their respective fields, each professor was dedicated, understanding and enthusiastic to help us grow and learn the foundations of becoming a teacher educator. In addition to the professors, the coursework was conducive and applicable to a career in education. The classes, the information and the terminology, principles and philosophies that were gained through the coursework were essential to helping guide us to success. I could continue to go on about Purdue, but needless to say is I cannot speak highly or fondly enough about the entire Transition to Teaching Program at Purdue.
If you are looking to make a transition into education and you want a program that is challenging, rewarding, gratifying and one that will set you up success, then Purdue’s program is the one for you. Boiler Up!
Ryan Freeman
English Teacher Lake Central High School St. John, Indiana
Ryan Freeman
English Teacher Lake Central High School St. John, Indiana
“I chose Purdue University’s Online TTT Program because its asynchronous schedule and remote coursework allowed me to continue working full time as a substitute teacher. I did not have to sacrifice the daily field experience (and income) I was receiving, and my course assignments often paired well with what I encountered first-hand in a school environment. Of course, I also attended Purdue as an undergraduate and knew I would be receiving a top-tier education. And I wasn’t disappointed.”
Josie Heidlage
FACS Teacher Center Grove High School Greenwood, Indiana
Josie Heidlage
FACS Teacher Center Grove High School Greenwood, Indiana
“I fell for Purdue’s TTT fast and hard! Within the first day of me researching the program, I was in contact with two individuals and had their personal phone numbers. Having two people who had never met me walk alongside me in this decision-making process meant a lot, especially when I was navigating a career shift. Not only was the staff inviting and supportive from the get-go, but it was affordable! I was able to save enough to be debt free by the time I had completed my 14-month program. Now THAT’S a win-win!”
Alyssa Hirsch
(Military) First Lieutenant in the Army National Guard, Medical Services (School) Physical Education and Health Teacher; Girls’ Basketball Coach (Military) Illinois Army National Guard (School) Tri-Creek School Corporation
Alyssa Hirsch
(Military) First Lieutenant in the Army National Guard, Medical Services (School) Physical Education and Health Teacher; Girls’ Basketball Coach (Military) Illinois Army National Guard (School) Tri-Creek School Corporation
“Every class I have participated in so far has been insightful and challenging (in a good way). I’ve learned much more than I expected to and have enjoyed every bit of it. Not only has the content been phenomenal, but so have the professors I’m interacting with. Juggling college classes while working full time and being in the National Guard is far from easy, but each professor shows they are dedicated to my success in the program and have helped keep me on track.”
Matt Lindelien
Physical Education Teacher 8th Football, 8th Girls Basketball & Track Coach Summit Middle School Fort Wayne, Indiana
Matt Lindelien
Physical Education Teacher 8th Football, 8th Girls Basketball & Track Coach Summit Middle School Fort Wayne, Indiana
“I chose the Purdue TTT program because it was the program that allowed me the flexibility to be able to work WHILE multi-tasking with the various roles I have. The flexibility to work, coach, be a devoted husband/father, etc. all while being able to take classes online was the difference maker. Purdue’s TTT program gave me all that flexibility for the last two years. It is an excellent program and one that I would recommend to anybody looking to get into teaching!”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if I am eligible for the TTT program?
Eligibility requirements and program descriptions are located here. After review, the next step is to request a Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR) from the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure.
What are the application requirements?
In addition to the eligibility requirements and requesting a TECR, individuals must submit an application, including a statement of purpose, official transcripts from all universities attended, and 2 letters of recommendation:
Residential program: https://gradapply.purdue.edu/apply/
Contact: education-gradoffice@purdue.edu
Online program: https://gradapply.purdue.edu/apply/
Contact: transitiontoteaching@purdue.edu
When does the program begin each year?
Both residential and online programs can begin in any semester. Pedagogy I, the introductory course for both programs, is an online course that meets for the first 8 weeks of each trimester of the Purdue Online calendar. Typically, that’s the first week of May for summer; the 3rd week of August for fall; and the 3rd week of January for spring
Can the program be completed online?
Residential program: Some courses are offered online. This program is primarily campus-based and requires attending courses on the West Lafayette, Indiana campus.
Online program: This program is offered entirely online, except for field experience and internship. The program includes course work in teaching methods, diverse learners, plus a fifty (50) hour field experience, and a student teaching experience (internship).
How long does the program take to complete?
It typically takes 15-18 months to earn your teaching credentials, though it’s possible to complete the program in one year with a summer start. Students who are already employed on emergency or transition to teaching permits sometimes spread their coursework out over a couple of years. The program will take no less than one calendar year, including one summer.
What Grade Level 5-12 content areas are available?
Residential Program
- Engineering/Technology Education
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts
- Language Arts Education
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education (Chemistry)
- Science Education (Earth/Space Sciences)
- Science Education (Life Sciences – Biology)
- Science Education (Physics)
- Social Studies Education
- Visual Arts Education
Online Program
All licensure Grade Levels 5-12 content areas except Fine Arts: Visual Arts and Engineering Technology Education.
Content areas available are:
- Business Education
- Career and Technical Education (CTE): Agriculture
- CTE: Business Education and Technology
- CTE: Family and Consumer Sciences
- CTE: Health Science Education
- CTE: Marketing
- CTE: Trade and Industrial Education
- Computer Science Education
- Fine Arts:
- Instrumental and General Music
- Theater Arts
- Vocal and General Music
- Health Education
- Journalism
- Language Arts (including speech)
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Chemistry
- Earth/Space Sciences
- Life Science (Biology)
- Physical Sciences
- Physics
- Social Studies:
- Economics
- Geographical Perspectives
- Government and Citizenship
- Historical Perspectives
- Psychology
- Sociology
- World Languages:
- Arabic
- American Sign Language
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Russian
- Spanish
May I pursue or be licensed in more than one content area within the TTT program?
The Purdue TTT Program is for Secondary Education (Grades 5-12) teachers and is designed for one content area. After selecting your content focus, you may add additional content areas to your INDIANA license via exam. Some subject areas require coursework including High Ability, English Language Learners, Special Education, Elementary Education, and others. Consult a Purdue University licensing advisor (licensure@purdue.edu) and/or the individualized TECR for more information.
When I complete the TTT program am I able to obtain a teaching license in a state other than Indiana?
The Transition to Teaching Program (TTT) is an alternative licensure program that is approved solely by the State of Indiana. Upon successful completion of the TTT program and licensure requirements an Indiana Initial Instructional License (2 Year) will be granted by the State of Indiana.
Indiana has unique reciprocity agreements with each of the remaining 49 states and US territories. Each agreement varies and is subject to change without prior notice. Since the TTT program is an “alternative” pathway to licensure intended for Indiana educators, there is no guarantee that this program or the Indiana license resulting from this program will be accepted in every state. At a minimum, one can expect a careful review, additional testing, and further requirements specific to that state.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to research and comprehend the reciprocal licensure requirements of the targeted state before entering this program. For additional information contact licensure@purdue.edu and/or www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate for an overview of reciprocity agreements and contact information for individual state departments of education.
Will I be eligible for financial aid?
Individuals can determine eligibility for loans and/or grants by contacting the Division of Financial Aid at Purdue University and by filing the FAFSA.
Federal financial aid is available for many programs and is available to those who qualify. Financial aid awards vary depending on individual student eligibility and need. Please visit the Financial Aid page for details.
How much will the program cost?
Residential program: Cost will vary depending on enrollment status (full-time versus part-time) and residency status.
Please consult the residential and online costs under the “Cost” tab.
What testing is required?
Prior to program admission: Some individuals may be required to take the content test prior to program admission. See item #1 for further details. During the program: The content test(s) must be taken prior to the student teaching internship. Prior to licensure: Passing scores on the content and pedagogy tests are required.
What is the student teaching internship experience like?
EDCI 695, the teaching internship course, requires full-time teaching in your content area for the full (16-week) semester. You will be assigned a Mentor Teacher from your school and University Supervisor from Purdue to support your growth and liaison with the EDCI 695 instructor(s). The school does not have to be in Indiana so long as it is an accredited secondary school with sufficient technologies to allow for remote supervision (supervision and coursework for EDCI 695 are both conducted online). Those individuals who are on emergency permits, transition to teaching permits, or any other permits must have permission from the building principal to use their current assignment for their teaching internship placement.
Does the program result in a Master’s degree?
No. If an individual wishes to obtain a graduate degree along with licensure, it requires an additional application and completion of at least 30 credit hours total. Some courses taken for the TTT program may count toward a master’s degree with the consent of your faculty advisor/chair. Master’s degrees are available in both the online and residential format.
Questions?
Admissions:
edgrad@purdue.edu
Stephen Smith, M.S.Ed.
Secondary Education Coordinator
Email: transitiontoteaching@purdue.edu
Chea Parton, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor and Transition to Teaching Coordinator
Email: transitiontoteaching@purdue.edu
Office of Teacher Education and Licensure
Email: licensure@purdue.edu
Phone: 765-494-2345