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Education and Human Sciences

CowboysTeach

Graduate Teacher Accelerated Certification Program (Online)
CowboysTeach is Oklahoma State University’s accelerated, fully online pathway for individuals with a non-education bachelor’s degree who are seeking alternative teacher certification in Oklahoma. Starting June 2026, participants take two courses in summer, two in fall and two in spring — finishing by Spring 2027.

Choose your path

Elementary or Secondary
Earn a Graduate Certificate in Effective Teaching and apply the coursework toward OSU’s M.S. in Teaching, Learning and Leadership (K–12 Education).

Why CowboysTeach?

CowboysTeach is designed for working adults and emergency certified teachers — it's flexible, supportive and affordable.


Program Timeline (Summer Cohort)

Beginning in June 2026, participants take two classes in summer, two in fall and two in spring — completing the program by Spring 2027.

Program Benefits

  • Online, asynchronous coursework

  • Take one class at a time

  • Reduced outreach rate of$350 per credit hour (tuition and fees included)

  • 70% of tuition and fees covered for CowboysTeach program courses (12 hours)

  • OK-Thrive induction support covered at 100% (4 hours; fall and spring)

  • Textbook support up to $300

  • GRE not required

Eligibility - Who is this for?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Hold a non-education bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  • Are seeking alternative certification and have your OSDE letter identifying the coursework you need to complete

Scholarship Eligibility

(Read Carefully)

CowboysTeach includes scholarship support intended to reduce costs for educators preparing to serve Oklahoma students. To receive and maintain the scholarship, students must meet the requirements below:
 
1) Oklahoma Teaching Commitment (Attestation Required)
Students must sign an attestation stating they will teach in an Oklahoma public school.

2) Academic Performance Requirement (To Keep the Scholarship)
To maintain scholarship funding, students must complete all CowboysTeach coursework with a grade of B or better.
 
3) OSDE Letter Required
Students must submit their OSDE letter outlining required coursework as part of the scholarship process.
 

How to Apply


Step 1 — Apply to OSU Graduate College
 
Complete the application. Apply by April 15 for priority review.
Applications received after April 15 will be considered dependent upon funding.

Step 2 — Prepare Your Materials

You will need:
  • Transcripts from all previously attended institutions

  • Academic vita/résumé

  • Goal statement

Step 3 — Select the Correct Program
Under Application Information, select:
  • Graduate Certificate: Effective Teaching in Elementary Schools (GRCT)orEffective Teaching in Secondary Schools (GRCT)

  • Expected Term of Entrance: 2026 Summer

  • Campus: Online

Step 4 — Submit OSDE Letter for Scholarship Eligibility
Email a copy of your OSDE letter to the Graduate Coordinator to be eligible for scholarship support.
 
Note: Individuals will work with OSDE for individual certification requirements, and students are responsible for all certification exams.