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Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation

About

The Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP) is a pathway that offers full certification for people who already have a bachelor's degree. CarolinaCAP is a unique partnership of the University of South Carolina, South Carolina Districts, and the Center for Teaching Quality designed to provide individualized, personalized support for candidates as they complete program requirements.

 

  • College or University
  • Columbia, SC
Brittany Caniglia

I have had a phenomenal experience with the CarolinaCAP program coordinators and instructors. My coursework professors through USC were so inspiring and focused on all the important areas for building well-rounded teachers. The support I have received from this program is incredible and I feel lucky to be part of the first cohort of CarolinaCAP. 

If you are considering a career in education, don't hesitate! This program gives individualized support to help everyone become successful. If you have a heart for education, CarolinaCAP can make it happen.

Brittany Caniglia

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Certification-only

Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (CarolinaCAP)

  • 30 months

    Program Duration

  • Hybrid

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

At CarolinaCAP, you'll find personalized, individualized support to become a South Carolina certified teacher. CarolinaCAP supports career changers and recent college graduates by honoring and building upon the skills and experiences you bring.

At CarolinaCAP, you will:

  • Receive individualized support from a coach selected by the district and trained in the CarolinaCAP Coach model.
  • Participate in engaging coursework designed by expert University of South Carolina faculty.
  • Complete micro-credentials that you choose with the support of a coach.
  • Experience multiple opportunities to learn and grow in virtual learning communities.

CarolinaCAP cultivates strong, collaborative partnerships with South Carolina school districts, the University of South Carolina, and the Center for Teaching Quality with the goal to create a high-quality alternative pathway into teaching that marries the expertise of local teachers, schools, and districts with non-profits, data collection partners, and institutions of higher education.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Jul. 01, 2025

    Summer

  • Nov. 15, 2025

    Winter

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

  • $2,500

    In State Tuition

  • $50

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

7500 (3 Year Fee) - District Support Available

CarolinaCAP Program Fee

The cost to participate in CarolinaCAP includes a $7,500 program fee and a $50 application fee. Applicants will make the $50 application fee payment directly to the University of South Carolina when they enroll as non-degree seeking graduate students. The $7,500 program fee covers the cost of three years of support from CarolinaCAP. The program fees do not come directly from CarolinaCAP participants but are paid to CarolinaCAP on behalf of the participant by district partners. Concerning the $7,500 program fee, interested candidates should check with partner districts to determine if:

  • the district will pay all or a portion of the program fee
  • the candidate will be charged the program fee
  • all or a portion of the program fee will be paid by the district in exchange for the participant teaching in the sponsoring district for a specified amount of time 

Full Amount

Men of CHS Teach

Charleston County School District covers the entire cost of CarolinaCAP for all the Men of CHS Teach residents. It is free to all who are eligible. Learn More.

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

Districts will determine the amount of financial aid received by each student. Additional grants and support are available.

Certifications

Biology (Grades 9-12)
Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Early Childhood (PK-Grade 3)
Elementary Education (Grades 2-6)
Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Middle Level Math (Grades 5-8)
Middle Level Science (Grades 5-8)
Physics (Grades 9-12)
Special Education Special Education (Multi-Categorical) (PK-Grade 12)

Get Started

Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.