Application Deadlines
The Education Preparation Institute (EPI) program admits students twice a year for the summer and fall terms. Those who are seeking teacher certification and need the reading endorsement should apply to start in the summer term. All program admission requirements must be submitted in order to be considered for enrollment.
Summer 2025
Application Deadline: April 7, 2025
Program Start Date: May 12, 2025
Fall 2025
Application Deadline: July 7, 2025
Program Start Date: TBD
Note: Individuals who need their reading endorsement should start in the summer term in order to finish within 1 year.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for enrollment in the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program, participants must complete the steps listed below.
Step 1: Possess a Bachelor's Degree or Higher
Students must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with at least an overall 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit official transcripts as evidence of the degree.
Step 2: Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)
Prior to admission to the EPI program, individuals must demonstrate mastery of General Knowledge and Subject Area Knowledge. Official documentation of demonstrated mastery as listed on the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) website must be submitted with the EPI application.
- General Knowledge – Find information on how to demonstrate Mastery of General Knowledge in Links on this Page.
- Subject Area Knowledge – Find information on how to demonstrate Mastery of Subject Area Knowledge in Links on this Page.
Step 3: Obtain a Statement of Eligibility (SOE)
Applicants must apply for a Florida teaching certificate with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) if they do not already have a Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE). Applying is easy and outlined in four steps on the Florida Department of Education Certification Steps website. The application fee is $75.00 for each subject area or endorsement in which applicants intend to be certified. Once submitted, the application will be evaluated for eligibility.
The individual’s FLDOE Official Statement of Status of Eligibility must state “You are Eligible for a Florida Educator’s Certificate” in order to be admitted into PHSC’s Educator Preparation Institute program. Please submit a copy with the EPI application.
Note: It may take six to eight weeks to receive a Statement of Status of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Education. Please plan accordingly.
To learn more about Florida's certification process for non-education majors or those changing careers, visit the FLDOE Teaching for the Career Changer or College Graduate of a Non-education Program website, which includes guidance on choosing a subject area specialization.
Step 4: Apply to PHSC
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Apply to the College through the PHSC Online Application System. Select Post-Baccalaureate as your enrollment type and Educator Preparation Institute as your major. You'll receive an email confirmation. Then, complete the following steps:
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Establish Florida residency (complete the Residency Classification Form)
- Submit transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degree (if applicable)
- Complete the FAFSA and apply for financial aid and scholarships
- Complete the Online Readiness course in Canvas
If you have any questions about the application process and supplemental documents required for the EPI application, please contact epi@phsc.edu.
Step 5: Schedule EPI Orientation Meeting
The EPI Director will review the applicant’s application once it has been received. Prior to admission to PHSC’s EPI Program, the EPI Director will meet with the applicant and review the process, procedures, and requirements. After the orientation meeting, the EPI Director will notify the applicant of the acceptance status.
Request for Information
Want to learn more about the Educator Preparation Institute? Or, do you have additional questions? Visit the EPI Admissions home page and complete the Request for Information form.