Pending final approvals, the STEP program is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026.
Grow as an Educator. Expand College Access.
The Scholars for Teaching Excellence Program (STEP) is a collaborative partnership among Collin College, the University of North Texas, and area independent school districts that provides high school educators with a fully funded pathway to become credentialed Dual Credit instructors.
Through graduate coursework in high-need disciplines, including English, Mathematics, History, Political Science, and Economics, STEP expands access to college-level opportunities for students while helping districts meet the increasing demand for Dual Credit courses.
View more information about the two pathway options.
Program Benefits
Strengthen Dual Credit Programs
STEP develops highly qualified educators across North Texas to expand sustainable Dual Credit offerings and reinforce academic excellence.
Financial Support Provided
Collin College covers tuition and required fees, removing financial barriers and making graduate coursework accessible for participants.
Career Growth with Flexibility
Participants earn graduate credentials that boost expertise and prepare them to teach college-level courses, with full online flexibility for work and family.
Pathways and Requirements
Through flexible online coursework, UNT will offer eligible ISD educators a Master
of Arts in English, History, Political Science, Economics, or Mathematics through
two pathway options. Participants in both pathways receive ongoing professional development,
including student motivation modules, year-round virtual mentoring, and intensive
Summer Institutes.
Graduate Academic Certificate (18 Credit Hours)
Educators who already hold a master’s degree may complete an 18-credit hour embedded
graduate academic certificate.
Estimated Tuition and Fee Savings: $6,800 (covered by Collin College)
Master’s Degree Program (30 Credit Hours)
Educators seeking a master’s degree may complete a 30-credit-hour non-thesis program
in chosen discipline.
Estimated Tuition and Fee Savings: $11,300 (covered by Collin College)
Participant Commitment (Three Years)
All program participants commit to teaching Collin College Dual Credit courses in their school district for a minimum of three years following program completion. This ensures sustained access to Dual Credit offerings for students across the region.
Selection Process
The program will be available to ISDs that partner exclusively with Collin College for their Dual Credit offerings. ISDs will work with Collin College to select qualified ISD teachers chosen through a well-defined selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
High school teachers nominated by partnering ISDs within the Collin College service area.
Collin College covers 100% of tuition and required fees. Students will be responsible for the purchase of books and course materials.
English, Political Science, Economics, Mathematics, and History.
Participants must teach Collin College Dual Credit courses in their district for three years following program completion.