Paths to Teacher Certification in Texas
There are three main paths to earning a teacher certification in Texas. Students may earn their certification while earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education. They may also seek certification after earning a Bachelor’s degree. Below are the various requirements for each pathway.
Learn More About Each Pathway
For students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification.
1. Pre-Requisites
- EDUC 2320 and EDUC 2330
- 45 credit hours
- 2.50 GPA (overall/ last 60 credit hours earned)
- THEA Exam score (Reading: 230, Math: 230, Writing: 220)
- Reading Proficiency (SAT/ACT or ENGL 2315/2325)
- Math Proficiency (SAT/ACT or MATH 1305/1313)
- Writing Proficiency (ENGL 1320 and ENGL 1330)
- English Oral Proficiency
2. Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Interview
Have a successful admission interview.
3. GPA and EPP Guidelines*
- Observe all guidelines outlined in the EPP Handbook
- Complete EPP coursework with a 2.5 GPA and a grade of C or higher (D in non-EPP courses)
- Apply for Clinical Teaching during EDUC 4100 and graduation 2 semesters prior to expected graduation date
4. State and Other Requirements
- Complete all degree plan coursework and requirements
- Pass required Content Exam(s)
- Pass the Professional Pedagogy and Responsibilities (PPR) Exam
- Complete the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) criminal background check process
- Complete Clinical Teaching (1 semester, unpaid student teaching)
- Apply for a standard teaching certificate
5. Program Completion
Complete HCU graduation requirements. Ensure the account balance is zero. Notify the EPP director (epp@HC.edu) when all requirements are completed if beyond graduation.
For students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking teaching certification.
1. Pre-Requisites
- Earned Bachelor’s degree
- 2.50 GPA (overall/ last 60 hours of credits earned)
- Demonstrate English oral proficiency
- Content coursework completed with a 2.5 GPA (overall or last 60 hours earned)
- EC-6 or EC-12 Special Ed: 1 ELA, 1 Math, 1 Science, and 1 Social Studies course
- Math or Science: 15 content hours
- All other content areas: 12 content hours
2. Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Interview
Have a successful admission interview.
3. GPA and EPP Guidelines*
- Observe all guidelines outlined in the EPP Handbook
- Complete EPP coursework with a 2.5 GPA
- Pass Content Exam(s) and request a Letter of Employment Eligibility
4. State and Other Requirements
- Complete all degree plan coursework and requirements
- Pass required Content Exam(s)
- Pass the Professional Pedagogy and Responsibilities (PPR) Exam
- Complete the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) criminal background check process
- Complete an Internship (2 semesters; paid contract teacher)
- Apply for a standard teaching certificate
5. Program Completion
Complete ACP plan requirements. Ensure the account balance is zero. Notify the EPP director (epp@HC.edu) when all requirements are completed if beyond coursework completion.
For students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking to earn a Master’s degree and teaching certification.
1. Pre-Requisites
- Earned Bachelor’s degree
- Meets Graduate School admission requirements
- Demonstrate English oral proficiency
- Content coursework completed with a 2.5 GPA (overall or last 60 hours earned)
- EC-6 or EC-12 Special Ed: 1 ELA, 1 Math, 1 Science, and 1 Social Studies course
- Math or Science: 15 content hours
- All other content areas: 12 content hours
2. Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Interview
Have a successful admission interview.
3. GPA and EPP Guidelines*
- Observe all guidelines outlined in the EPP Handbook
- Complete EPP coursework with a 2.5 GPA
- Apply for Clinical Teaching (if applicable) and graduation 2 semesters prior to expected graduation date
4. State and Other Requirements
- Complete all degree plan coursework and requirements
- Pass required Content Exam(s)
- Pass the Professional Pedagogy and Responsibilities (PPR) Exam
- Complete the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) criminal background check process
- Complete an Internship (2 semesters; paid contract teacher) OR Clinical Teaching (1 semester; unpaid student teaching)
- Apply for a standard teaching certificate
5. Program Completion
Complete HCU graduation requirements. Ensure the account balance is zero. Notify the EPP director (epp@HC.edu) when all requirements are completed if beyond coursework completion.