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
Undergraduate Degree
For students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification.
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.
Alternative Certification Program (ACP)
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.
Master of Education (M. ED.)
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.
