Professional and Specialist Teacher Certification Applicants

Professional and specialist teacher certifications are available in: principal, counselor, superintendent, and reading specialist. Students must have a master’s degree and teaching experience in Texas public schools. These programs are offered as stand-alone certifications (for those who already have a master's degree) or as part of a master's degree program (master's degree + certification). Refer to each individual departmental section of this catalog for specific information or visit The Graduate College's website.

Admission Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Stand-Alone Certifications (Principal, Superintendent)

The items listed below are required for admission consideration:

  • completed online application
  • $20 nonrefundable application fee
    • or
  • $60 nonrefundable application fee for applicants with international credentials
  • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • master's degree from a regionally accredited university
  • official transcripts (and marksheets if applicable) from each institution where course credit was granted
  • minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work toward a degree
  • copy of official teaching certificate documenting initial teaching certification
  • copy of official teaching service record documenting at least one year's teaching experience
  • copy of official principal certificate* (for superintendent certification applicants only)
*

The program will also accept the equivalent of a principal certificate issued by another state or country or the completion of the superintendent certificate application and approval from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to substitute three years' managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate.

Master's Degree + Certification Programs

Master's ProgramCertification Program
Educational LeadershipPrincipal
Reading EducationReading Specialist
Professional CounselingSchool Counseling

Admission Requirements for International Applicants

An international applicant is defined as anyone who is not a United States citizen. All international applicants fall under regulations of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Federal law governs university rules regarding non-U.S. citizens; hence, admission requirements for international applicants differ from those for U.S. citizens.

The following items, in addition to those listed for U.S. citizens, are required for admission consideration.

  • official transcripts (and marksheets if applicable) from every institution attended: one in the native language of the country where the university is located and one certified English translation (if transcripts are issued in a language other than English)
  • two copies of the graduation/degree certificate (diploma) showing the type of degree and the date in which the degree was earned, one in the native language of the country where the university is located and one certified English translation. 
  • official (iBT) TOEFL scores of 78 or higher, with a minimum of 26 on the speaking section and a minimum of 19 in all other sections. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not accept any other English proficiency exams.

Refer to the International Admission Documents section of this catalog or The Graduate College's website for more information about these requirements.

F-1 Visa Enrollment Requirements

A student under F-1 international student visa status must be enrolled full-time (nine hours) in the fall and spring terms. The only exception to this rule is if you are currently under a Post-Completion OPT period and in good F-1 status. An F-1 student does not have to enroll during the summer if the student is eligible and intends to register for the next term. A new initial F-1 student who recently gained admission into the U.S. with a program start date set to begin in the summer session must enroll full-time for that summer session. Please contact International Student and Scholar Services at 512.245.7966 or international@txstate4.edu for more information.