Teacher Certification Applicants

The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) prepares candidates for numerous initial teacher certificates. The program produces teachers who are certified to teach in Texas public, charter, and private EC - 12 schools.  

Post-baccalaureate students can earn initial teacher certification through the following options:

  • alternative certification (stand-alone certificate)
  • master's degree + certification
  • second bachelor's degree program with teacher certification (see undergraduate catalog for admission and program requirements)

Admission Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Stand-Alone Teacher Certification

The items listed below are required for admission consideration:

  • completed online application
  • $20 nonrefundable application fee
  • OR
  • $60 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
  • baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
  • official transcript (and marksheets if applicable) from each institution where course credit was granted
  • minimum 2.75 GPA on your last 60 hours of course work toward a degree
  • content courses, and evidence of course work in reading, written communication, critical thinking, mathematics, and oral communication. Visit the program's web page for more information.

Master's Degree + Certification Programs

Master's ProgramCertification Program
Elementary Education4 - 8 English Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies
Elementary Education4 - 8 Science
Elementary Education4 - 8 Math
Elementary Education4 - 8 Generalist
Elementary EducationEC - 6 Core Subjects ESL
Elementary EducationEC - 6 Core Subjects Bilingual
Elementary Education - Teacher Recruitment ProgramEC - 6 Core Subjects ESL
Secondary EducationSee list of Secondary and All Level certificates
Secondary Education - Teacher Recruitment Program (TRP)Contact TRP for available Secondary and All Level certificates
Special EducationEC - 12 Special Education

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. These items apply to both stand-alone certifications and master's degree + certification programs.

  • 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 with a minimum of 24 on the speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing. 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 must enroll 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@txstate.edu for more information.

Admission Requirements for the Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

In addition to the above requirements, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and Texas State University require the following items:

  • completed application to the Educator Preparation Program
  • accepted offer of admission and nonrefundable $35 fee
  • completed application for a Certification Plan and nonrefundable $75 fee

Admission requirements are subject to change in response to state law and university policy and do not adhere to a particular catalog year. Review the Office of Educator Preparation website for current admittance information and processes. 


Program Requirements*

Successful teaching requires a combination of both academic and interpersonal skills. Behaviors, skills, abilities, and dispositions which are required for successful teaching as well as the candidate's general level of readiness for teaching in EC - 12 classrooms are regularly assessed.

All candidates requesting placement in EC - 12 schools must complete a criminal background check. Each school district has its own background check process and requirements that must be met before the school district will approve a candidate's placement. 

Course Work Requirements

Once admitted to the program, candidates must apply for a certification plan and pay a fee. Each certification has different course requirements that may vary according to a candidate's academic background. Up to six semester credit hours of graduate-level courses may be substituted or transferred with the approval of a program advisor. Candidates seeking secondary or all-level certification may be required to repeat or enroll in undergraduate courses to meet subject-specific content requirements.

Field Experience

A minimum of 30 clock hours of field experience observation is required; students must complete this requirement before student teaching either in a field block experience or as a stand-alone placement embedded in specific course work. Candidates must consult OEP and/or a program advisor before deciding how to fulfill this requirement.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is the state-required culminating experience of the teacher certification process. This is a one-semester (six credit hours), unpaid, full-time experience in a local public school classroom. However, some candidates with advance approval from a program advisor and the OEP may choose to pursue a year-long, paid internship. All course work from the certification plan must be completed prior to the student teaching semester.

Teacher Certification Exams

The Texas Examination of Educational Standards (TExES) is the state required teacher examination for all Texas Educators. A candidate's certification area and level will determine which TExES tests are required. Candidates are allowed five attempts for each certification test and must request approval from the OEP for each attempt. Review the OEP website for the test approval process. Candidates are eligible for test approval up to 2 years after completing the program or until the exams expire.

Certification Recommendation

The certification officer will recommend candidates to the state for issuance of a teaching certification, after all of the following have been completed:

  • passing scores on all of the required certification exams
  • credit for student teaching or internship posted to the transcript
  • bachelor's degree on file with the university
  • completed application for certification through TEA
*

 Program requirements are subject to change in response to state law and university policy and do not adhere to a particular catalog year. Review the Office of Educator Preparation website for current program requirements and processes.

Holders of Valid Out-of-State Certificates

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) reviews out-of-state teacher certificates. Contact the SBEC at 888-863-5880.