Initial Teacher Certification
If you have already graduated with your bachelor's degree, you can still pursue initial teacher certification. The program, offered through the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP), produces highly qualified teachers who are certified to teach in Texas public, charter, and private EC–12 schools. You can take a teacher certification plan as a stand-alone program or as part of a master's degree (master's degree + certification).
Stand-Alone Certifications
The Graduate College application requirements are listed below. Once your teacher certification application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP). If admitted, you must submit a second application to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Eligibility Requirements for Teacher Certification
According to the Texas Education Agency, there are specific requirements for becoming a classroom teacher. In addition to the application requirements for the master’s degree, you must also meet the eligibility requirements posted by the Educator Preparation Program.
Standard Teacher Certifications
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | June 15 | June 1 |
| Spring | October 15 | October 1 |
| Summer I | No Admission | No Admission |
| Summer II | No Admission | No Admission |
The standard teacher certification programs have a firm deadline.
Standard Certification Contact
Office of Educator Preparation (OEP)
oep@txstate.edu
512.245.7880
Education Building, Room 2016
Master's Degree + Initial Certification Programs
This teacher certification plan is offered as part of a master's degree program. As a result, applications will be reviewed by each degree program's graduate advisor. Click on the programs below to view the graduate advisor, deadline, and application requirement information. Once you are admitted, please request a certification plan from the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) for more information.
| Master's Program | Certification Program |
|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 4–8 English Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies |
| Elementary Education | 4–8 Science |
| Elementary Education | 4–8 Math |
| Elementary Education | 4–8 Generalist |
| Elementary Education | EC–6 Core Subjects ESL |
| Elementary Education | EC–6 Core Subjects Bilingual |
| Elementary Education – Teacher Recruitment Program | EC–6 Core Subjects ESL |
| Secondary Education | Student-selected |
| Secondary Education – Teacher Recruitment Program | Student-selected |
| Special Education | EC–12 Special Education |
Application Process
Application Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
Application Fee(s)
- $35 nonrefundable Texas Education Agency technology fee (if offered admission)
and either - $20 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $60 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 2.75 GPA on your last 60 hours of course work toward degree content courses
- evidence of course work in reading, written communication, critical thinking, mathematics, and oral communication
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
GRE Scores
- GRE not required
Documents required for standard teacher certification applicants
The Graduate College does not require any documents for the standard teacher certification programs. Contact the OEP office for any certification-specific requirements.
TOEFL Scores
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- official TOEFL iBT scores with minimum individual scores of
- 22 listening
- 22 reading
- 24 speaking
- 21 writing
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.