Texas requires Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) to have additional admissions processes for programs that prepare candidates to become teachers, school counselors, educational diagnosticians, principals and superintendents. The screening processes and requirements are outlined below. All candidates must also be informed of the criminal history policies and procedures, supply and demand forces on the educator workforce, and the performance of the Educator Preparation Program over time.  These can be found among the West College of Education (WCOE) EPP Policies and Handbooks.  For a full list of program completion requirements, visit the EPP Program Requirements page.

Initial Teacher Certification Program Admission Requirements

Admits after September 1, 2022

The WCOE Teacher Education Committee (TEC) expects all teacher education students to be above average scholars; therefore, to be considered for admission to the Teacher Certification program, the applicant must:

  1. complete an Initial Teacher Certification Application;
  2. a 3.0 content GPA specific to candidate’s area of specialization (for specific course per certification area, see program website);
  3. at least 45 semester hours of credit; including a minimum grade of C in EDUC 2013 and COUN 2143 (unless otherwise specified in degree plan);
  4. a cumulative grade point of 2.75;
  5. a grade point of 3.0 in the communication core (excluding any developmental courses);
  6. satisfactory completion of an interview (pursuant to TAC 227.10); 
  7. completed a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject-area content coursework for the certification sought unless the certification is sought in mathematics or science which requires 15 semester credit hours of subject-area content coursework (pursuant to TAC 227.10);
  8. When the above steps have been successfully completed, the student's application to the teacher education program is submitted to the TEC. The TEC has the authority to accept or reject an applicant to teacher certification based on the applicant's file and other relevant information. Admission to the TEC Program is highly selective. Should limitations on resources require restrictions to be placed on the number of students admitted in a given semester or year, the TEC will admit students according to the level of distinction achieved;
  9. All students must be admitted to the program prior to enrolling in any professional education course. Students should complete all requirements and file for admission by the time they have completed 60 hours of credit; and
  10. Undergraduate students seeking teacher certification shall be advised by the WCOE academic advisor.

For specific program requirements, find the teacher certification program track that is right for you.

Advanced Program Admission Requirements

The WCOE Advanced Program Councils expect all candidates to be above average scholars. Therefore to be considered for admission, prospective candidates must follow university admissions requirements outlined by following each of the links below. NOTE: Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the EPP. 

Admission to the University

Educational Diagnostician

School Counselor

Principal as Instructional Leader

Superintendent

EPP Screening for Admission

In addition to the above requirements, the prospective candidates for School Counseling, Educational Diagnostician, and Principal Certification tracks must provide the following evidence before being considered for admission to the EPP:

  1. EPP application on file;
  2. bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 from an accredited university or a master's degree with a GPA of 2.75 from an accredited university; 
  3. standard Texas Teacher Certificate or equivalent;
  4. signed adherence to the Educator Code of Ethics; 
  5. signed acknowledgement of the state of Texas criminal background check requirements; and
  6. successful committee screening on selected criteria to include:
    1. written essay; and
    2. Advanced Program Application on file;
    3. service record with a minimum of 2 years of experience as a teacher.*

*Candidates are permitted to complete their minimum years of service while completing the EPP Advanced Program, but must have the required years of service before testing for a certificate.

Additional Individual Program requirements include:

Educational Diagnostician candidates only 

  • service record with a minimum of 3 years experience as a teacher.*

School Counselor candidates only

  • 3 letters of recommendation.

Principal as Instructional Leader candidates:

  • interview.

Superintendent candidates:

  • master's degree with a GPA of 2.75 from an accredited university in Education Administration/Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, or other related field in education;
  • principal certificate;
  • curriculum vitae;
  • interview;
  • three (3) letters of reference (at least one from a college/university professor);
  • letter of aspiration including discussion of past experiences that led to graduate study; and
  • demonstration of critical writing and thinking skills in a response to a case study about a leadership dilemma.

Applicants should note that successful completion of all admission criteria above does not guarantee admission into the program. Enrollment is limited in order to ensure small class sizes, appropriate student-faculty ratios as dictated by accreditation guidelines, and availability of practicum placement sites.

For specific program requirements, find the advanced program certification track that is right for you.