Welcome to West!
Welcome to West! The West College of Education & Professional Studies (WCOEPS) inspires, empowers, and prepares students to become successful professionals who serve society and future generations. We offer a wide variety of degrees, both in person and online, for students interested in becoming teachers, coaches, counselors, diagnosticians, sports program administrators, HR professionals, early intervention specialists, and so much more.
Whether you seek a career in education or any of the other fields that share our college, we want you to walk away with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to step into a role as a leader in your field.
face-to-face programs
fully online undergraduate and graduate programs
Student to instructor ratio
scholarships awarded each year
Why West College of Education & Professional Studies at MSU Texas?
West College is accredited by recognized bodies such as the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). We offer innovative program options and flexible pathways to degrees like our competency-based education (CBE) EC-3 program, 10+ BAAS pathways, and fully online degree options.
Eight week and 16 week courses are available, as well as online, face-to-face, and hybrid course options for students. Small classes with a 16:1 ratio and caring, supportive faculty and staff who offer guidance and mentorship to help students finish strong.
Educator Preparation Programs
West College of Education and Professional Studies (WCOEPS) offers programs that prepare students to become teachers, school counselors, educational diagnosticians, principals, and superintendents through the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). All of WCOE EPP programs are accredited through TEA and CAEP, and our Clinical Mental Health program with a School Counseling certification track is also accredited through CACREP. Helpful resources, policies and procedures for the EPP can be found below.
West College of Education & Professional Studies Programs
Undergraduate Programs
- Elementary Education
- Middle School Education
- Secondary Education
- Certification Degrees in other Colleges
- Adult Completion Programs
- Undergraduate Minors
- Art, B.F.A with All-Level Teacher Certification
- Music, Instrumental Emphasis Teacher Certification
- Music, Vocal Emphasis Teacher Certification
- Theatre, B.F.A. with Teacher Certification (Grades EC-12, All-Level)
- English, B.A. English Language Arts and Reading with Secondary Certification (Grades 7-12)
- History-Social Studies, B.A. with Secondary Certification (Grades 7-12)
- Biology-Composite Science, B.S. with Secondary Certification (Grades 7-12)
- Biology-Life Science, B.S. with Secondary Certification (Grades 7-12)
- Mathematics, B.S. with Secondary Certification (Grades 7-12)
- Early Childhood Development and Intervention (EIS credential)
- Early Childhood Studies
- Educational Design and Learning Management
- Instructional Design, Technology, and Assessment
- Kinesiology
- Special Education
- Sport Coaching
- Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Teaching and Learning
Certificates
- Early Care Provider/Assistant Certificate
- Early Childhood Administration/Organization Certificate
- Early Childhood Development and Intervention Certificate
- Instructional Design and Technology Foundations Certificate
- Instructional Design and Technology Traning and Development Certificate
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
Graduate Programs
- Master of Arts, M.A.
- Master of Education, M.Ed.
- Master of Professional Studies, M.P.S.
- Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
- Graduate Minors
Student Spotlight
In 2021, Midwestern State University was accepted as one of 10 new members of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate.
The first class of Ed.D. students graduated in August 2024, less than four years after the acceptance of MSU Texas into the program. Those 11 graduates were honored at the Fall 2024 commencement ceremony in December. David Andrew Warren, who spoke at the graduation, was proud to be one of them.
Academic Advising for Education Students
Learn how to navigate the tools you need for academic planning— the catalog, your education degree plan, and class rotations — from one of West College's academic counselors.
We will help you understand your degree plan, suggest which courses to take and when, and be one of your advocates throughout your studies.
Need help? Ask us. If we cannot answer your question, we will connect you with someone who can!
Meet the Dean
Welcome! I'm so glad you're considering the West College of Education and Professional Studies (WCOEPS) as part of your educational journey. Here at West, we take great pride in being a community where every student is known by name, supported by caring faculty and staff, and encouraged to reach their full potential. With our small class sizes and low faculty-to-student ratio, you're never just another in the crowd; you become part of our family. As the only educator preparation program in Region 9, we are honored to serve school districts and communities across North Texas and beyond.
Visit MSU Texas and Explore West College
If you have yet to visit the MSU Texas Campus, we invite you to schedule a campus visit. While you are here, be sure to stop by to check out our facilities and say hello!
Come visit West College at Bridwell Hall! Located in building 7 on the campus map, we'd be happy to meet you!
Scholarships & Residency
Scholarships
Paid Residency Options
Heroes in Education Award
Thanks to the generosity of David (MSU '79) and Laurie Copeland, all MSU Texas students pursuing careers as teachers have the opportunity to receive the Heroes in Education Award. The award provides essential financial support to teacher candidate students, covering the costs of their required licensure exams and providing a $600 graduation scholarship. The Heroes in Education Award is created in honor of David's parents, Ruben E. and Unell (Crampton) Copeland of Iowa Park, Texas.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
We are located in Bridwell Hall
(Building 7 on the Campus Map)
Campus Map
Have Questions?
Suzy McDowell SecretaryUndergraduate Programs suzy.mcdowell@msutexas.edu (940) 397-4313 (940) 397-4694
Have Questions?
Lyn Doman SecretaryGraduate and Adult Education elizabeth.doman@msutexas.edu (940) 397-4400
Have Questions?
Debbie Foshee Assistant to the DeanWest College of Education & Professional Studies deborah.foshee@msutexas.edu (940) 397-4314