Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Want to be a teacher? Future educators are required to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) as part of the certification process. To be admitted, you'll apply to UTA and your EPP.

For undergraduate admissions to the University of Texas at Arlington, visit the ApplyTexas website and fill out the online application.

Students seeking teacher certification must also apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). This is typically submitted following Sophomore year, but should be determined with your Advisor.

Education Program Admission Requirements

  1. Have passing scores or be exempt from the TSI Assessment. Click here to find more information about the TSI. To determine your status, login to your MyMav account and look for the TSI link in your Student Center. The TSI Assessment is required by the State of Texas for placement into college-level courses.
  2. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75. Must have a minimum, overall GPA of 2.75 or higher. This is a true GPA, which includes all coursework – transfer and UTA. The overall GPA of each incoming class admitted each academic year by an EPP may not be less than 3.0 on a four-point scale per TAC 227.19.
  3. Required amount of academic coursework must be completed. The number of hours of academic content which can be carried into the program varies depending upon the certification level and program. EC-6 and 4-8 students, refer to your degree plan for further information. Secondary and All-Level students should contact an advisor.
  4. Submit an EPP admission application and essays.
  5. Receive and accept formal EPP admission offer.

For more information on the complete process for admission into the undergraduate Education program, please visit Undergraduate Advising.

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

  1. In order to receive a teacher certification in Texas, you must pass a criminal history background check.
  2. If you have been convicted of an offense that is considered not appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification from the state of Texas.
  3. You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.

For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation: Click Here

  • Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator.
  • Pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching.

Information for Out-of-State Students

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires candidates seeking certification to complete all practica in a TEA-approved site. Out-of-state students who do not complete the practicum at a UTA College of Education and TEA-approved site and meet all other TEA requirements do not qualify for Texas educator certification. If seeking certification outside of Texas, please work with your state agency in the state in which you are seeking certification to determine eligibility and to complete any additional requirements. Please note that after successful completion of your UTA College of Education degree, you may request a memo indicating your degree completion. UTA cannot recommend out-of-state students for certification and cannot recommend out-of-state students to take Texas certification exam(s). Additionally, UTA faculty and staff cannot complete out-of-state form requests for individuals seeking certification, licensure, and/or endorsements in another state according to TEA.

Additional Changes

Program requirements may change as state/TEA certification requirements change.