Three Options to Choose From

We offer three certification options for aspiring teachers who have already earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university.

Before You Apply/Pre-Admission Steps

Save time and money by ensuring you meet the basic admissions requirements for our initial teacher certification program.

The Number One

Choose Your Program & Review Admissions Requirements

Browse our programs, choose between one of our master's degree or certification-only programs, and review admissions requirements in the official catalog. 

Please note that in Texas, educators are certified to teach an age range and (if teaching Grade 4 or above) a specific subject or content area. 

 

 

The Number Two

Complete a Content Declaration Form

Applicants to the M.Ed. in Teaching with initial teacher certification or the Initial Teacher Certification only program must also contact a content advisor for a transcript evaluation and complete a content declaration form. The exception are students pursing the M.Ed. in Special Education with initial teacher certification.

The Number Three

PASS THE TEXAS PRE-ADMISSION CONTENT TEST

Once you have determined the grade level and subject you want to obtain certification for, you must pass the Texas Pre-Admission Content Test (TX PACT) for that grade level and subject. For example, if you want to teach Elementary classes, you will register for the Core Subjects EC-6 TX PACT. Need assistance? Contact coedcertification@uta.edu.

Special Note: Individuals pursuing the M.Ed. in Special Education with certification are not required to take/pass the PACT.

Apply for Admission

UTA Admission is a multi-step process that includes applying to the university, to your degree program, and to UTA's Educator Preparation Program.

The Number Five

Apply to Program & For Grants, Scholarships, Etc.

Complete the program admission requirements. Our academic team will inform you when to complete these steps.
 
1. Submit letters of reference and other forms to COEDadvising@uta.edu
2. Apply for any competitive funding options you are eligible for by the deadline
 
Note: There may be additional requirements for some students. 

The Number Six

Apply to UTA's Educator Preparation Program

Students pursing a Texas Teacher Certificate are required to apply to and complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). The EPP includes pedagogy coursework, classroom experience, and clinical teaching. Your advisor will help you determine when you have met the EPP requirements and instruct you on how to apply.

View EPP requirements here, and view the essay rubric here.

Once You're Admitted

Once you've been fully admitted to UTA, your program, and the EPP, you'll start taking classes and complete the State of Texas' certification requirements.

The Number Seven

Meet with your advisor and register for classes

Your College of Education Advisor will be able to guide you through the process of completing both teacher certification and degree requirements. Once you've met with your advisor, you'll register for classes through your UTA MyMav account.

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Participate in Field Experiences

Your field experiences are critical steps toward your development as a future educator. The opportunity to practice what you have learned during your studies in a real school classroom under the mentorship of a Cooperating Teacher is one of the most valuable components of your Educator preparation. As part of the EPP, our Office of Educational Field Experiences has a dedicated team to help students apply for and complete required field experiences for their program.

The Number Nine

Register for and Pass the State Certification Exams

Certification candidates must receive approval to test for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), the state's certification exam. To receive approval to register for TExES, candidates must meet the requisites for their specific certification program and should work with their Program Coordinator to receive approval and instructions to apply for exam registration. Candidates must then pass then exam to move onto the next step.

The Number Ten

Apply for TEA Certification

Individuals who have passed all their certification exams (which include content, pedagogy, and supplemental) must also submit a certification and fingerprinting application to the Teas Education Agency (TEA) and pay TEA's application fee. This certification application will be recommended to the TEA for final processing by the Certification Officer at UTA once all certification requirements have been met.

The number 11.

Apply to Graduate

UTA College of Education students seeking a master's degree must apply online to gradate during their Clinical Teaching semester, which is the final semester of coursework. The online Graduation Application is available from the 12th day of class (4th day in summer) until the mid-semester deadline. Certification only students do not apply to graduate; they will work with the program coordinator to register for the TEA certification exam (listed above in Step 10). 

The number 12.

Start Your Teaching Career!

The college's Education Career Day (job fair) each Spring semester and job board, as well as UTA's Lockheed Martin Career Center are other great resources to assist you in beginning your career as an Educator. If needed, candidates can request a status letter by emailing coedcertification@uta.edu