Teacher Certifications

Educator Certification Preparation Programs

Teacher Certification Program

The following certifications are available through the baccalaureate degrees offered at the university. Note: The state of Texas requires passing the appropriate Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) for certification as a Texas educator.

Elementary Education (EC-6)

Early Childhood-12th Grade (EC-12)

Fourth Grade-Eighth Grade (4-8)

Seventh-Twelfth Grade (7-12)

 Alternative Certification Program

This program is a route to initial certification for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree or above.  Individuals must apply to the Alternative Certification Program through Tk20 to be eligible for this certification route. Note: The University does not tie initial certification to a degree program, but some coursework may apply toward certain master's degrees.

Professional Certification Programs

Individuals must apply to all professional certification programs through Tk20 before beginning coursework.

  • School Counselor.  Professional Certification is available through the Master of Science in School Counseling.  Students may complete this certification within the structure of the Master of Science in School Counseling (see degree worksheet). 
  • Principal Certification.  Students may apply for a Texas certification as an EC-12 School Principal through satisfactory completion of specified coursework. Students may complete this certification within the structure of the Master of Education in Education Leadership (see degree worksheet). 
  • Superintendent  Certification.  Students may apply for a Texas certification as an EC-12 School Superintendent through satisfactory completion of specified coursework. Note: The university does not tie Superintendent Certification to a degree program but coursework may apply toward the Ed.D. in Education Leadership. 
  • Educational Diagnostician.  Students may complete this certification within the structure of the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (see degree worksheet).
  • Reading Specialist.  Students may complete this certification within the structure of the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (see degree worksheet)..