Texas requires Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) to have additional admission processes for programs that prepare candidates to become teachers, school counselors, reading specialists, principals and superintendents. The screening process and requirements are outlined below:
Initial Teacher Certification Program Admission Requirements
Admission to Educator Preparation
Candidates apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) when they have completed 60 semester credit hours.
At the time of application to the Educator Preparation Program, all applicants must demonstrate:
- Completed 60 SCH with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Must be TSI Complete.
- Completed coursework to demonstrate proficiency.
To demonstrate proficiency, the candidate must complete the following with a grade of C or better:
- Communications - English 1301 and 1302
- Mathematics- Math 1314 or equivalent course
- Life & Physical Science- Biology 1308 and Geology 1303 or equivalent course
- Language, Philosophy, and Culture- English 2332 or equivalent course
- Creative Arts-Music 1315 or equivalent course
- American History-History 1301 and 1302 or equivalent course
- Government/Political Science- Political Science 2305 and 2306
- Social and Behavioral Science-Psychology 2301 or equivalent course
- Mathematics - Mathematics 1320 or equivalent course
- Institutional Options- Communication 1315 and Instructional Technology 2310 or equivalent course
- Completed at least 12 SCH in the major/teaching field coursework with no grade lower than a C and a GPA greater than 3.0 with these exceptions:
Mathematics and Science (grades 4-8) certifications and Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Science (grades 7-12) must have 15 credit hours completed in the teaching field.
- Students must read and adhere to the Texas Educator Code of Ethics found in the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 247.2- Educators’ Code of Ethics.
Online Application
When the above steps have been completed, candidates will schedule an appointment with the Educator Preparation Program Admissions Coordinator to review the application process and complete the following:
- Apply for a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Login (TEAL) and a profile for Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) at tea.texas.gov, then click on ECOS for Educators at the top of the main page to start creating your Texas Education Agency (TEA) number.
- Complete Application in EdTrack. You must have a TEA number to complete application http://sydotnet.netcatortracking.com/
- All students must complete an Educator Preparation Program Interview (pursuant to TAC 227.10).
Program Acceptance
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission may receive an offer of formal admission in writing by email. Once an offer of formal admission has been sent out, the applicant will have four calendar days to sign and return the invitation, indicating if they will accept the invitation. Once admitted into the Educator Preparation Program, an ASEP Technology Fee/Test
Preparation Fee of $55.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program will not be allowed to register for upper level education classes. Students who want to appeal the admission decision may contact the Office of Certification located in the College of Education Room 100.
- Supply & Demand For Educators in Texas
- Policy on Military Experience
- Educator Preparation Program Data Dashboard
- Annual Reporting Measures
- 11 Year Program Data
- Dismissal of Candidates from the Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Clinical Practice Handbook TAC228
- Field Supervisor Handbook
- Education Administration Internship Manual 7th Edition
- TSU Internship Manual COUN
- Cooperating Teacher Handbook
- Admission Handbook
Advanced Program Admission Requirements
At the time of application to the Educator Preparation Program, all applicants must demonstrate they have:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Be currently enrolled in a master's degree program leading to advanced certification.
*School Counselors-60 hour master’s degree
* Students who hold a master’s degree can complete the program by certification only.
- Valid classroom teaching certificate and have at minimum 2 creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher (School Counselors do not need 2 years of teaching experience).
*Candidates may be working on their final year of experience during completion of the program.
- GPA of 3.00 or greater.
- All students must complete a screening process through university admissions and the College of Education
- Students must read and adhere to the Texas Educator Code of Ethics found in the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 247.2- Educators’ Code of Ethics.
Online Application
When the above steps have been completed, students will schedule an appointment with their Educator Preparation Program Advisor to review the application process and complete the following:
- Application in EdTrack- http://sydotnet.netcatortracking.com/
Required Criminal Background Check
Texas Administrative Code: 19 TAC §227.101(c) Allows for a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board for Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding your potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.
Notice of Potential Ineligibility for License: Your eligibility for an occupational license could be impacted by a criminal history if one exists. For information on published guidelines for licensure in certain fields, consult Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, section 53.025. Also note, under Section 53.102 of the Occupations Code, you have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
TEA-FAQs
National Criminal History Checks-FAQs
Optional Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation-FAQs
Program Acceptance
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission may receive an offer of formal admission in writing by email. Once an offer of formal admission has been sent out, the applicant will have four calendar days to sign and return the invitation, indicating if they will accept the invitation. Once admitted into the Educator Preparation Program, an ASEP Technology Fee/Test Preparation Fee of $55.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program will not be allowed to register for upper level education classes. Students who want to appeal the admission decision may contact the Office of Certification located in the College of Education Room 100.
Admission to Educator Preparation – Superintendent Certification
Admission requirements
At the time of application to the Educator Preparation Program, all applicants must demonstrate that they have:
- a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- a valid principal certificate or equivalent
- have at least three creditable years of managerial experience in a public school district. (A) The managerial experience must include responsibility for: (i) supervising or appraising faculty or staff; (ii) conducting district-level planning and coordination of programs, activities, or initiatives; and (iii) creating or maintaining a budget.
- GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- A Students must read and adhere to the Texas Educator Code of Ethics found in the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 247.2- Educators’ Code of Ethics.
- All students must complete a screening process through university admissions and the College of Education.
Online Application
When the above steps have been completed, students will schedule an appointment with their Educator Preparation Program Advisor to review the application process and complete the following:
Application in EDTrack- http://sydotnet.netcatortracking.com/
Required Criminal Background Check
Texas Administrative Code requires the completion of a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching and hiring by a school district. Failure to pass a criminal history check will prevent you from being licensed and therefore hired by a district.
Texas Administrative Code: 19 TAC §227.101(c) allows for a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board for Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding your potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.
Notice of Potential Ineligibility for License: Your eligibility for an occupational license could be impacted by a criminal history if one exists. For information on published guidelines for licensure in certain fields, consult Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, section 53.025. Also note, under Section 53.102 of the Occupations Code, you have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
TEA-FAQs
National Criminal History Checks-FAQs
Optional Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation-FAQs
Program Acceptance
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission may receive an offer of formal admission in writing by email. Once an offer of formal admission has been sent out, the applicant will have four calendar days to sign and return the invitation, indicating if they will accept the invitation. Once admitted into the Educator Preparation Program, an ASEP Technology Fee/Test Preparation Fee of $55.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program will not be allowed to register for Educator Preparation Program courses. Students who want to appeal the admission decision may contact the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.
Contact
Dr. Viveca Grant, Chair
Curriculum & Instruction
Tel: 713-313-7267
Fax: 713-313-4449
Out of Country Credential Review
Candidates from any foreign country or territory applying to the Educator Preparation at Texas Southern University will need to determine the educational background and English proficiency level.
Candidates will need to:
- Submit the transcript used for admission (from the last school attended) to an approved transcript review service.
* The service will determine the GPA and course equivalents. These should be used to determine admission qualifications.
Pursuant to 19 TAC §227.10(f), applicants with credentials earned outside the United States must have their credit evaluated by an accrediting organization recognized by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to determine equivalency to the standards specified in code.
Certification Based on Credentials from Another Country
Policy on Military Experience
Texas Southern University has been recognized as a military friendly institution and accepts military credit and experience for various aspects of the undergraduate program.
- Find info regarding service members, military spouses, and military veterans in the Texas Administrative Code 234 .
- Find more information regarding the requirements of Texas EPP programs to provide a pathway to transferring relevant military experience to certification coursework .
- See information about TEA tuition and fee waivers for eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses .
* The Texas Administrative Code (TAC)-Admissions Information
Initial Teacher Certification Program Admission Requirements
Admission to Educator Preparation
Candidates apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) when they have completed 60 semester credit hours.
At the time of application to the Educator Preparation Program, all applicants must demonstrate:
- Completed 60 SCH with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Must be TSI Complete.
- Completed coursework to demonstrate proficiency.
To demonstrate proficiency, the candidate must complete the following with a grade of C or better:
- Communications - English 1301 and 1302
- Mathematics- Math 1314 or equivalent course
- Life & Physical Science- Biology 1308 and Geology 1303 or equivalent course
- Language, Philosophy, and Culture- English 2332 or equivalent course
- Creative Arts-Music 1315 or equivalent course
- American History-History 1301 and 1302 or equivalent course
- Government/Political Science- Political Science 2305 and 2306
- Social and Behavioral Science-Psychology 2301 or equivalent course
- Mathematics - Mathematics 1320 or equivalent course
- Institutional Options- Communication 1315 and Instructional Technology 2310 or equivalent course
- Completed at least 12 SCH in the major/teaching field coursework with no grade lower than a C and a GPA greater than 3.0 with these exceptions:
Mathematics and Science (grades 4-8) certifications and Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Science (grades 7-12) must have 15 credit hours completed in the teaching field.
- Students must read and adhere to the Texas Educator Code of Ethics found in the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 247.2- Educators’ Code of Ethics.
Online Application
When the above steps have been completed, candidates will schedule an appointment with the Educator Preparation Program Admissions Coordinator to review the application process and complete the following:
- Apply for a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Login (TEAL) and a profile for Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) at tea.texas.gov, then click on ECOS for Educators at the top of the main page to start creating your Texas Education Agency (TEA) number.
- Complete Application in EdTrack. You must have a TEA number to complete application http://sydotnet.netcatortracking.com/
- All students must complete an Educator Preparation Program Interview (pursuant to TAC 227.10).
Program Acceptance
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission may receive an offer of formal admission in writing by email. Once an offer of formal admission has been sent out, the applicant will have four calendar days to sign and return the invitation, indicating if they will accept the invitation. Once admitted into the Educator Preparation Program, an ASEP Technology Fee/Test
Preparation Fee of $55.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program will not be allowed to register for upper level education classes. Students who want to appeal the admission decision may contact the Office of Certification located in the College of Education Room 100.
- Supply & Demand For Educators in Texas
- Policy on Military Experience
- Educator Preparation Program Data Dashboard
- Annual Reporting Measures
- 11 Year Program Data
- Dismissal of Candidates from the Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Clinical Practice Handbook TAC228
- Field Supervisor Handbook
- Education Administration Internship Manual 7th Edition
- TSU Internship Manual COUN
- Cooperating Teacher Handbook
- Admission Handbook
Advanced Program Admission Requirements
At the time of application to the Educator Preparation Program, all applicants must demonstrate they have:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Be currently enrolled in a master's degree program leading to advanced certification.
*School Counselors-60 hour master’s degree
* Students who hold a master’s degree can complete the program by certification only.
- Valid classroom teaching certificate and have at minimum 2 creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher (School Counselors do not need 2 years of teaching experience).
*Candidates may be working on their final year of experience during completion of the program.
- GPA of 3.00 or greater.
- All students must complete a screening process through university admissions and the College of Education
- Students must read and adhere to the Texas Educator Code of Ethics found in the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 247.2- Educators’ Code of Ethics.
Online Application
When the above steps have been completed, students will schedule an appointment with their Educator Preparation Program Advisor to review the application process and complete the following:
- Application in EdTrack- http://sydotnet.netcatortracking.com/
Required Criminal Background Check
Texas Administrative Code: 19 TAC §227.101(c) Allows for a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board for Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding your potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.
Notice of Potential Ineligibility for License: Your eligibility for an occupational license could be impacted by a criminal history if one exists. For information on published guidelines for licensure in certain fields, consult Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, section 53.025. Also note, under Section 53.102 of the Occupations Code, you have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
TEA-FAQs
National Criminal History Checks-FAQs
Optional Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation-FAQs
Program Acceptance
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission may receive an offer of formal admission in writing by email. Once an offer of formal admission has been sent out, the applicant will have four calendar days to sign and return the invitation, indicating if they will accept the invitation. Once admitted into the Educator Preparation Program, an ASEP Technology Fee/Test Preparation Fee of $55.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program will not be allowed to register for upper level education classes. Students who want to appeal the admission decision may contact the Office of Certification located in the College of Education Room 100.
Admission to Educator Preparation – Superintendent Certification
Admission requirements
At the time of application to the Educator Preparation Program, all applicants must demonstrate that they have:
- a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- a valid principal certificate or equivalent
- have at least three creditable years of managerial experience in a public school district. (A) The managerial experience must include responsibility for: (i) supervising or appraising faculty or staff; (ii) conducting district-level planning and coordination of programs, activities, or initiatives; and (iii) creating or maintaining a budget.
- GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- A Students must read and adhere to the Texas Educator Code of Ethics found in the Texas Administrative Code Chapter 247.2- Educators’ Code of Ethics.
- All students must complete a screening process through university admissions and the College of Education.
Online Application
When the above steps have been completed, students will schedule an appointment with their Educator Preparation Program Advisor to review the application process and complete the following:
Application in EDTrack- http://sydotnet.netcatortracking.com/
Required Criminal Background Check
Texas Administrative Code requires the completion of a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching and hiring by a school district. Failure to pass a criminal history check will prevent you from being licensed and therefore hired by a district.
Texas Administrative Code: 19 TAC §227.101(c) allows for a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board for Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding your potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.
Notice of Potential Ineligibility for License: Your eligibility for an occupational license could be impacted by a criminal history if one exists. For information on published guidelines for licensure in certain fields, consult Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, section 53.025. Also note, under Section 53.102 of the Occupations Code, you have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.
TEA-FAQs
National Criminal History Checks-FAQs
Optional Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation-FAQs
Program Acceptance
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission may receive an offer of formal admission in writing by email. Once an offer of formal admission has been sent out, the applicant will have four calendar days to sign and return the invitation, indicating if they will accept the invitation. Once admitted into the Educator Preparation Program, an ASEP Technology Fee/Test Preparation Fee of $55.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Educator Preparation Program will not be allowed to register for Educator Preparation Program courses. Students who want to appeal the admission decision may contact the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.
Contact
Dr. Viveca Grant, Chair
Curriculum & Instruction
Tel: 713-313-7267
Fax: 713-313-4449
Out of Country Credential Review
Candidates from any foreign country or territory applying to the Educator Preparation at Texas Southern University will need to determine the educational background and English proficiency level.
Candidates will need to:
- Submit the transcript used for admission (from the last school attended) to an approved transcript review service.
* The service will determine the GPA and course equivalents. These should be used to determine admission qualifications.
Pursuant to 19 TAC §227.10(f), applicants with credentials earned outside the United States must have their credit evaluated by an accrediting organization recognized by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to determine equivalency to the standards specified in code.
Certification Based on Credentials from Another Country
Policy on Military Experience
Texas Southern University has been recognized as a military friendly institution and accepts military credit and experience for various aspects of the undergraduate program.
- Find info regarding service members, military spouses, and military veterans in the Texas Administrative Code 234 .
- Find more information regarding the requirements of Texas EPP programs to provide a pathway to transferring relevant military experience to certification coursework .
- See information about TEA tuition and fee waivers for eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses .
* The Texas Administrative Code (TAC)-Admissions Information