Curriculum and Instruction: Licensure

Information regarding the Curriculum and Instruction Program

Curriculum and Instruction

The doctoral, master’s, baccalaureate, and certification programs through the TXST Department of Curriculum and Instruction prepare new and practicing teachers, researchers, and other education professionals to make a critical difference in Texas public schools and colleges and in schools and communities around the world.  

Students in the Education, B.S. program earn initial teaching certification. The graduate programs offered through Curriculum and Instruction (Reading Education, M.Ed.; Elementary Education Bilingual/Bicultural, M.A.; Elementary Education Bilingual/Bicultural, M.Ed.; Elementary Education, M.A.;  Elementary Education, M.Ed.; Secondary Education, M.A.; Secondary Education, M.Ed.; Special Education, M.Ed.) include traditional master's degree programs, programs that combine a master's degree with teaching certification, and professional certification programs. 

These TXST degree programs only prepare students for certification as teachers in the State of Texas. Graduates become certified in Texas by applying for and passing the applicable certifying exams through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which include a fee. After passing applicable certifying exams, graduates become certified by applying for certification through the TEA, which also includes a fee. 

Transferring a Teaching Certificate to Another State 

Transferring a Texas teaching certificate to another state is a lengthy process. As there is no national reciprocity for teacher certification, TXST graduates with Texas teacher certification who seek certification in other states will need to follow other states’ requirements, which vary by state. Even with the successful transfer of a certificate, a teacher certified by the State of Texas may still be required to complete additional coursework and/or exams to meet another state's requirements. One step in the process of transferring a teaching certificate will be verification from the TXST Office of Educator Preparation of completion of a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). For further information, visit Curriculum and Instruction’s web page, Transfer a Certificate Out-of-State. Also visit the external state's board of education or licensure office website, to determine that state’s requirements for out-of-state certification applicants. Contact information for other states’ licensing agencies is provided below.  

State Teacher Certification Licensing Agencies

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