Post-baccalaureate Programs
Deciding to go back to school is a big decision and finding the right program and format that works for you can take time (and patience) to navigate. Post-baccalaureate programs in the College of Education are designed for individuals looking to enhance the undergraduate degree they initially received, through a certification or specialized program in teaching or community-related advocacy.
Our post-baccalaureate degree options provide the opportunity for students who already have an undergraduate degree in any area to prepare for a career in or around the classroom. Post-baccalaureate students come from a variety of backgrounds, but all of them have one thing in common, they want to make a difference in equity and education.
Become a certified elementary teacher in one year with the Longhorns in Residence program! The next application period opens Feb. 1, 2026.
Requirements
All students applying to one of our post-baccalaureate programs must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the United States. If you earned a degree from outside of the United States you will need to meet with an academic advisor for information about additional requirements.
Courses taken through our post-baccalaureate programs do not lead to a degree. However, completion of the course requirements does qualify students to take the required Texas educator certification examinations administered by Pearson. Typically, more than 95% of our graduates pass the exam.
Getting Started
Apply to The University of Texas at Austin
All post-baccalaureate students must first be admitted to The University of Texas at Austin.
- UT Austin alumni should follow the application instructions for returning students.
- Alumni from other accredited colleges and universities should apply as a non-degree seeking student with the four-year option.
Apply to the Professional Development Sequence
Once admitted to UT Austin, students then apply to the Professional Development Sequence (PDS) which includes coursework, pre-student teaching field experiences and observations, student teaching and seminars and career tools.
- The PDS application runs from February 1 to March 1 for fall entry and September 1 to October 1 for spring entry.
- Upon successful completion of the PDS, you will be recommended for certification to teach in Texas.
- All candidates must do their student teaching in residence at UT Austin. Student teaching must be completed no more than three years prior to being recommended to the state for certification, otherwise, additional experience or coursework may be necessary.
Post-baccalaureate Programs
Longhorns in Residence (Early Childhood – 6th Grade)
Longhorns in Residence is a one-year graduate certificate and teacher preparation program designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are now interested in teaching.
Urban Teacher English Language Arts (7th-12th Grade)
This 18-hour program is designed to help English teacher candidates develop knowledge, skills and dispositions to support teaching and learning in linguistically and culturally diverse urban settings.
Urban Teacher Social Studies (7th-12th Grade)
This 18-hour program is designed to help social studies teacher candidates develop knowledge, skills and dispositions to support teaching and learning in linguistically and culturally diverse urban settings.
Early Childhood – 6th Grade Bilingual Core Subjects/Generalist
Learn how to provide equal educational opportunities for children with limited English proficiency. In addition to learning the fundamentals of early childhood education, you will be prepared to teach early childhood concepts to elementary students in both Spanish and English. Fluency in Spanish is required.
A new program plan will be available soon.
Early Childhood – 6th Grade English as a Second Language (ESL) Core Subjects/Generalist
Become a certified teacher for elementary children. You will learn the fundamentals of teaching and learning while aiding students’ development of social and emotional skills. ESL teachers are thoroughly trained to accommodate children from diverse backgrounds who may not be native English speakers.
A new program plan will be available soon.
Other Post-baccalaureate Options
UTeach – College of Natural Sciences
Certifications for degree holders in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, math or computer science can be completed along through the UTeach Natural Sciences certification program for 4th to 8th grade and 7th to 12th certification.
UTeach – Collge of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts offers postbaccalaureate options for 4th to 8th grade and 7th to 12th grade certification in English or social studies and all-level certification in foreign languages.
