Before You Apply
All applicants must complete a minimum of two years teaching experience before entering the program.
A nomination form must be submitted before beginning the formal application. The nomination deadline is December 15. Interested individuals may self-nominate, though it is preferred nominees be recommended by a school, district, or university leader who is familiar with the nominee’s work.
Application Requirements
All graduate students are required to apply to the state application system ApplyTexas. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline to allow us time to process your information. For more details, visit our “How to Apply” page.
All requirements must be received by the January 15 application deadline, including:
- Completed ApplyTexas application. This program starts in the Summer semester only. You must select the “Summer” semester in the ApplyTexas application. If you apply to the wrong semester or incorrect program track in the Educational Leadership & Policy department in the ApplyTexas application, you could be subject to additional application fees.
- 3 Letters of Reference (one must be from current supervisor) via email request
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE scores
- Official Transcripts
- Your resume in TPLA Format as required by the Texas Education Agency (template included in our Application Checklist) must be uploaded to your graduate school application via the MyStatus page. This may be done 24-48 hours after submitting the initial application
- In addition to the TPLA requirements, applicants must be aware and adhere to all UT-Austin Graduate School application requirements as well
Mail the $50 Program Application Fee* (check or money order ONLY - no cash) to
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, ATTN: ELP Accounting
The University of Texas at Austin, SZB 348
1912 Speedway, D5400
Austin, TX 78712-0374
**Candidate name and UT EID must be indicated on the check or money order**
*Proceeds may be used in general support of the College of Education. Please note this is separate and in addition to the UT Austin Graduate School fee.
Application Timeline
September - November
Nominations accepted for the next TPLA Program Cohort. Please remember you must be nominated as part of the application process.
Take the GRE exam unless you have a valid score from an exam taken within the last five years.
Background Check: Please be aware that all university students who assist in K-12 classrooms as part of their university requirements must submit to a criminal history background check that is required by participating school districts.
October - November
Work on your application! Information about the Graduate School, Department, and Program application requirements can be found on How to Apply.
December
Mandatory Application Information Sessions will address program requirements and answer nominee questions. Candidates must register to attend one session. Information session dates TBD. Check with program directors Debra Cantu or Terrance Green.
Financial Aid information and the FAFSA application are available online. Apply for Financial Aid Now!
Nomination Forms are due November 30.
January
Submit your FAFSA by January 15.
Submit ALL required application materials by January 15.
February
Assessment Center: Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an assessment center conducted by Principalship Program faculty and local leaders in education as part of the program selection process on Saturday, February 4, 2023. The assessment center may consist of several components such as a candidate interview, a data prompt presentation, and an observation/role-play exercise. Invitations will be sent to selected candidates at the end of January.
March - April
Official Notifications sent to candidates from the Graduate Advisor and from the Graduate School.
End of April: Acceptance deadline for new students. Candidates will be asked to submit a formal letter of acceptance to the graduate advisor, Jennifer Holme, by the end of the month.
Transition Camp for incoming admitted Principalship Program Cohort Members. All students are expected to attend this weekend session. Program directors will provide dates and details.
June
Classes begin in Austin.
Questions? Email one of the TPLA Co-Directors, Debra Cantu or Terrance Green.