If you are interested in becoming a teacher and already have a bachelor's degree or higher, the College of Education has programs to help you achieve your goals. Courses taken through our post-baccalaureate programs do not lead to a degree. Instead, completion of the requirements qualifies students to take the required state certification examinations administered by Pearson. Typically, more than 95% of our graduates pass the exam.
This option prepares you to teach through coursework that explores the fundamentals of teaching. You will also earn classroom experience in the form of observations and student teaching through the Professional Development Sequence (PDS).
Post-baccalaureate students are classified as degree holders, certification seekers. Requirements vary by program, and students seeking certification should contact an academic advisor to review their transcripts before enrolling.
Applying
Before applying to the Professional Development Sequence (PDS), all post-baccalaureate students must 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.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in the United States. Students who have earned a degree from outside of the United States should meet with an advisor in SZB 2.110 for information about additional requirements.
- Admission to The University of Texas at Austin.
- A minimum grade point average of “C” in all prerequisite courses.
- Oral and written communication proficiency will be reviewed during the first semester of the PDS. Successful completion of an Individualized Performance Plan (IPP), which outlines steps for addressing your difficulties, will be required if necessary. The TOEFL exam for determining proficiency in English also may be required.
- Admission to the Professional Development Sequence.
- 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

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. It includes a paid internship with Breakthrough Central Texas.

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. It includes a paid internship with Breakthrough Central Texas.

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 - 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 - Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts offers post-baccalaureate options for 4th to 8th grade and 7th to 12th grade certification in English or social studies and all-level certification in foreign languages.