Certification Levels

The University of Texas at Austin offers four different levels of certification for students who wish to become teachers:

• Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Generalist certification
• Middle Grades certification (4^th to 8^th grade)
• Secondary certification (8^th to 12^th grade)
• All-level certification (early childhood to 12^th grade)

These certification programs are offered as part of degree programs, or for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree, as part of post-baccalaureate programs.

Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Generalist Certification (pre-Kindergarten to 6^th grade)can be earned through an academic program housed in the College of Education that culminates in a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development degree, or through a post-baccalaureate program.

The College of Education offers two certification options for early childhood certification:

• Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Generalist Certification - Certification to teach pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade
• Early Childhood to Sixth Grade Generalist Certification with Bilingual Education - Certification to teach bilingual education classes for pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade

Middle Grades Certification (4^th to 8^th grade) is offered in mathematics, science, computer science, English language arts and reading, social studies, and languages other than English (through summer 2008, then offered as an All-level certification as of fall 2008). Interested undergraduate students must earn a degree from the college within The University that houses the academic major of their teaching field (please refer to the program chart). Post-baccalaureate programs for Middle Grades certification fields are also available for degree holders.

Secondary Certification (8^th to 12^th grade) is offered in mathematics, science, computer science, English language arts and reading, social studies, history, and languages other than English (until 08/31/04). Interested undergraduate students must earn a degree from the college within The University that houses the academic major of their teaching field (please refer to the program chart). Post-baccalaureate programs for Middle Grades certification fields are also available for degree holders.

All-level Certification (Early Childhood to 12^th grade) is offered in special education, kinesiology, art, music, theatre arts, and languages other than English (starting 09/01/09). Interested undergraduate students must earn a degree from the college within The University that houses the academic major of their teaching field (please refer to the program chart). Post-baccalaureate programs for All-level certification fields are also available for degree holders.

The College of Education offers three certification options for All-level certification:

• All-Level Generic Special Education - Certification to teach special education classes for all grade-levels (pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade)
• Applied Movement Science - Certification to teach physical education for all grade levels (pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade)
• All-Level Art, Music, or Theatre Arts - Certification to teach art, music, or theatre arts classes for all grade-levels (pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade)

Professional Development Sequence

Some of the coursework in the certification programs is restricted. All certification seekers must submit an online application (available on the College of Education website prior to application deadline dates) to the office of Education Services to obtain admission to what is called the Professional Development Sequence (typically the last 2 to 4 semesters of the certification program). The online application must be submitted during the semester prior to beginning the Professional Development Sequence (by March 1 for fall entry and by October 1 for spring entry). Admission to the Professional Development Sequence is dependent upon meeting required UT Austin grade point average requirements (GPA) and successful completion of prerequisite coursework. This application is different from the application for admission to The University of Texas at Austin.  

For more information please call (512) 471-3223