Program Length
We are a university-based Educator Preparation Program. As such, candidates must be enrolled at the university and complete university courses on a traditional fall/spring/summer schedule. For more information about cost, see Program Costs.
The length of time it takes you to earn your certification depends on several factors including the certification area, your academic background, and how many classes you decide to take each semester.
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How long does it take to become a certified teacher?
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Bachelor's Degree + Certification
- About 4 years
- Approximately 120 credit hours, student teaching included
- Bachelor's Degree + Certification Programs
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Second Bachelor's Degree + Certification
- About 2 years
- A minimum of 30 credit hours, student teaching included
- Second Bachelor's Degree + Certification Programs
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Certification + Master's in Education (CMED)
- About 2 - 3 years
- 36 - 47 credit hours of coursework + a semester of student teaching (or a year-long internship)
- Master's in Education + Certification (CMED) Programs
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Teacher Recruitment Program (TRP) at Round Rock Campus
The Teacher Recruitment Program (TRP) is an accelerated Certification program at the Round Rock campus.
- Certification after 2 semesters
- 15 credit hours of coursework + student teaching
- You can finish the remaining Master's degree requirements after becoming certified
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Stand-Alone Teacher Certification
If you already hold a bachelor's degree, you may pursue stand-alone teacher certification through our university-based Stand-Alone Teacher Certification option. If you would like to know more about this option, review Example Certification Plans.
- About 2 - 3 years
- EC-6/ESL: 36 credit hours + student teaching or internship
- EC-6/Bilingual: 36 credit hours + student teaching or internship.
- Special Education/EC-6/ESL: 36 credit hours + student teaching or internship
- Middle School Certificates: 24-27 credit hours + student teaching or internship
- Secondary Certificates: 15 credit hours + to-be-determined undergraduate Content courses + student teaching or internship
- All-Level Certificates: 15 credit hours + to-be-determined undergraduate Content courses + student teaching or internship
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Professional Certificates
If you already hold a teaching certificate, you may pursue a professional certificate. If you would like to know more about this option, review the specific program and contact the appropriate faculty member.
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