The Online Teacher Certification Program was designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and want to earn initial secondary teacher certification at the graduate level.
The program consists of 12 graduate credit hours and a 6-hour mentored internship. Content for all four courses is delivered 100 percent online. English Language Arts and Reading candidates may be required to complete up to two additional reading courses in order to meet the state requirements. Contact the program advisors for information about reading coursework.
How it Works
- 24-hour program equivalent to 8 courses
- 4 courses of online coursework (12 hours)
- 2 courses as electives (6 hours)
- 2 courses of student teaching or practicum (6 hours)
Each applicant must first apply to and meet the general admission requirements of UNT's Toulouse Graduate School.Then, applications for students who meet initial admission standards are forwarded to the College of Education for review and final decision.
Apply to Toulouse Graduate School
- You must be admitted to the Toulouse Graduate School before enrolling in the accelerated online program.
- Submit your application at applytexas.org and choose the "Secondary Teacher Certification: Grad Academic Certificate" in the degree plan list. Make sure you confirm that you are applying for the Online Program when prompted. Details on their requirements and applications deadlines can be viewed at https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions. Requirements for international applicants can be viewed at http://admissions.unt.edu/international, including information on meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement. The Department encourages students to apply well in advance of the posted deadlines. All departmental application materials must be received within two months of the submitted online application.
- Pay the $75 application fee, which can be submitted through applytexas.org.
- Request an official transcript of your records from each college or university that you have attended (official transcripts of all academic coursework previously undertaken, including an undergraduate degree from an accredited academic institution in an allied field) and have them sent to the Toulouse Graduate School. Submit documents to:
- University of North Texas
Toulouse Graduate School
1155 Union Circle #305459 (USPS)
1147 Union Circle, ESSC Room 354 (UPS/FedEx)
Denton, TX 76203
Email: GradAdmission@unt.edu
Phone: 940-565-2383
Fax: 940-565-2414
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Admission of International Students
- Applicants who do not hold either U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident alien status should apply through the UNT International Admissions Office, in addition to the Toulouse Graduate School and College of Health and Public Service. An international applicant's bachelor's degree should be equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree. International students ONLY: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) — check minimum scores required with your program advisor.
Apply to the College of Education
Send all departmental materials and application inquiries to:
Maria Prada
Academic Counselor
University of North Texas
Department of Teacher Education and Administration
1155 Union Circle #311335
Denton, TX 76203-5017
Email: Maria.Prada@unt.edu
coe-pbadvisors@unt.edu
Check Status Online
There are two ways to check your application status:
- To check if your transcripts have been submitted: The Toulouse Graduate School will send you an email and pin number to check online at my.unt.edu. You will need to activate your EUID with the pin number and click on Admissions Status.
- To check if your supporting documents have been submitted:
Email your full name and UNT Student ID to Maria.Prada@unt.edu or coe-pbadvisors@unt.edu. Enter "Application Status Update" as well as your name and UNT Student ID in the email subject line.
Candidates must meet the program requirements for the specific teacher certification option selected. Requirements completed as part of the undergraduate degree may be counted toward initial teacher certification, when applicable, but not toward a graduate degree. Students may use up to 12 graduate semester credit hours taken while in non-degree, certification-only status toward certain graduate degrees. Students must consult with a faculty program coordinator prior to enrolling in classes. Performance requirements to remain in a program may vary. See program advisor for details.
Secondary Education
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 24 hours in the content area for which certification is desired. Twelve of these hours must be upper level. Applicants must have a 2.8 GPA or better in the content area.
- Teaching field: No additional courses if student passes the TExES content exam for the area in which certification is sought. This test is taken in the first term/semester of course work. If the student does not pass this exam, additional course work is required.
Teacher education (online courses)
Student teaching or practicum, 6 hours
Student teaching EDCI 5108 and EDCI 5118 (taken concurrently) or practicum for students hired as teachers of record on Probationary Teaching Certificates, EDCI 5105 and EDCI 5115 (one in each of two consecutive long terms/semesters).
Two state exams must be passed for the student to become certified by the state:
- TExES Core Subject
- TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam EC-12 – recommended to be taken after the EC-6 Test
To attain the teaching certificate, candidates must complete all course work, attain passing scores on the appropriate state examination, and send an application to TEA for the certificate.
NOTE: The Clinical Practice is limited to schools within a 50 mile-radius from UNT.
Estimate tuition and fees by using the Tuition Calculators. For more information about tuition plan options, fees, and tuition, see Student Financial Services.
Financial Aid
UNT offers a variety of options to help finance your education. Visit financialaid.unt.edu to find out more about the application and award process.
UNT has been named one of America's 100 Best College Buys© for 25 consecutive years and offers the quality of a private university at an affordable cost.
Applying for financial aid
- Apply for financial aid online at fafsa.gov. The application is required for all types of financial aid, including Pell and other federal grants, state grants and loans. The FAFSA and Renewal FAFSA are available annually.
- You must enroll in 6 hours (over one or two online sessions) in order to be eligible for financial aid.
- Financial aid awards will be disbursed 10 days prior to the first day of class. Awards will not disburse if you are enrolled in only 3 credit hours.
- Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at 940-565-2302 or by visiting online at financialaid.unt.edu
