Texas Woman's University

What you'll study

Degree plans are organized around the biology major plus the educator preparation sequence required for certification. The programme offers three certification tracks: 4–8 Science, 7–12 Composite Science, and 7–12 Life Science. Students must complete required education courses (examples noted in the programme materials include EDUC 2003, EDUC 3003, EDUC 3482, EDUC 4113, EDUC 4243, and clinical student teaching) and specific courses for early childhood certification where listed (ECE 3223 and READ 4223 for EC–3 only).

Entry requirements

Admission to TWU follows the university’s undergraduate process; admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) requires additional steps and must be completed before enrolling in upper-level education courses and clinical student teaching. Key EPP requirements include:

• A 2.75 GPA in at least 12 hours at Texas Woman’s University or specified GPA in the last 60 hours with at least a 2.50 overall.
• Demonstrated basic skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics via Texas Success Initiative requirements.
• A minimum of 12 to 15 semester credit hours in the content area for the sought certification.
• Completion of EDUC 2003 with a grade of C or higher.
• Submission of the departmental EPP application through SL&L (student must purchase/create an account) and payment of the Texas Education Agency fee.
• Completion of a Commitment Contract acknowledging the Professional Dispositions Policy and Educators’ Code of Ethics, and a successful pre-admission departmental interview.

Applications to the EPP are processed in three cycles (Fall, Spring, Summer) with specific deadlines tied to the semester prior to when students plan to take listed education courses; applicants are advised to prepare ahead of deadlines. Candidates must maintain admission criteria to remain in the EPP. Additional certification-related requirements noted by Texas law include criminal history background checks prior to clinical teaching and employment, and potential ineligibility for certification following certain convictions.

Career prospects

The programme targets students intending to become K–12 science teachers in Texas. The programme materials note a statewide shortage of science teachers, and indicate many Texas districts offer stipends and bonuses to recruit science educators. Eligible teachers may also access various loan-forgiveness or loan-repayment options available to educators.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

While no specific TWU scholarships are listed on the programme page, the information highlights funding-related advantages for Texas science teachers: stipends and bonuses from hiring districts and eligibility for federal and state educator loan-relief programs such as Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness, TEACH for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation.