Admission to the Undergraduate Educator Preparation Program

(1) Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. (2) Pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching

First Year and transfer students are encouraged to declare their intention to work toward educator certification as early as possible after enrolling at DBU. A College of Education advisor counsels with each student individually to develop a semester-by-semester degree plan to assure proper sequence of courses.

Teacher Candidates wishing to officially enter the Educator Preparation Program should make application to the program during the spring semester of the sophomore year (after 45 semester hours).

Applications to the program will be considered based on the following criteria:

• Appropriate Admissions Test Score (SAT/ACT/TSI/TOEFL)
  • SAT (administered on or after March 5, 2016): 480 Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing, and 530 Mathematics OR
  • ACT: 23 composition with 19 on English and 19 on Mathematics.
  • If current SAT/ACT scores do not meet minimum standards, the candidate must take or retake the ACT (for a total of two attempts). If the standard is not met after two ACT attempts, then TSI is accepted with the following minimum scores:
    • TSI taken before January 11, 2021: Mathematics: 350, Reading: 351, Writing: a placement score of at least 340 and an essay score of at least 4;
    • TSI taken on or after January 11, 2021:  ELAR 945 and Essay 5 or higher OR 910 and a Diagnostic 5 or higher and an Essay 5 or higher. Mathematics 950 OR 910 and a Diagnostic of 6
  • International Students Only - TOEFL (Contact Advisor for more information.)
• An application of petition filed with the College of Education requesting admission to the Educator Preparation Program.
• Completion of an interview with a College of Education faculty member.
  • Three letters of recommendation must be submitted: (1) from the College of Education and (2) from their content area.
• Completion of at least 45 semester hours with a minimum overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 and a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average in the teaching field/academic concentration at the time of application to the program. The 3.0 GPA criteria must be maintained to remain in the program. Transfer students must meet these same requirements and apply after a semester of residence at DBU.
• Prior to applying to the Educator Certification Program, a degree plan must be selected by the student and a College of Education advisor and filed with the Registrar.
  • Completion of the following courses: EDUC 3313 and MATH 1303
• Evidence of the personal qualities and characteristics desired in a teacher as judged by the Educator Preparation Program Committee.
• Completion of the admission interview with the EPP Committee.
• Signed Revised Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators must be kept in the student file.
• Math and Science certification majors must have completed 15 credit hours in their content field prior to admission to the Educator Preparation Program. All other content areas must have completed 12 credit hours in their content field prior to admission to the Education Preparation Program.
• Upon receipt of a letter of admission to the Educator Preparation Program, the candidate must provide a written response acknowledging the acceptance of admittance to the program.

Teacher Candidates admitted to the Educator Preparation Program are required to attend a minimum of ten Student Education Association (SEA) meetings before graduation. Teacher Candidates transferring to DBU with 60-89 semester hours are required to have eight SEA attendance, while those with 90 or more hours need six attendances. A record of SEA attendances is maintained in the Teacher Candidate's file to determine eligibility for certification.

For all other EPP Policies, please see our Policies and Information page.