Post-Baccalaureate Program for Teacher Certification

(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 or internship.

Pathways to Teaching Program

(Teacher Certification as a Post-Baccalaureate student and not seeking a master’s degree)

The Pathways to Teaching Program is a specifically designed program that allows an individual who has already obtained at least a bachelor's degree - from an institution accredited by an Institutional Accrediting Agency approved by the US Department of Education - to earn Texas teacher certification. Once certification is complete, the individual may add an ESL Supplemental or Special Education Supplemental teacher certification. An individual may choose to pursue only teacher certification or certification and a master's degree.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete Advanced Certificate Application
  • Non-refundable $25 application fee
  • Conferred bachelor’s or master’s degree
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Letter of intent (typewritten) stating:
    • Which certificate you would like to earn and why you selected that program
    • What you personally hope to accomplish during this program
    • Why you have chosen to attend Dallas Baptist University
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework. In some instances it is possible for an individual to take prerequisite courses to raise a low GPA.
  • Current professional resume
  • Two recommendations
  • Evidence of sound moral character and compatibility with DBU's mission
  • Score acceptably on the Content PACT exam (see explanation below)

Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) Information

Post-baccalaureate individuals seeking Texas teaching certification who have not yet enrolled in DBU’s Pathways to Teaching Certification Program have the opportunity to take the state Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to demonstrate subject area content proficiency. Successful test results on the PACT may be substituted for the required 18-24 hours of subject related content courses in the Pathways to Teaching Certification plan.

Please contact Dr. Julie Hyman at (214) 333-5352 for additional information regarding the PACT procedure, acceptance into the Pathways to Teaching Certification program, and specific course requirements.

Certifications Available

NOTE: An ESL or Special Education Supplement may be added to any of these certifications.

Consumer Information about the EPP at DBU

Criminal History Acknowledgement

As required by Texas HB1508, applicants need to be aware of the following.

  • Eligibility for Texas teacher certification in Texas requires that you pass a criminal history background check.
  • If you were convicted of an offense that is not considered appropriate for an educator, you could be ineligible to earn this certification in Texas.
  • You have a right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency prior to admission into this program. The Texas Education Agency currently charges a $50 fee for this criminal history evaluation.
  • For more information on Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation: Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation-FAQs