Program Overview
The Principal Certification program at Texas State University equips educators with the knowledge and skills to lead schools and communities. The program emphasizes equity, ethics, and the use of data and community assets to drive improvement efforts. Graduates are eligible to take the Texas Education Agency principal certificate exam and pursue leadership roles in education, including principal, assistant principal, and academic dean.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Principal Certification (Professional Cert.) program at Texas State University prepares school and community leaders to transform education at the campus level. The program focuses on situating school-based leaders within societal contexts, teaching students how to engage school and community assets as the foundation for improvement efforts, with an emphasis on equity and ethics. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the Texas Education Agency principal certificate exam.
Outline:
The Principal Certification program requires 24 hours to complete and can be completed in three semesters with summer admission. The program includes:
- EDUC 5390: School, Community, and Policy (3 hours)
- EDUC 6305: Data-Informed Leadership (3 hours)
- EDUC 6306: Equity-Focused Leadership (3 hours)
- EDUC 6310: Instructional Leadership (3 hours)
- EDUC 6315: Leadership for Innovation and Change (3 hours)
- EDUC 6395: Capstone (3 hours) However, the context mentions that faculty members are experienced public school teachers and administrators.
Careers:
The Principal Certification program prepares educators for various supervisory and leadership roles in schools and educational organizations, including:
- Principal
- Assistant principal
- Academic dean
- Athletic director
- Instructional supervisor
- Curriculum specialist
- Special education director
- Director of student support services
- Human resource specialist
Texas State's 37,979 students choose from 97 bachelor’s, 88 master’s and 12 doctoral degree programs offered by the following colleges: Applied Arts, McCoy College of Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, University College and The Graduate College.
Services
Student services
The University has an International Office whose mission is:
- Serving as immigration and cultural advisers to our international students and scholars, advocating on their behalf, and providing services and information that facilitate their cultural adjustment, retention and success.
- Assisting the university at large and our international students, alumni, scholars, faculty and staff in particular, in complying with governmental policies and regulations.
- Promoting global awareness and internationalization at the university by facilitating international agreements, and by administering international programming through hosting and sponsoring international events.
Housing services
Housing at Texas State is unique because students choose which hall they would like to live in, so students can choose any available space in the halls. We offer a variety of living options to accommodate the diverse needs of our resident population. While styles range from traditional to apartment style, the Department of Housing and Residential life believes a traditional hall is the best for first-year students. These halls create a strong sense of community and students living in traditional halls tend to do better academically and socially.Housing is first-come, first served so make sure to sign a contract as soon as possible.
Library services
Albert B. Alkek Library is the most important information resource of the Texas State University community. The Alkek Library Collection Includes:
- More than 1.5 million printed volumes
- 99,700+ electronic journals
- 506,000 e-books
- 430+ databases.
- Over a half-million microform & audio-visual materials.
ICT services
Operating within the Division of Information Technology, Technology Resources provides secure, robust and cost-effective information technologies to Texas State University. We deliver secure telephone, computing, and Internet access as well as provide customer-focused technical support and training to assure optimal use of information technology.
Medical services
Texas State international students are required to obtain coverage under the designated international student health insurance policy or present acceptable proof of other comparable and adequate health insurance coverage to the Student Health Center. The Student Health Center is now offering a new Travel Health Service for all Texas State students, faculty and staff.
Student Life
Campus life
Located about 20 miles outside of San Marcos in Wimberley, Texas, the University Camp is a 126-acre hideaway on the scenic Blanco River boasting two lodges, six campsites, four day-use sites, and several miles of hiking/biking trails. The University Camp is also home to the Texas State GOAL Challenge Course Program. The 3.5 mile trail system courses throughout the property and provides many scenic and nature study opportunities. Mountain biking is a popular trail activity, and portions of the trail are suitable only for experienced riders. The trail is great for family hikes and nature viewing.Swimming, wading, snorkeling, and fishing are excellent in the clear pools above and below the falls.
Sports facilities
The Bobcat Club is the principal fundraising arm of the Texas State Intercollegiate Athletics Department. The Bobcat Club has provided a way for supporters to help talented Texas State student-athletes receive a top-tier education while pursuing their goals both on and off the field of competition. The Department of Campus Recreation will be recognized as a leader in recreation and leisure services.
Student clubs
- CE - National Association of Colleges and Employers
- SoACE - Southern Association of Colleges and Employers
- CEIAINC - Cooperative Education & Internship Association
- TxCEIA - Texas Cooperative Education & Internship Association, Inc.
- NSEA - National Student Employment Association
- SASEA - Southern Association of Student Employment Administrator
- NCDA - National Career Development Association
- SAHRMA - San Antonio Human Resources Management Association
- AHRMA - Austin Human Resources Management Association
- SACUCCA - San Antonio Area Colleges and Universities Career Centers Assoc.
- CTLACC - Central Texas Liberal Arts Career Consortium
Accreditation
SACS - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has reaffirmed its accreditation of Texas State UniversityABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and TechnologyACCE - American Council for Construction Education - Accredited February 2013ATMAE - Association of Technology, Management, and Applied EngineeringNSC - National Steering Committee - Concrete Industry Management Program
Entry Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- Master's degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact gradcollege@txsate.edu if you are unsure.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
- Copy of official teaching certificate documenting initial teaching certification
- Copy of official teaching record documenting at least one year's teaching experience
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For applicants without a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, the minimum TOEFL iBT score requirements are:
- Listening: 22
- Reading: 22
- Speaking: 24
- Writing: 21
