College of Education
The mission of the College of Education at TCU is to prepare exemplary leaders for diverse educational settings and
related fields who are reflective, ethical, innovative and committed to all learners. As professionals and active citizens in
the community, the college strives to create a humane and just society in which all individuals can develop their full
potential. The College of Education is governed by an ethical code that documents its obligations to students, colleagues
and the community. This code includes rationality and objectivity in professional judgments and actions, civility and
caring in interactions with others, and encouragement of diverse views on issues of significance to society.
Consistent with the above values, the college’s core beliefs incorporate a connection between a strong foundational
knowledge base with professional practice. Professionals in education study and expand the knowledge base of
effective practice and ground their practice in theory and research acquiring expertise through activities in diverse, field-
based settings, which are exemplars of practice. They also promote high student achievement and a passion for
learning by:
• Mastering content knowledge and effective pedagogical skills;
• Using multiple strategies, resources and technologies to plan, implement and assess instruction and document
effectiveness with students; and
• Synthesizing knowledge from relevant, academically diverse perspectives and a variety of theoretical orientations
and approaches.
In addition, educational professionals provide service and leadership in diverse settings, ranging from local to global
communities; seek to improve professional settings and society; and collaborate with representatives from various
groups within and outside the educational community.
Updated 08.17.2022
College of Education
Education Centers, Institutes and Laboratory Schools
Center for Public Education
The Center for Urban Education considers education a civil and human right, a public good, and both a process and a goal.
Through education young people develop opportunities and civic competence. Many of society’s problems (poverty,
disenfranchisement, discrimination) manifest themselves in public schools. In the past these issues were most present in
urban school settings, but they are now also found in suburban and rural areas. TCU’s Center for Public Education seeks to
understand the complexity of public education at the system level and build connections with individual schools. Initiatives
include:
• Aspiring Teacher’s Program. Recruits high school students from underrepresented groups into the teaching profession.
• Anti-bullying and anti-bias workshop for TCU student teachers.
• College Advising Corps. Seeks to increase the number of low-income, first-generation and underrepresented Texas
high school students earning a degree in the TCU College of Education.
Andrews Institute of Mathematics & Science Education
The Andrews Institute of Mathematics and Science Education is a leader in the exploration, discovery, and application of
innovative and effective approaches to mathematics and science education. We work cooperatively with the College of
Education and the College of Science & Engineering in our quest to serve the educational needs of faculty and students.
We support and conduct research in mathematics and science education; prepare TCU mathematics and science education
majors to be reflective, ethical, and innovative teachers committed to all learners; and recruit and support mathematics and
science educators beyond our campus. By embracing diverse viewpoints, methodologies, and populations, and outreach to
the educational and general community alike, we believe that teaching and learning are made more accessible, relevant
and effective; and that, through the expansion of mathematics and science literacy, society will be well served.
College of Education
Education Centers, Institutes and Laboratory Schools
Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service Institute
The Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service (ANSERS) Institute provides an environment for innovation and
change in special education through exemplary teaching, creative research, and community outreach. The ANSERS
Institute works in conjunction with the TCU laboratory schools – Starpoint and KinderFrogs – to create and coordinate
activities, programs and research in special education.
The mission of the ANSERS Institute is to transform the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities and their
families through evidence-based research and practice.
The ANSERS Institute's mission is carried out through the following four goals:
• Enhance the educational experience of TCU students who will become effective and ethical educators in the field of
special education.
• Conduct research that will better meet the needs of children with disabilities and contribute to development of
evidence-based practices in special education.
• Sponsor and participate in community outreach to enhance the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities and
their families in school and community-based activities.
• Engage in advocacy activities to support and promote the development and delivery of exceptional services to
children with disabilities.
College of Education
Education Centers, Institutes and Laboratory Schools
Starpoint and KinderFrogs Schools
The Laboratory Schools, Starpoint and KinderFrogs, in the College of Education at Texas Christian University provide
opportunities for TCU students in the fields of education, kinesiology, nursing, speech and language, and child
development to engage in teaching, research and applied practice. The overarching goal of the Laboratory Schools is to
provide an innovative learning environment for children with learning challenges and to inform the field of special
education through research and innovative practices.
Starpoint School is an individualized academic program for children ages 6 to 12 with learning differences, which is
committed to the ideal that all children can learn. Through innovative programming, children learn to compensate for
their learning difficulties, build on their own strengths, develop a positive attitude about school and learning, and perform
to the best of their capabilities as life-long learners.
KinderFrogs is a family-focused, early-intervention program that provides a developmentally appropriate educational
environment for children with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Through innovative programming,
KinderFrogs School prepares children for success and independence in inclusive school and community settings.
College of Education
College of Education Degrees
The College of Education offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education degree with majors in:
Early Childhood Education (Grades EC-6)
• Generalist EC-6 with Bilingual Option
Middle School Education (Grades 4-8)
• Middle School Language and Literacy
• Middle School Mathematics
• Middle School Science
• Middle School Social Studies
Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
• Secondary School Chemistry (Grades 7-12)
• Secondary School Language and Literacy
• Secondary School Life Science
• Secondary School Math/Physics (Grades 7-12)
• Secondary School Physical Science (Grades 6-12)
• Secondary School Social Studies
Courses are also offered for those students wishing to prepare for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
See English as a Second Language Supplemental Certificate
.
College of Education
College of Education Degrees
The College of Education offers the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in:
• Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies
Program Changes
Programs listed in this catalog reflect current State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) and Texas Education Agency
(TEA) standards. Minor changes may be made in these programs to meet additional certification standards adopted by
SBEC/TEA.
Honors College
Education majors who plan to pursue Departmental Honors must be members of the Honors College and should enroll
in EDUC 30003
: Honors Tutorial during their junior year and EDUC 40003 : Honors Research Paper during the fall or
spring semester of their senior year. With permission from an adviser, EDUC 30003
: Honors Tutorial may substitute for
EDUC 30123
: Educational Psychology.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Students may declare a major, double major or minor in education, but to be admitted into the Teacher Education
Program, all majors and minors must meet the following criteria:
• TCU students must have a 2.75 or better GPA.
• Transfer students seeking teacher certification must bring a 2.75 or better GPA to declare an education major and
have a 2.75 or better GPA on 12 hours of coursework at TCU to be admitted to the College of Education.
• Entering first-year have no specific requirements to declare an education major but must have a 2.75 or better GPA
to be admitted to the Teacher Education Program.
• All teacher education majors seeking teacher certification must maintain high professional standards and
acceptable academic performance (a minimum 2.75 GPA overall and a “C” or better in all content areas and
education coursework).
Students who declare a major in education that does not
lead to teacher certification must be admitted to the College of
Education and must meet the following requirement:
TCU students must maintain a 2.50 or better GPA. Transfer students must bring a 2.75 or better GPA to declare an
education major and have a 2.50 or better GPA on 12 hours of coursework at TCU to be admitted to the College of
Education. Entering first-year students have no specific requirements to declare an education major but must have a
2.50 or better GPA to be admitted to the Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies program.
All students pursing a minor in education or a degree in Youth Advocacy and Education Studies must maintain high
professional standards and acceptable performance (a minimum 2.50 GPA overall and a “C” or better in education
coursework).
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Pass/No-Credit Policy
The University Pass/No-Credit Policy states that students may take up to two courses (8 hours maximum) on a P/NC
basis. No course applied to the student's major, minor or associated requirements may be taken on the P/NC basis.
Courses offered with only the P/NC option will not count toward this limit on the number of P/NC hours. Students in the
College of Education may not take any education course required for teacher certification or in the student's teaching
content area on the P/NC basis, with the exceptions of student teaching and the Professional Practice Seminar.
Teacher Education Program Admission
Students who plan to earn a teaching certificate must formally apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program.
They must meet, or will meet during the semester in which they apply, the minimum criteria. However, doing only the
minimum does not ensure admission to the program. According to the criteria, students must:
• Complete a least 54 semester hours of coursework.
• Attain a minimum overall 2.75 GPA on a minimum of 12 semester hours of coursework at TCU.
• Complete the ethics training module required by the Texas Education Agency.
• Complete with a “C” or better EDUC 20003 Critical Investigation: Teaching and Learning and speech
communication (OC).
• Complete 12 hours of content area coursework or 15 hours if the certification sought is mathematics or science at
or above grade seven.
• Achieve a “C” or better in all content areas* and education courses taken prior to admission.
• Meet expectations for professionalism according to the admissions rubric in EDUC 2003 Critical Investigation:
Teaching and Learning.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
• Demonstrate high professional, ethical, and relational standards of behavior, appropriate emotional control, and
communication (oral, written, technological) with adults, children and fellow students.
• Attach a current (within one year) criminal record check.
• Attach FERPA Agreement.
• Preparation Program Fee, as required by 19 TAC 229.9(7). The fee will appear on your student account.
*content area for EC-6 certification includes history, government, mathematics, English, lab sciences, geography, fine
arts and speech.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Students applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program should do so by March 1 for fall admission and Oct.
1 for the spring. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis. Eligibility to apply does not ensure
admission to the program. The Admissions Committee will consider minimum criteria, as well as student performance
(professional attitude, demeanor, abilities and preparation) and space in the program.
Any exception to these admission standards must be approved by the program faculty and the College of Education
dean and/or designee.
Prior to admission to the College of Education, students may take EDUC 20003
Critical Investigation: Teaching and
Learning; EDUC/MS/SE 30113 Digital Literacy, Learning and Citizenship in Education; EDUC 30143
Child and
Adolescent Development; EDEC 30103
Introduction to Early Childhood Education; and EDUC 30013 Professional Roles
and Responsibilities. Students may not register for any other education courses until admitted to the College of
Education.
Criminal Record Search
In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 9 and at the request of the State Board of Educator Certification, the College of
Education has established procedures for annual criminal background checks for all education majors and minors. The
College of Education requires a criminal background check prior to admission, field experiences and student teaching.
Liability Insurance
As students enter public and private schools for observations, tutoring, after-school programs and student teaching, it is
important to be covered by liability insurance. Under Texas law, both the student intern and teacher can be held
responsible for a child’s injury. Liability insurance is offered at low cost to teachers-in-training who belong to a teacher
organization such as the TCU chapter of the Texas Student Education Association (TSTA-NEA), which covers liability
insurance, costs of defending claims and some attorney fees. Other teacher organizations in the state — ATPE, UEA,
AFT — offer similar coverage.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Teacher Education Program Retention
Students must maintain acceptable academic performance (a minimum 2.75 GPA overall and a grade of “C-” or better in
content area and education courses), as well as high professional standards in order to advance in the program and to
student teaching. The College of Education is dedicated to identifying and intervening to assist students who
demonstrate difficulties maintaining these standards.
Any faculty member who has a concern with a student's performance and/or professionalism may initiate the Academic
Performance and Professionalism Warning (APPW) process.
1. First, the faculty member fills out the APPW form describing the concerns and indicating potential solutions.
2. A conference between the student and two faculty members is required. The parties discuss the student's
understanding of the problem and agree on a course of action. The APPW contract is signed by the student and
faculty members. If the student fails to respond or attend a conference, the faculty will complete the form and notify
the student via certified mail.
3. The completed form is submitted to the associate dean, the student and the Dean of Students Office.
4. Any student receiving three notices through this process may be considered for dismissal from the College of
Education. Except in an unusually severe situation, just one notice will not result in dismissal. These notices do not
become part of a student's permanent academic record.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Clinical (Student) Teaching Admission
Any student who wishes to be considered for admission to student teaching must meet the following requirements:
• Completion of all content area and education coursework with a minimum 2.75 GPA and no grade lower than a “C-”;
• A minimum overall TCU GPA of 2.75;
• Completion of the modules required by the Texas Education Agency regarding recognizing/intervening/referral
services for emotional-behavioral concerns of students;
• Successful completion of Senior Seminar EDEC/EDMS/EDSE 30001: Professional Practice Seminar.
• Demonstration of high professional, ethical and relational standards of behavior, appropriate emotional control, and
communication (oral, written and technological) with adults, children and fellow students.
Applications for student teaching are due by May 1 for fall student teaching and October 1 for spring student teaching.
The Admissions Committee will consider minimum criteria, as well as student performance (professional attitude,
demeanor, abilities and preparation). Any exception to these student teaching standards must be approved by the
program faculty and the College of Education dean and/or designee.
Accelerated Master's Option
The Accelerated Option is for high achieving undergraduate students enrolled in TCU’s College of Education. This option
is available only to TCU undergraduates obtaining a baccalaureate degree and teacher certification in early childhood
(EC-6), middle school or secondary education, or a baccalaureate degree in youth advocacy and educational studies.
The Accelerated Option allows outstanding students to complete a bachelor’s degree with the Master of Education
(M.Ed.) in five years. Students are eligible to apply for admission to the graduate program during the semester they
complete 90 hours of undergraduate coursework. To be considered for admission to the Accelerated Option, students
must submit a graduate program application packet. Only candidates demonstrating superior undergraduate academic
performance and having strong recommendations are considered for admission.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Students intending to pursue an Accelerated Option should make their plans known as early as possible; to their faculty
adviser in the College of Education. If admitted to the Accelerated Program, students complete up to 12 hours of the
M.Ed. program during the fourth year of undergraduate study. Candidates must work with their advisers to determine
how the courses they take will apply to the undergraduate degree. During their senior year, they must complete the
following classes:
EC-6 Undergraduate Major
EDEC 55313 Educational Assessment 3
EDEC 55663 Motivating and Managing Students in the Classroom 3
EDSP 55123 Learner-Centered Teaching: Families 3
EDUC 55293 Curriculum Workshop 3
Middle/Secondary Undergraduate Major
EDEC 55313 Educational Assessment 3
EDUC 55663 Motivating and Managing Students in the Classroom 3
EDUC 55980 Internship 6
Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies Undergraduate Major
EDEC 55113 Schools, Curriculum and Society 3
EDUC 55003 Diversity in American Education 3
EDUC 55510 Internship: Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies 6
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
At the end of the fourth year, assuming all other graduation requirements are met, the student earns the baccalaureate
degree. In the fifth year, including summer, the student completes the remaining semester hours toward the M.Ed.
degree. Students will complete 9 hours of core courses, 12 hours from the Teaching and Learning emphasis
(including EDMS/SE 51103 Educational Assessment), and 15 hours from content area specialization as described
under the Traditional Master’s Option.
Note: No more than 15 hours of 50000-level classes may be applied toward a master’s degree.
International Student Teaching Opportunities
Students in the College of Education can participate in the many Study Abroad programs at TCU as well as
experience student teaching abroad in places like Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, Norway, Sweden,
Switzerland, and The Netherlands.
Certification
To obtain Texas teacher certification at TCU, students must complete the Teacher Education Program in the College of
Education and achieve a bachelor's degree. Students who are seeking certification must take the state TExES
proficiency exam at least once by midterm of the semester in which the students plans to graduate. Students must
also successfully complete the appropriate state certification exams for the content area and grade level they wish to
teach.
After graduation the student will be recommended to the state of Texas for teacher certification by TCU upon
completion of the following requirements:
• Conferred bachelor's degree;
• Successful completion of the Teacher Education Program, including the student teaching experience;
• Passing scores on the required state certification exams; and
• Final GPA of 2.75 with “C- “or better in education and content area coursework.
• Demonstration of ethical behavior, both professionally and personally, as outlined by the TEA Educator Code of
Ethics while enrolled in the Texas Education Program.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES)
All Teacher Education Program graduates applying for Texas certification must pass proficiency tests (TExES) in their
field of certification or supplemental area and a professional development test. A single certification exam may be
attempted five times. Anyone who has attempted a test (regardless of how many times before August 31, 2015) may test
up to four more times after September 1, 2015. Additional attempts require State Board for Educator Certification
(SBEC) permission. Students who fail to take the appropriate TExES within three years of program completion must
present documentation of completion of TExES review or additional coursework prior to receiving permission to test.
To be eligible to take the TExES certification exam, students must pass the practice representative exams, which are
offered during the Professional Practice Seminar. Students who do not pass the practice exams must present evidence
of test preparation before the exam will be re-administered. A student who receives no credit in the Professional Practice
Seminar is not considered a program completer and will not be released to take the TExES.
Title II
Teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher learning are required to report the pass rates of their program
graduates on the exams that qualify them for certification in their state. The most recent, complete Institutional Report for
TITLE II is available on the College of Education website.
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
All individuals seeking Texas teaching certification with a major in Spanish, French, or German must take the Languages
other than English (LOTE) state exam along with the EC-12PPR.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Education Major Transfer Work Credit
After enrolling at TCU:
• All education majors must receive prior written approval from their academic adviser and the associate dean
before taking courses at another institution. Coursework taken without prior written approval may not be applied
to a degree.
• No more than 12 total semester hours, except those earned in an approved study abroad program, may be
transferred from other schools.
• No credit may be transferred from a community college once 54 cumulative semester hours have been earned.
• Transcripts of coursework taken elsewhere must reach the Office of the Registrar within 30 days of completion
of the coursework.
College of Education Career Services Center
The Career Services Center maintains contact with public and private schools seeking teachers, school counselors,
administrators and other types of educational personnel. Registration with the center entitles students to file a
summary of their academic records together with requested recommendations from teachers and others acquainted
with their qualifications. Former students may use the center in seeking positions. The center provides on-campus
interviews with school districts in Texas, as well as outside the state. More than 75 school districts conduct interviews
on campus each year.
College of Education
Education Major, Double Major or Minor Declaration
Education Student Organizations
The College of Education sponsors student organizations for the purpose of promoting professional goals and
interests, as well as providing recreation and fellowship among members. An international honor society in
education, Kappa Delta Pi, invites to membership juniors, seniors, graduate students and classroom teachers who
possess high scholarship ability. TCU's chapter of the Texas Student Education Association provides students with
associate membership in the National Education Association and the Texas State Teachers Association (TSEA).
TSEA provides students with the opportunity to meet and discuss professional concerns and goals with
experienced teachers in the profession. The Council for Exceptional Children pre-professional organization is
open to all students interested in special education.
College of Education
Education Majors, Minors and Certificates
• Early Childhood Education, BS
• Middle School Education, BS – Mathematics, Science or Social Studies
•
Middle School Education, BS – Language and Literacy
•
Secondary Education, BS – Life Science, Physical Science or Social Studies
•
Secondary Education, BS – Language and Literacy
College of Education
Educational Studies
Educational Studies
Students who major in a content area outside the College of Education (mathematics, history, Spanish, communication,
and English) may obtain a major in educational studies (see College of Education admission requirements
). Completion
of the educational studies major meets the requirements for teacher certification.
• Educational Studies, B.S. in Biology
• Educational Studies, B.S. in Chemistry
• Educational Studies, B.S. in Mathematics
• Educational Studies, B.S. in Mathematics/Physics
• Educational Studies, B.S. in History
• Educational Studies, B.S. in Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
• Educational Studies, B.S. in Dance, or Communication
• Educational Studies, B.S. in English
• Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies, BS
• Educational Studies Minor
• All Level Teacher Certification
• English as a Second Language Supplemental Certificate
