Home 2023: Top 35 Best Initial Teacher Certification Bachelor’s Degrees in Education in the West South Central Region (TOLA States)

2023: Top 35 Best Initial Teacher Certification Bachelor’s Degrees in Education in the West South Central Region (TOLA States)

Folks in the TOLA (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas) region already take it as gospel that it’s just about the best place to live in these United States. Amazing job opportunities in tech, aerospace, and energy… and a cultural landscape that includes everything from the Live Music Capital of the World to the Greatest Free Show on Earth. This place has it all.

But like so much of the rest of the country, one thing we are short on here are good teachers. The TOLA states aren’t at the very bottom of educational attainment in the United States, but they are all hanging on at some of the lower rungs of that ladder. 2021 statistics from World Population Review show that only Oklahoma escapes the bottom ten states in high school graduation statistics; similarly, Texas is the only one in the region that doesn’t fall near the bottom of the list in terms of college attainment.

There’s only one way up that ladder: better teachers, and more of them. And based on the fact that you’re reading this, it’s a good bet you are already on your way to contributing to the solution. But, of course, it isn’t just about upping the numbers; it’s about being the kind of teacher who inspires and lifts your students and your community to the next level.

You don’t get that way by accident. Great teachers learn from great teachers—which means you need to narrow down your search for ITP programs to only the very best you can find around here.

That’s why we have put together this list of the top bachelor’s-level initial teacher prep programs across the TOLA states. You can find a great school that is close to home and has exactly the coursework you need, not only to get fully licensed, but also to give you the best possible foundation for excellence in a field where it is desperately needed.

The Tough Process of Picking The Top Bachelor’s in Education ITP Programs in the West South Central Region

As you know if you live in these parts, the TOLA states cover a lot of territory, with states bigger than a lot of European countries. For a four-state region, there is a lot of variety in the schools around here … we went through more than 130 accredited institutions to come up with this handful of top programs, and it wasn’t easy to narrow them down.

So what made the difference? What separates a top teaching certificate program from the also-rans? We think it comes down to these big things:

Great Teachers Learn From Great Teachers—So We Picked Schools With the Best Instructors

You know better than anyone how much of a difference the person at the front of the room can make to the learning experience. After all, you’re signing up to be that person! The power of a smart, empathetic, accomplished teacher to change the course of their students’ lives is something that your entire career choice is based on.

We agree, and that’s why we looked first and foremost for schools that have only the very best instructors. That means professors who have a strong academic background, with years of experience under their belt, and not just in colleges… you want instructors who have spent their time teaching at the same grade level you plan to teach, out in the trenches at elementary and high schools in your community. They know exactly where you are heading and exactly how to prepare you for that experience.

They also have serious research skills and strong publication histories in industry journals, advancing leading thoughts in modern pedagogy on the national and international stage. Under their guidance and with their assistance, you’ll get more out of your program than you imagined possible.

Academic Excellence Drives High Standards At Each of These Schools

It should go without saying that any program that is teaching about teaching should hit the highest of academic standards. We looked for schools where strong curriculum standards offer a comprehensive approach to the subjects being taught, with both a solid grounding in modern research and practice and a hearty helping of the latest theoretical studies in the field.

One thing that leaned in a school’s favor in our evaluation was specialty accreditation, either from CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, or one of its predecessors in the field, NCATE and TEAC. The rigorous evaluation that those Department of Education-approved specialty accreditors put programs through helps validate both academic and administrative standards, and ensures that each school is committed not only to the best education in modern teaching available today, but also just as committed to continuous self-improvement so that your classes next year will be up-to-date as the field evolves.

Practice Makes Perfect, and Student Teaching Opportunities Distinguish the Top Schools

As valuable as all the academic skills are, the real test of any program in education is what happens out in the classrooms. So it’s critical that your teaching certificate program include a strong emphasis on student teaching opportunities.

That means more than just piling up classroom time. That practice has to be accompanied by clear guidance and constant feedback, coming from both your professors and the instructors that you are working with in the field. Together they form a strong, unified front helping you tie your classroom instruction to your field experiences. This means giving you access to a wide variety of classroom experiences that help you develop a full-picture perspective on teaching in both urban and rural systems and at different grade levels. You should get a chance to practice your skills with different kinds of students and different materials, and to get a sense for your own strengths and aptitudes.

Reputation Earns High Marks

When we set out looking for the top schools in the TOLA region, we figured you wouldn’t want to just take our word for it… while we have high standards, we’re just one website, and the importance of diversity of perspective applies to what we do too.

But when you’re looking at our list, you’re not just relying on our assessment, because we also incorporated the perspectives of other independent, third-party evaluators in our considerations. These schools have drawn the attention of big, nationally-respected evaluators like The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report, not to mention major scholastic foundations like the Carnegie Foundation.

And just as important, we looked at variables that tell you how these programs are thought of on the local and regional level as well. We looked at graduation rates and job placement, things that tell you whether or not local school districts are eager to hire new teachers right out of these programs. We also considered the career trajectory that graduates experience… are they going on to work in administration? Getting noted in regional or national teacher recognition programs or earning awards? Those are all factors that tell you a school is delivering the kind of teacher certification experience that you should look for.

Unique Opportunities and Unmatched Learning Experiences On Tap

Finally, we gave extra marks for some of the hardest to measure factors in any education: the unique opportunities that a school can put in front of you that can entirely change the arc of your career or your life. You don’t always even know what these things could be until you see them… a chance to take on a semester teaching overseas, maybe, or a special partnership with an inner city school that opens your eyes to opportunities in teaching you never considered before. Or maybe it’s a special research program that no other school is pursuing right now, a chance to put yourself on the cutting-edge of a new development that can revolutionize the world of teaching.

We also picked out schools that foster communication and partnership in the teaching community, sponsoring conferences or summits that help bring the teaching world to you, pulling in interesting thought leaders from around the country for additional perspective and exposure. And we gave a second look to programs that are out there trying new things, offering concentrations you won’t find anywhere else, or exploring hybrid learning styles that deliver the kind of flexibility that some students crave. These won’t be the right answers for everyone, but it ups the odds that you will find the perfect fit for you somewhere on this list.

Top 35 for 2023: The Very Best Initial Teaching Certificate Bachelor’s Programs in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas

Our side-by-side evaluations of all the bachelor’s in education teacher certification programs in the region come together to give you our take on which ones shine brighter than the rest. We are always objective in our approach to these evaluations with no particular favorites going into the process, but in the end what we provide you with is our own recommendations based on the points we feel make a program special.

Along with all that, we provide lots of practical info to help you in the decision-making process, noting things like tuition costs, all the available concentrations on offer, and whether or not the school is public or private.

We believe that somewhere on this list is the right teaching certificate bachelor’s program for your goals: now you just have to make your choice and go for it!

Louisiana

University of Louisiana at Lafayette (PU)
College of Education
Lafayette, LA
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle School
    • English Education Concentration
    • General Science Education Concentration
    • Mathematics Education Concentration
    • Social Studies Education Concentration
  • Secondary
    • Biology Education Concentration
    • Business Education Concentration
    • Chemistry Education Concentration
    • Earth Science Education Concentration
    • English Education Concentration
    • General Science Education Concentration
    • Mathematics Education Concentration
    • Physics Education Concentration
    • Social Studies Education Concentration
    • Speech Education Concentration
  • K-12 Health
  • K-12 PE

BA (on-campus)

  • K-12 Art
  • K-12 Music

Estimated cost per credit: $372 (in-state), $830 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction (Non-Public Schools Administration, Teacher Researcher, Instructional Specialist), Special Education (Gifted), Educational Leadership
  • 2+2 program features option to transfer from LSU Eunice to UL Lafayette during your junior year
  • Ranked among the nation’s best colleges by the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report in 2020

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs are built on the university’s unrelenting mission to serve as a global leader for educational change. With a faculty of some of the most highly qualified experts in education, coursework that’s as rich in practical experiences as it is in theory, and a curriculum that’s based on proven research and best practices in teaching, the university’s CAEP-accredited undergraduate pathways to your initial teaching certificate are designed with student success in mind. It’s no wonder that UL Lafayette produces more teaching graduates than any other university in Louisiana!

McNeese State University (PU)
Burton College of Education
Lake Charles, LA
Website

BS Elementary (on-campus)

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • Physics
    • Mathematics
    • Agricultural Education
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Environmental Science Education
  • Special Education K-12
  • Art K-12
  • PE K-12

BM Music K-12 (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $288 (in-state), $455 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP/NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction (Academically Gifted Education, Content Literacy in K-12 Education, English Learners ), Educational Technology Leadership; MS Instructional Technology
  • More than 115 student organizations provide superb opportunities to engage with your peers and connect with the campus community
  • Consistently named one of the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report

McNeese State University is built upon a record of exceptional academic integrity, earning a status as one of the top public universities in the South and in the nation. A dynamic on-campus community and top-notch programs have been part and parcel of McNeese for more than 75 years, and graduates here have gone on to support the Southwest Louisiana economy, serving as leaders, changemakers and innovators in their fields. McNeese’s CAEP/NCATE-accredited undergraduate teacher preparation programs continue this legacy of excellence. As a student of the program you’ll find rich curricula centered around the latest innovations in education and top-notch experiential learning opportunities, along with outstanding support and guidance through resources like the C.A.R.E. Mentorship program designed to support student retention and academic proficiency and Cowboy Camp, a freshman orientation program that connects new students with current student leaders. One look at McNeese’s record of student success and it’s clear that the initial teaching certification programs here deliver.

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (PU)
College of Human Sciences & Education
Baton Rouge, LA
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary
  • Special Education Elementary
  • K-12 Health
  • K-12 Physical Education

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $268 (in-state), $824 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP/NCATE
  • Also offers: MAEd Educational Technology, Higher Education Administration, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Gifted Education, Reading/Literacy; MEd Educational Leadership; MA Curriculum Studies
  • Nationally renowned Center for Academic Success offers top-notch student support and guidance
  • Named among Kiplinger’s Top 100 Public Colleges – the highest ranked public university in the state

The Louisiana State University and A&M College undergraduate teacher preperation programs are part of this flagship university’s commitment to improving the world through research, service, teaching, and scholarship. These top-notch, CAEP/NCATE-accredited pathways to your initial teaching certification are backed by a university that’s been ranked among Kiplinger’s Top 100 Public Colleges – the highest ranked public university in the state. LSU has also been consistently ranked (11 years in a row) among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Student success is front and center here, thanks to the Center for Academic Success, which is designated as a nationally acclaimed learning center through the National College learning Center Association (NCLCA).

Loyola University New Orleans (PR)
College of Arts & Sciences
New Orleans, LA
Website

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • English (Literature, Writing)
  • Mathematics
  • Language (French, Spanish, Latin)
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Social Studies (History)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,390

  • Ranked among the top universities in the nation for its study abroad participation (about 28% of all undergraduate students study abroad)
  • Ranked among the nation’s best universities for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report

Loyola University New Orleans knows what it takes to produce competent and capable K-12 educators, and its Office of Teacher Education, which includes an outstanding selection of undergraduate teacher preparation programs, is part of this university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The educational infrastructure of the Greater New Orleans region is undergoing a period of reinvention, and the Office of Teacher Education is fully involved in this process, ensuring that the programs here leading to initial teaching certification meet these new standards as they are conceptualized and implemented. Choose Loyola University New Orleans as your path to K-12 certification and you’ll enjoy a highly supportive academic environment that features a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1, outstanding study abroad opportunities available if your career plans include international study (more than 50 programs available!), and an excellent campus environment that includes no less than 130 student organizations.

Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (PU)
College of Education
Norman, OK
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • World Languages
  • Special Education

BMEd Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $302 (in-state), $815 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd Reading Specialist, Adult and Higher Education, Educational Studies; Educational Administration: Curriculum and Supervision
  • Excellent options to study abroad through OU’s centers in Italy, Mexico, and Brazil
  • Outstanding resources and services aimed at your academic and professional success

The University of Oklahoma Norman offers a dynamic public university experience and top-notch CAEP-accredited undergraduate programs for aspiring K-12 teachers just like you. A world-class faculty, a low student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, and some of the best support resources and services aimed at student success are just a few of the reasons why OU Norman should be on your radar. You’ll love the Sooner Success Program, which provides academic life coaching and advising, and the OU Career Services, which is dedicated to providing outstanding career preparation services as you continue through your academic journey. Interested in studying abroad? OU has centers in Italy, Mexico, and Brazil!

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (PU)
College of Education and Human Sciences
Stillwater, OK
Website

BA Elementary (online, on-campus)

BA Secondary (on-campus)

  • English
  • Foreign Language
  • Social Studies

Estimated cost per credit: $301 (in-state), $818 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MS Educational Leadership Studies (School Administration), Teaching, Learning and Leadership (Workforce and Adult Education ), Educational Technology, Teaching, Learning and Leadership (Gifted and Talented Education, Reading and Literacy), Educational Leadership Studies (Higher Education); MA Social Foundations of Education
  • Named among the top 100 Smartest Public Colleges in America by Yahoo Finance

Oklahoma State University’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs in elementary and secondary education are built upon the university’s strong reptation for providing high-quality academic experiences. The innovative NCATE-accredited curricula feature an optimum blend of practical and classroom learning along with exciting student research opportunities that allow you to conduct your own independent research in no fewer than 18 centers, labs, and research facilities alongside a faculty mentor. Add to that the outstanding international and domestic travel courses offered to broaden your perspective, and OSU stands out as a model of what a comprehensive course of study leading to initial teaching certification should look like. Plus, the dynamic university atmosphere here comes complete with more than 500 student organizations that offer a truly well-rounded and engaging college experience.

University of Tulsa (PR)
Department of Education
Tulsa, OK
Website

BA Elementary (on-campus)

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • Chemistry
  • Geosciences
  • Physics
  • Math
  • English
  • History
  • Political Science

BA-K12 Languages (French, German, Spanish)

BME K-12 Music Education

Estimated cost per credit: $1,475

  • Outstanding track record for student success, including an employment rate of 96% among graduates
  • Ranked among the best universities in the nation, including a top spot among U.S. News & World Report’s best-ranked private universities in Oklahoma

With an employment rate among graduates of 96%, an average class size of just 19, and an extensive alumni network of more than 22,000, it’s easy to see why the University of Tulsa and its outstanding selection of undergraduate teacher preparation programs made our list of the best of the best. With stats like this, it’s also easy to see why it’s been consistently ranked among the best universities in the nation and the highest-ranked private university in Oklahoma by U.S. News & World Report. It’s also received many other accolades from national publications, including the top university in Oklahoma by the Wall Street Journal and a Best Value College and Best Green College by the Princeton Review. And thanks to the TU Department of Education’s close partnerships with 10 districts and 25 urban, suburban, and rural schools, you’ll have access to some of the best practical teaching experiences in the region.

Oral Roberts University (PR)
College of Education
Tulsa, OK
Website

BEd Elementary (English Language Learners, Special Education) (on-campus)

BEd K-12 Special Education (on-campus)

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • English
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Theater Education
  • Modern Foreign Language

BS K-12 Health and PE (on-campus)

BME K-12 Music (on-campus)

BFA K-12 (on-campus)

  • Art
  • Theater

Estimated cost per credit: $990

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd Public School Administration, Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Outstanding record of student success: 100% of recent graduates are employed in education or pursuing additional degrees
  • Strong commitment to fostering spiritual life through student-led prayer movements, local outreach efforts, and mission trips

Oral Roberts University has long enjoyed a reputation as a center for excellence in education, and its outstanding selection of top-notch, NCATE-accredited undergraduate teacher preparation programs continue this legacy of excellence. In addition to boasting a superb record of student success —100% of recent graduates are employed in education or pursuing additional degrees — these programs come with plenty of perks that are sure to make your academic experience an exceptional one: outstanding partnerships with many urban and suburban school districts ensure the finest practical experiences … an innovative nationally recognized first-year teacher mentoring program for graduates in elementary and secondary education … and a fast-track program to a master’s degree allows undergraduates to earn 12 graduate credits at no additional cost. The strong spiritually-focused environment here includes many opportunities to get involved, grow spiritually, and make a difference through student-led prayer movements, local outreach efforts, and mission trips.

Oklahoma Baptist University (PR)
Division of Teacher Education
Shawnee, OK
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Special Education
  • Secondary
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Science
    • English)
    • P-12 Health
    • P-12 PE
    • P-12 Music

BME P-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $894

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Consistently ranked among Forbes’ list of America’s Best Colleges and among the top regional colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report
  • Outstanding learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1

The Oklahoma Baptist University’s excellent selection of CAEP-accredited undergraduate preparation programs are rooted in a Christian foundation and supported by an engaging faculty, a supportive learning environment that boasts a low 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and more than 100 years of academic excellence. It’s little wonder OBU has been ranked among the top 10 colleges and universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report for 29 consecutive years and as Oklahoma’s highest ranked regional college for 25 years running.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (PR)
School of Education & Exercise Science
Bartlesville, OK
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • K-12 Health and Physical Education

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • English
  • Math
  • Social Studies

Estimated cost per credit: $914

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd Administrative Track, Teaching Track
  • Superb learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 10:1
  • Focus on practical experiences includes real-world learning early in the program

Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s NCATE-accredited teacher preparation programs are biblically based, rich in practical experiences that begin early in the program, and highly relevant to ensure a real-world academic experience that translates into successful teaching strategies in today’s classrooms. OKWU’s pathways to initial certification also foster excellent faculty collaboration and communication through a low, 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and outstanding leadership opportunities like Educators Seeking Excellence – a student leadership council for education majors.

Texas

University of Houston (PU)
College of Education
Houston, TX
Website

BS Teaching and Learning (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade Generalist
  • EC-6th Grade Bilingual
  • EC-12 Special Education
  • EC-6th Grade Generalist with ESL/Special Education Supplemental
  • Middle Grades

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

BM All Level Music (on-campus)

BFA Secondary Theatre (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $386 (in-state), $895 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd Administration and Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Bilingual/ESL, Learning, Design and Technology, Reading and Language Arts), Special Populations (Gifted and Talented), Higher Education, Special Populations (Special Education Leadership, Educational Diagnostician)
  • Ranked among the top 1% of undergraduate elementary teacher prep programs in the nation by the National Council on Teacher Quality
  • Three-time winner of the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award from the Association of Teacher Educators

No curated list of the top undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the nation would be complete without the University of Houston—the first college to receive CAEP accreditation under the more stringent standards put in place in 2016… a three-time winner of the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award from the Association of Teacher Educators…and a ranking among the top 1% of undergraduate elementary teacher prep programs in the nation by the National Council on Teacher Quality. From service learning to internships to practicums and field work, real-world learning here is front and center and supported by the Advancing Community Engagement and Service Institute – a university-wide institute led by two professors within the College of Education. Faculty-funded research projects here include work in educational policy, classroom management, STEM education, health disparities, and more, leading to two recently launched research institutes: the HEALTH Research Institute and the UH Education Research Center.

Stephen F. Austin State University (PU)
James I. Perkins College of Education
Nacogdoches, TX
Website

BS Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle
    • Core Subjects 4-8
    • English/Language Arts/Reading 4-8
    • Math 4-8
    • Science 4-8
    • Social Studies 4-8
  • All Level Special Education
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Elementary and Secondary)
  • French All Level
  • Theatre All Level
  • Spanish All Level

BA/BS Secondary

  • Agriculture Science Development (grades 6-12)
  • Chemistry (grades 7-12)
  • Dance (grades 8-12)
  • English, Language Arts and Reading (grades 7-12)
  • Family and Consumer Sciences (grades 6-12)
  • History (grades 7-12)
  • Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Sciences (grades 8-12)
  • Human Development and Family Studies (grades 8-12)
  • Life Science (grades 7-12)
  • Mathematics (grades 7-12)
  • Physical Science (grades 6-12)
  • Social Studies (grades 7-12)
  • Speech (grades 7-12)
  • Technology Applications (grades 8-12)

BFA EC-12 Art

BM Music

Estimated cost per credit: $353 (in-state), $762 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd Teaching and Learning ( ESL/Bilingual, Gifted/Talented, Online Teaching), Educational Leadership; MA Student Affairs and Higher Education
  • Innovative programs/resources for education majors include the Teacher Preparation Technology Integration program, which prepares teachers to integrate technology effectively into their curricula and instruction, and the university’s new $46.4 million STEM Research and Learning Center, which supports K-12 STEM education
  • SFA consistently recognized by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its commitment to service learning

Stephen F. Austin State University’s selection of NCATE-accredited undergraduate teacher preparation programs are among the best in the state. They’re comprehensive, innovative, and enriched by resources, services, and activities that include exceptional research and service-learning projects like the Teacher Preparation Technology Integration, which prepares teachers to integrate technology effectively into their curricula and instruction, and the university’s new $46.4 million STEM Research and Learning Center, which supports K-12 STEM education. SFA is also consistently recognized on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its commitment to service learning. During the 2017-18 academic year, the SFA community completed nearly 88,000 hours of service!

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi (PU)
College of Education and Human Development
Corpus Christi, TX
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • EC-12 PE
  • Elementary
  • EC-12 Special Education
  • Middle
    • English, Language Arts and Reading
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies

BFA K-12 Art (on-campus)

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • Computer Science (8-12)
    • English Language Arts and Reading
    • History
    • Life Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Physical Science (6-12)
    • Social Studies, History
    • Speech
  • EC-12 Theatre

BM K-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $344 (in-state), $798 (out-of-state)

  • Also offers: MS Educational Administration, Instructional Design and Educational Technology, Reading, Curriculum and Instruction
  • University classified as Doctoral-High Research Activity by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education
  • Outstanding learning environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1

Since 1947, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, as part of the esteemed Texas A&M System, has been offering top-notch teacher preparation programs for aspiring educators within a dynamic academic environment that’s supported and enriched by faculty-led research, hands-on learning, and outstanding collaboration and communication through a low 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Educational research here is front and center, and research expenditures continue to grow, so you’ll feel good knowing you’re part of an institution that’s committed to advancing K-12 education. In fact, as of 2018, the university was classified by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as having high doctoral research activity.

Texas A & M University-Commerce (PU)
College of Education & Human Services
Commerce, TX
Website

BS Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • Bilingual/ESL (EC-12)
  • EC-6th Grade
  • Middle Grades
    • Math
    • Science
    • Math/Science
    • English Language Arts and Reading
    • Social Studies

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • Agricultural Sciences and Technology (6-12)
  • Business Education (6-12)
  • Business Education (6-12)
  • Chemistry (8-12)
  • Computer Science (8-12)
  • English/Language Arts/Reading (8-12)
  • History (8-12)
  • Journalism (8-12)
  • Life Science (8-12)
  • Mathematics (8-12)
  • Physical Science (8-12)
  • Social Studies (8-12)
  • Speech (8-12)

BFA All Level Art (on-campus)

BM All Level Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $327 (in-state), $736 (out-of-state)

  • Also offers: MEd Educational Administration, Educational Technology (Leadership), Curriculum and Instruction, Reading; MS Higher Education (Administration, College Teaching), Educational Technology (Leadership), Organization, Learning and Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading; MA Reading
  • Exciting study abroad opportunities available in Australia, China, England, Peru, Russia, South Africa, and more
  • Outstanding record of student success: more than 95% of its graduates are either employed or attending graduate school

Texas A&M University – Commerce offers the best of both worlds for aspiring teachers: the outstanding services and resources available as part of the distinguished Texas A&M University System, and a small college atmosphere that’s marked by a highly-qualified faculty of experienced educators, excellent student-faculty collaboration and communication, and strong partnerships with local school districts for some of the best practical learning experiences in the region. Since 1889, A&M – Commerce has been providing top-notch degree programs, and today its undergraduate teacher preparation programs continue this legacy of excellence, offering contemporary programs that prepare aspiring teachers to serve as competent, compassionate educators.

Angelo State University (PU)
College of Education
San Angelo, TX
Website

BS Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • EC – 6th Grade Generalist
  • Grades 4-8 Generalist
  • Early Childhood to Grade 6 Generalist with All-Level Special Education

BM All Level – Music (on-campus)

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $300 (in-state), $709 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MA Curriculum and Instruction (Teacher Studies, Advanced Instructor, Professional Education, Administrative Leadership); MEd Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education; MS Educational Leadership
  • Ranked as one of the nation’s best colleges for the last decade by the Princeton Review
  • Outstanding resources and facilities include the Innovative Teaching Center, a hub for the latest in teaching and learning technology

Angelo State University’s reputation for excellence is undeniable. After all, it’s been ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best colleges for the last decade. As part of the esteemed Texas Tech University System, Angelo State University is where aspiring educators from throughout Texas come for CAEP-accredited undergraduate teacher preparation programs. The program here includes outstanding practical experiences that include both early field experiences and a respected student-teaching program that’s supported by the university’s strong partnerships with school districts throughout San Angelo and West Texas. As a student here, you’ll be learning in state-of-the-art facilities that include the Innovative Teaching Center, which is equipped with the latest teaching and learning technology. You’ll have access to exceptional on-campus opportunities to get involved and connect with your peers, including through Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society for education, and the university’s chapter of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

Texas State University (PU)
College of Education
San Marcos, TX
Website

BS Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade ESL Generalist
  • EC-6th Grade Bilingual Generalist
  • Middle
    • Math
    • Science
    • Math/Science
    • English/Language Arts/Reading and Social Studies
    • Composite
    • Generalist
  • All Level Special Education

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • All Level Art
  • All Level Dance
  • All Level Theatre

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science All Level PE (on-campus)

BM All Level Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $297 (in-state), $706 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: TEAC
  • Also offers: MA Developmental Education (Learning Support), Adult, Professional, and Community Education (Adult ESL), Developmental Education (Literacy), Educational Technology, Reading Education, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Special Education (Learning Disabilities/Inclusion, Behavior Disorders/Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis, Career Alternatives in Special Education), Educational Leadership; MEd Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership); Adult, Professional, and Community Education (Workplace, Community and Continuing Education)
  • Outstanding record of graduate success: 81% of teachers from TSU are still teaching after five years
  • Flexible learning options include courses and programs available at the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses

When Texas State University produces the next generation of K-12 educators, school districts take notice. In fact, each year, the university’s Career Services teacher job fair draws the attention of more than 100 school districts who are interested in recruiting TSU’s latest education grads. TSU grads serve as reliable, competent educators who boast some of the longest retention rates in the field. In fact, 81% of teachers from TSU are still teaching after five years! And in 2017-18 alone, dozens of TSU alumni transferred their teaching certificates to states throughout the nation and the world, including Australia and Hong Kong.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (PU)
College of Education and P-16 Integration
Edinburg, TX
Website

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • Elementary (Bilingual, ESL)
  • Special Education
  • Middle
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Life Sciences

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • Dance
    • English
    • History
    • Mass Communication
    • Social Studies Composite
    • Communication Studies
    • Biology, Focus in Life Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
  • All Level PE
  • All Level Art
  • All Level Spanish
  • All Level Theatre

BM All Level Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $297 (in-state), $706 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Technology, Educational Leadership, Bilingual Education, Reading and Literacy, Educational Leadership, Teacher Leadership
  • Ranks among the top public universities in Texas by Washington Monthly
  • Ranks among the top public universities in the nation by Washington Monthly

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley easily earns a spot on our list of the top undergraduate teacher preparation programs for its great selection of NCATE-accredited programs and its reputation as a leader in higher education. In fact, as of 2020, UT Rio Grande Valley was ranked among the top Texas public universities and among the top 100 universities nationally by Washington Monthly. Although UT Rio Grande Valley is a fairly new institution (created in 2013 as the state’s first major public university in the 21st century), it’s already made big strides and has earned national recognition for its commitment to academic excellence. Just some of the College of Education and P-16 Integration’s points of pride include the inclusion of the teacher preparation program into the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchED) national transformation center – an initiative aimed at preparing and recruiting teachers of color… outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning through cutting-edge mixed reality simulations… and top-notch collaboration with partner school districts for exciting practical learning experiences.

The University of Texas at Arlington (PU)
College of Education
Arlington, TX
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade (ESL, Bilingual)
  • Middle
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies
    • Mathematics/Science

BS (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade
  • EC-12 Special Education

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • English
  • History
  • Social Studies
  • Math & Science (UTEACH)

BFA EC-12 Art (on-campus)

BM EC-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $283 (in-state), $855 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (Higher Education), Curriculum and Instruction (Literacy)
  • Named an R-1 Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 100% employment rate as of 2018-19

The University of Texas at Arlington’s outstanding selection of undergraduate teacher preparation programs are part of a time-honored commitment to research, teaching, and service that have allowed it to achieve an outstanding record of student success. As of the 2018-19 academic year, graduates reported an average certification exam pass rate of 93% and an employment rate of 100%. Named a Carnegie Research Institute, UT Arlington is built on more than 100 years of academic excellence. As a student here, you’ll enjoy a front row seat to outstanding resources and services and the state-of-the-art facilities the UT System is known for.

University of North Texas (PU)
College of Education
Denton, TX
Website

BS Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle School
    • English Language Arts/Reading with ESL
    • Mathematics with ESL
    • Science with ESL
    • Social Studies with ESL
  • EC-6th Grade ESL
  • EC-6th Grade Bilingual
  • EC-6th Grade with EC-12 Special Education
  • Kinesiology (EC-12 PE)

BS/BA Secondary (on-campus)

  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • English Language Arts and Reading
  • Family and Consumer Science
  • History
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Journalism
  • Life Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Science
  • Physics/Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Speech

BM All Level Music (on-campus)

BFA All Level Art (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $280 (in-state), $689 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction (Bilingual Education, ESL, Literacy Education), Special Education (Autism Intervention, Educational Diagnostician, High-Incidence Disabilities); MS Learning and Development, Gifted and Talented
  • The largest producer of education graduates in North Texas – about 1,000 graduates each year
  • Outstanding undergraduate teacher prep programs feature top-notch clinical experiences – about twice as many field experiences than other university programs

The University of North Texas’ selection of undergraduate teacher preparation programs is among the most extensive in the state, contributing to the university’s impressive history of producing Texas teachers. From its origins as a teacher’s college back in 1890 to its current status as a leader of higher education, the University of North Texas continues to provide aspiring educators with programs leading to initial teaching certification that are second to none. Just some of the highlights of these programs include twice the field experiences of other programs…a Professional Development School model that features strong partnerships with more than 200 schools and 30 school districts in North Texas…and outstanding real-world experiences through the university’s centers and clinics, including the Child and Family Resources Clinic and the Kristin Farmer Autism Center. No university in North Texas produces more educators than the University of North Texas – about 1,000 graduates each year!

Texas Wesleyan University (PR)
School of Education
Fort Worth, TX
Website

BS/BA (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade General/ESL
  • EC-6th Grade Bilingual
  • All Level PE
  • Secondary
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Spanish
    • History
    • Biology & Life Science

BME All Level Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,935

  • Also offers: MEd 1) Reading and Writing, Second Language Education and Culture, 2) Curriculum and Instruction, Administration
  • Outstanding reputation for offering small, intimate learning environments
  • Ranked among the best colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Consistently ranked among the best colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Reportand built upon a commitment to personalized learning, Texas Wesleyan University, and the selection of undergraduate concentrations in its teacher preparation program offered through the esteemed School of Education, easily make our list of the best of the best. In recent years, Texas Wesleyan has exploded in popularity for its reputation for academic excellence, with freshman applications increasing by a whopping 400 percent since 2011. Although it has built a Texas-sized reputation for itself, small, dynamic learning environments here are standard, with the school boasting a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 16:1. A revitalized campus, a new, $20 million student center, and other capital improvements here in recent years have produced a truly welcoming and state-of-the-art campus environment.

Southern Methodist University (PR)
Simmons School of Education & Human Development
Dallas, TX
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade
  • Middle
    • English
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Science
  • Secondary
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • English Language Arts & Reading
    • Dance
    • History
    • Journalism
    • Life Science
    • Mathematics
    • Physics/Mathematics
    • Physical Science
    • Science
  • K-12

BME Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,731

  • Also offers: MEd Urban School Leadership, Accelerated School Leadership, Higher Education, ESL, Bilingual Education, Gifted and Talented, Literacy
  • Ranked among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
  • Ranked among the best institutions for undergraduate education by the Princeton Review

Southern Methodist University is built on a solid reputation of excellence that is clearly reflected in the many accolades it receives, and its undergraduate teacher preparation program is no exception. In fact, SMU has been consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and ranked among the best institutions for undergraduate education by the Princeton Review. As a student here, you’ll enjoy a robust blend of classroom and practical training that’s complemented by exciting instructional technology experiences delivered through the Center for VR Learning and some of the best STEM-focused experiences you’ll get anywhere, all delivered through the West Dallas STEM-focused School, a partnership between the Simmons School of Education, the Dallas ISD, and the Toyota USA Foundation.

Rice University (PR)
Education Program
Houston, TX
Website

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • Art, EC-12
  • English Language Arts and Reading, 7-12
  • History, 7-12
  • Spanish, EC-12
  • Mathematics, 7-12
  • Science, 7-12
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Earth Science
    • Environmental
    • Astronomy
  • Social Studies, 7-12
    • Economics
    • Geography
    • Government
    • History
    • Psychology
    • Sociology

Estimated cost per credit: $1,677

  • Outstanding student-centered learning environment features a low, 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Ranked among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Looking for a quality private education that comes with an exciting selection of undergraduate pathways to prepare you for a career in K-12 education? Then look no further than Rice University. Boasting a position among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, a spot among the Princeton Review’s Best Colleges on the Nation list, and an outstanding student-centered learning environment that includes a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 6:1, Rice University is where future educational leaders and innovators are born. And if international study is part of your academic plan, Rice has you covered through their comprehensive Study Abroad program.

Baylor University (PR)
School of Education
Waco, TX
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle Grades
    • Language Arts & Reading
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Secondary
    • English, Language Arts & Reading
    • Life Science
    • Mathematics
    • Physical Science
    • Social Studies
  • All Level
    • Special Education
    • Spanish
    • PE

BME EC-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,620

  • Also offers: MA Curriculum and Instruction, School Leadership, MSEd Higher Education and Student Affairs
  • Consistently ranked among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
  • Superb record of student success includes a 100% pass rate on the Texas certification exam in recent years

Baylor University’s esteemed School of Education hosts an extensive selection of focus areas in its undergraduate teacher preparation program, all boasting outstanding hands-on learning opportunities that begin in your freshman year. Your student experience here puts in the front row working closely with a highly engaged faculty in a dynamic learning environment that’s bolstered by a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1. Exciting research opportunities through the Action Research in the K-12 Classroom program, a senior-level project for all School of Education students, and a record of academic excellence backed by a 100% pass rate on the Texas certification exam are all part of the benefits you get from earning your bachelor’s in education at Baylor. Your dynamic campus experience isn’t complete without participation in Baylor’s Impact Living-Learning Center, an opportunity to educate others and serve the world.

University of Dallas (PR)
Department of Education
Irving, TX
Website

BA Interdisciplinary Studies (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade
  • Middle School
    • English Language Arts & Reading
    • Social Studies
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Composite English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies
    • Composite Mathematics/Science

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • Life Science (Biology)
    • English Language Arts and Reading
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Composite Studies (History, Politics, Economics, and Geography) Composite Physics/Mathematics
    • Composite Science (Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics)
    • Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry)
  • All Level
    • Art
    • Theatre Arts
    • French
    • German
    • Latin
    • Spanish

Estimated cost per credit: $1,388

  • Also offers a Master of Catholic School Leadership program
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 100% pass rate on the educator certification exams since 2014
  • Superb record of graduate success includes a 95% employment rate six months after graduation

The University of Dallas earns a spot on our list of top colleges and universities, offering an undergraduate teacher preparation program with a huge selection of concentrations. Some of the impressive stats coming out of the program include an average class size of just 19 students, a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation, exceptional international study options that have resulted in 75% of all undergraduates traveling abroad, and a foundation as a premier, liberal arts college founded in the Catholic tradition. Don’t just take our word for this college’s commitment to academic excellence; check out the many national publications that have bestowed accolades on this institution—the Princeton Review (ranked among institutions with the best study abroad programs), Forbes (ranked among its list of America’s Top Colleges), and Catholiclane.com (ranked the most prestigious Catholic college in the nation).

Abilene Christian University (PR)
Department of Teacher Education
Abilene, TX
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Early Childhood/Elementary
  • Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary
  • Middle School
    • English Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
    • Science
  • High School
    • Art (Early Childhood [EC]-12)
    • Biology – Life Science (6-12)
    • Biology – Life Science with Composite Science (6-12)
    • Chemistry (7-12)
    • Chemistry with Composite Science (7-12)
    • Computer Science and Mathematics (8-12)
    • English (7-12)
    • History (7-12)
    • Journalism (7-12)
    • Mathematics (7-12)
    • Music – Instrumental (EC-12)
    • Music – Vocal (EC-12)
    • Physical Science (6-12)
    • Physics and Mathematics (7-12)
    • Physics with Composite Science (7-12)
    • Social Studies (7-12)
    • Spanish (EC-12)
    • Technology Applications (EC-12)
    • Theatre (EC-12)
  • EC-12 Language and Literature: Spanish

BS/BA (on-campus)

  • EC-12 Art
  • Theatre

BM Music EC-12 (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,181

  • Also offers: MEd Higher Education (Student Affairs Leadership, Conflict Management and Resolution, Academic Advising), Instruction and Learning (Learning with Emerging Technologies, Conflict Resolution)
  • Ranked among the top university in Texas for student success by U.S. News & World Report
  • Outstanding record of graduate success includes a 96% employment rate within six months of graduation

You’re sure to love Abilene Christian university for its Christian-centered learning environment, the excellent selection of concentrations in its teacher preparation program, and the optimum blend of classroom learning and practical experiences. It’s no surprise the program boasts some impressive student outcomes, including a 96% employment rate within six months of graduation. The exciting international study opportunities available to students here include trips to Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and its dynamic campus environment includes more than 100 campus organizations through which you’ll connect with your peers and give back to the community. And did we mention that Abilene Christian University has been ranked as the top university in Texas for student success by U.S. News & World Report for two years in a row?

Houston Baptist University (PR)
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Houston, TX
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle
    • Social Studies
    • Science
    • Mathematics
    • English, Reading & Language Arts
  • High School
    • English, Language Arts & Reading (7-12)
    • Mathematics (7-12)
    • Science (7-12)
    • Social Studies (7-12)
    • History (7-12)
    • Life Science (7-12)
    • Physical Science (6-12)
  • EC-12
    • Kinesiology
    • Art
    • Spanish

BME Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,078

  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, Reading, Bilingual Education, Educational Diagnostician, Higher Education (Learning, Technology and Design); MS Learning, Technology and Design
  • Student-centered learning environment features an average class size of just 25 and a focus on the integration of technology
  • Exciting campus environment features numerous clubs and organizations dedicated to aspiring educators

Houston Baptist University’s undergraduate teacher preparation program is built on a student-centered approach to learning and are valued for their outstanding selection of field-based training experiences and their integration of technology that prepares students to become tech-savvy, innovative educators. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage with your peers and immerse yourself in the field through groups like the Association of Student Educators, the Council for Exceptional Children, and Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society for education while you learn to become a competent, compassionate educator through a Christ-centered curriculum.

Dallas Baptist University (PR)
Dorothy M. Bush College of Education
Dallas, TX
Website

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle
    • English, Language Arts & Reading
    • Mathematics
    • Science
  • Secondary
    • English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (English Major)
    • History 7-12
    • Life Science 7-12 (Biology Major)
    • Mathematics 7-12
    • Science 7-12 (Natural Sciences Major)
    • Speech 7-12 (Communication Studies Major)
    • Computer Science 8-12
  • EC-12
    • PE,
    • Special Education)

BME Music EC-12 (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,074

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd Bilingual Education (Dual Language, English as a Second Language / Multilingual), Reading and English as a Second Language, Curriculum and Instruction (Christian School Administration, Distance Learning, Instructional Technology, Supervision), Educational Leadership, Higher Education; MS Learning Technologies
  • Outstanding learning environment features an average class size of just 13
  • Christ-centered, diverse university features students from more than 60 countries around the world

Dallas Baptist University’s CAEP-accredited undergraduate teacher preparation programs are built on a strong foundation that includes a Christ-centered approach, a diverse student body that includes students from more than 60 countries around the world, and a dynamic learning environment that boasts an average class size of just 13. Choose one of DBU’s undergraduate pathways to your initial teaching certification and you’ll be part of the time-honored DBU Educator Preparation Program that features outstanding field experiences in diverse settings. This university’s commitment to academic excellence is clear: it’s one of just four universities in Dallas to earn the esteemed CAEP accreditation.

University of the Incarnate Word (PR)
Dreeben School of Education
San Antonio, TX
Website

BA Elementary (Reading minor, optional Special Education minor) (on-campus)

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • English Language Arts
    • History
    • Life Science (B.A. or B.S. in Biology)
    • Physical Science (B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry)
    • Mathematics
  • All Level
    • Art
    • Spanish
    • PE
    • Theatre Arts

BM All Level Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,060

  • Also offers: MA/MEd Adult Education, Program Evaluation, Student Services in Higher Education
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 97% PPR exam pass rate as of 2018-19
  • Excellent focus on field-based learning includes more than 400 hours of practical experiences prior to student teaching

The University of the Incarnate Word’s Teacher Education Program comes with everything you’d expect from a top-notch private university, including a student-centered learning environment and exciting field-based experiences that are supported by the university’s strong relationships with partner schools, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations in the region. In fact, as a student here, you can expect to complete more than 400 hours of practical experiences before you begin student teaching! The university’s commitment to producing the next generation of competent, compassionate educators is sustained through its partnership with the Raising Texas Teachers Initiative, which supports teacher preparation programs by addressing the needs of today’s students, and its involvement with the Brainpower Connection, an association of Catholic schools working together to enrich and advance the education of Catholic students. Interested in international study? UIW has many exciting travel abroad opportunities available, including at its two campuses in Mexico and through the European Study Centers in Strasbourg, France.

University of St. Thomas (PR)
School of Education and Human Services
Houston, TX
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • EC-6th Grade (Generalist, Special Education, Bilingual, ESL)
  • Middle Grades
    • English, Language Arts & Reading
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
    • Science
  • Secondary
    • Composite Science
    • English, Language Arts & Reading
    • History
    • Life Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
    • Speech Communication
  • EC-12
    • Art
    • French
    • Music
    • Spanish
    • Theatre Arts

Estimated cost per credit: $1,049

  • National accreditation: TEAC
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Diagnostician, Educational Leadership
  • Outstanding, student-centered academic environment boasts an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Superb practical experiences include service learning and study abroad opportunities

University of St. Thomas’ outstanding selection of content areas available through its undergraduate teacher preparation program comes complete with a foundation in the Catholic tradition and a student-centered academic environment that boasts a dedicated faculty and a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1. If that wasn’t enough to make our list of top programs, the school demonstrates its strong civic-minded philosophy by providing students with opportunities to give back through service-learning experiences. And if you’ve got the travel bug, St. Thomas is the perfect choice, offering exciting opportunities to take your studies abroad to locales like France, Italy, England, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, and Jamaica.

Our Lady of the Lake University (PR)
Education-Teacher Preparation
San Antonio, TX
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Interdisciplinary Studies, EC-6th Grade
    • Bilingual
    • ESL
    • Special Education
  • EC-12 Kinesiology

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • English Language Arts
    • History
    • Biology
    • Mathematics
  • EC-12
    • Music
    • Art
    • Spanish

Estimated cost per credit: $968

  • Also offers: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Reading and Literacy, Integrated Science Teaching, Dual Language and Special Populations)
  • Outstanding focus on student value includes textbooks at no additional cost
  • Ranked among the top universities in Texas for the social mobility of its graduates according to U.S. News & World Report

A certification exam pass rate of 100% among education students during the 2017-18 academic year, outstanding opportunities to get involved through organizations like the Bilingual Education Student Organization and the Texas Association of Future Educators, and superb practical experiences through close partnerships with local school districts – these are just a small sample of what makes Our Lady of the Lake University’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs some of the best in the region. And as a cool added bonus in line with its commitment to student success, OLLU continues to offer its undergraduates textbooks at no additional cost!

Arkansas

University of Arkansas Little Rock (PU)
School of Education
Little Rock, AR
Website

BSE (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Special Education

BSE Middle Education (on-campus, online)

  • Social Studies
  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science

Estimated cost per credit: $318 (in-state), $726 (out-of-state) $280 (online)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers an MEd with concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted-Creative-and Talented Education, Reading, or Learning Systems Technology Education
  • Ranked among the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 94% three-year average pass rate on the Praxis II

The undergraduate teacher preparation program at the University of Arkansas Little Rock is built on a record of student success that includes a 94% three-year average pass rate on the Praxis II, making it a shoo-in for our list of the best programs in the nation. This university’s standing as a dynamic metropolitan research university and its commitment to academic excellence have earned it recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Community Engaged Institution – the first university in Arkansas to earn this recognition. Need the flexibility and convenience of an online degree? The University of Arkansas Little Rock has you covered there, too, with its BSE in Middle Education, available as both an on-campus and online degree.

Arkansas State University-Main Campus (PU)
College of Education & Behavioral Science
Jonesboro, AR
Website

BSE (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education
  • Middle Level Education
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • English Language Arts
    • Social Studies
  • Special Education

Estimated cost per credit: $297 (in-state), $529 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MSE Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Gifted-Talented-Creative, Educational Theory and Practice, Reading, Instructional Specialist in Special Education
  • Outstanding, student-centered environment features a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 17:1
  • Superb opportunities for service learning and support available

Arkansas State University’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs boast CAEP accreditation – your assurance that they’re academically robust and complete. As the second largest university in Arkansas, ASU offers everything you’d expect from a national leader in education, including a diverse student body, outstanding public and private partnerships, and a reputation as a cultural engine of Northeast Arkansas. But don’t expect to be just a number here; in fact, the experience here is decidedly student-centered, boasting a low, 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Support and guidance here are always front and center, with the College of Education offering plenty of opportunities to get involved, including the Advanced Placement Summer Institute, the Arkansas Delta Writing Project, and service- learning experiences – your chance to give back to the community.

John Brown University (PR)
Department of Teacher Education
Siloam Springs, AR
Website

Bachelor (Major) (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education
  • Music Education
  • Secondary Education
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies

Estimated cost per credit: $943

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MAEd in Education Studies; MA in Higher Education
  • Outstanding record of student achievement includes a 100% PRAXIS pass rate as of 2018-19
  • Superb record of graduate success includes a 97% employment rate as of 2018-19

John Brown University’s Department of Teacher Education boasts a Christ-centered commitment to preparing the next generation of compassionate, capable educators who are prepared to teach in public, private or Christian schools. Backed by a superb record of student success (97% of graduates landed teaching jobs as of the 2018-19 academic year) and guided by a faculty of experienced educators, you’ll have a front-row seat to exceptional practical learning experiences born out of a strong partnership between JBU and the Siloam Springs School District. Diverse internships, overseas ESL tutoring options, opportunities to support local families with special needs children through the Ability Tree program, and convenient graduate school pathways that allow you to start working toward your graduate degree even as you complete your undergraduate program – these are just some of the things that John Brown University has to offer aspiring educators like you.

University of the Ozarks (PR)
Pat Walker Teacher Education Program
Clarksville, AR
Website

Bachelor (Major) (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education K-6
  • Biology (Life Science) Education 7-12
  • English Education 7-12
  • Mathematics Education 7-12
  • Art Education K-12
  • Physical Education and Health K-12
  • Business Education 4-12

Estimated cost per credit: $832

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 93% placement rate among graduates
  • Consistently ranked among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report

The University of the Ozarks’ bachelor’s-level teacher licensure pathways are housed within the esteemed Pat Walker Teacher Education Program, which boasts a non-traditional approach to education via the Learning Environment for New Synthesis (LENS) program. As a student preparing for initial licensure here, you’ll be able to design a plan of study within one of several content areas to align with your career goals, building on your major with as many as two minors for a truly custom-tailored learning experience! And if you’re ready to take your education abroad, the University of the Ozarks has an excellent selection of programs that are sure to empower you with a cross-cultural experience. This truly unique approach to learning is built on a record of graduate success that includes a 93% placement rate among graduates!

Lyon College (PR)
Teacher Education Program
Batesville, AR
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
    • English
    • Math
    • Life Science
    • Social Studies
  • Music Education K-12

Estimated cost per credit: $952

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Ranked among the Best in the Southeast by the Princeton Review for 13 years in a row
  • Ranked as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes.com

Lyon College’s Teacher Education Program is nothing short of exceptional. This is reflected in the fact that the program has distinguished itself by taking on the challenge of meeting the high standards required to earn CAEP accreditation. As one of the oldest colleges in Arkansas, Lyon has been providing top-notch educational programs for close to 150 years. Today, its undergraduate teacher preparation programs are valued for their small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship and guidance, and exceptional record of graduate success. In fact, as of the 2019-20 academic year, 99% of all Lyon graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. But that’s not all—Lyon has been consistently recognized as a top college in the nation by Forbes, the Princeton Review, and the Washington Monthly.