BA/BS in Education
Program Overview
UT Dallas offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Education through the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Both degrees emphasize a broader understanding and wider perspective on the field of education through our multidisciplinary approach to learning. Becoming a teacher takes preparation and planning. To ensure the highest professional standards, the state of Texas and The University of Texas at Dallas require students to pass a series of rigorous courses, complete extensive fieldwork and demonstrate their knowledge of content and educational expertise on state licensure exams to become fully certified as a highly qualified teacher in Texas.
Program Options
BA or BS in Education
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education enable students to choose a program directly relevant to their academic interests and teaching aspirations. Both programs require 120 hours of coursework, 45 of which must be upper-division courses. Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours at UT Dallas to earn a degree.
The decision between the BA and BS in Education depends on the subject areas a future teacher plans to specialize in. Those intending to teach math, science, or other STEM fields may find the BS program’s curriculum aligned with their goals. Alternatively, those drawn to teaching English, humanities, or the arts might benefit from the BA program’s focus on these disciplines.
Teacher Certification
Students may combine teacher certification with virtually any undergraduate major at UT Dallas. If you’re interested in teaching, but majoring in a discipline other than Education, visit the Teacher Development Center website for information on how to integrate a Texas teaching certificate with your degree plan.
Honors
Students must fulfill the requirements for the major and earn at least a 3.9 cumulative GPA as well as a 3.9 GPA in courses used to complete the major. Additionally, students must devote six semester hours to a capstone project approved by the program head. This might consist of an internship, thesis, portfolio project, or upper-level research seminar (or some combination thereof).
Program Highlights
The UT Dallas Teacher Development Center guides you through every step of your teacher preparation, from planning your coursework to coordinating your student teaching fieldwork.
Residency Program
Get real-world experience and form relationships with local school districts through student teaching opportunities.
Faculty
Dr. Michele McNeel
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Teacher Development Center
“I love working in the TDC! The professors care about their students and work closely with them to achieve success. TDC staff support these efforts by guiding students as they make choices about their education. Our students are hardworking and dedicated. They exhibit a joy for learning and an excitement for their future as educators. The students, faculty, and staff in the TDC inspire me daily.”
Alumni
John Zancana
Alternative Teacher Certification, 2011
“As a graduate of UT Dallas, when I decided to come back to get my teaching certificate, I was excited to continue my education with the Teacher Development Center. The classes I was able to participate in and the staff I was able to learn from made me exceptionally prepared and qualified to enter the classroom and be successful immediately. My hiring principals were impressed with my understanding of pedagogy and pairing it with new learning styles to reach my students. My student teaching occurred in Richardson ISD and I was hired in the same district. I have since moved on to supporting future educators in my district, and I am always a very loud and proud champion of the work that happens at UTD’s Teacher Development Center.”
