Admission

When you apply to TWU, we will evaluate your academic achievement and preparation, as well as your standardized test scores. Admission to TWU is valid for four terms, unless you have attended another higher education institution.

Check out the links below for specific admissions information:

• How to apply
• Freshman Student Admissions
• Transfer Student Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Other Types of Undergraduate Admissions

Questions about the admissions process? Contact the Office of Admissions Processing.

Office of Admissions
Texas Woman’s University
P.O. Box 425649
Denton, TX 76204-5649
oap@twu.edu
940-898-3076 or 1-866-809-6130 ext. 3076

Teacher Certification

Application Deadlines

There are three application periods per year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Students must have their applications in by the deadline the semester before they intend to take ECE 3223 (EC-3 only), EDUC 3003, EDUC 3482, or READ 4223 (EC-3 only).  (see schedule below).

Spring Application Deadlines*  (Admission to the EDUC 3000s Summer)

• May 1 - Deadline to apply for Summer admission
• May 31 - Deadline for Transfer Grades, Grade Changes, or Any Other Requirement

Summer Application Deadlines  (Admission to the EDUC 3000s Fall)

• July 1 - Deadline to apply for Fall admission
• July 31 - Deadline for Transfer Grades, Grade Changes, or Any Other Requirement

Fall Application Deadlines*  (Admission to the EDUC 3000s Spring)

• December 1 - Deadline to apply for Spring admission
• December 21 - Deadline for Transfer Grades, Grade Changes, or Any Other Requirement

Guidelines

Please adhere to the following guidelines: 

• We recommend preparing your application well in advance of the deadline. That way you will be able to identify and resolve any potential issues before the deadline date. 
• If you intend to register early for ECE 3223 (EC-3 only), EDUC 3003, EDUC 3482, or READ 4223 (EC-3 only) for the Summer or Fall semesters and have met all admission requirements, it is recommended that you apply to the EPP by December 1.
• If you apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program while enrolled in EDUC 2003 or are taking coursework to increase your GPA to a 2.75, the Office of Educator Preparation Services will process your application. If the GPA requirement, along with all other admission requirements are met at the end of the semester, an admission decision will be made at that time.
• No late applications will be accepted. If the deadline date falls on a weekend or a day that TWU is closed, applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on the next day that TWU is open after the deadline day.

Requirements

In addition to the general undergraduate admissions requirements, to obtain acceptance into the undergraduate Educator Preparation Program (and prior to taking ECE 3223 (EC-3 only), EDUC 3003, EDUC 3482, EDUC 4113, EDUC 4243, READ 4223 (EC-3 only), and Clinical Student Teaching) students must have:

• A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (includes all courses, whether posted to TWU transcript or used on a degree plan. Excludes developmental and repeated courses);
• Demonstrated basic skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics by meeting the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative;
• A minimum of 12 to 15 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought;
• Completed EDUC 2003 with a C or higher;
• Completed department application for admission to the Educator Preparation Program in Tk20;
  • Important: Purchase and creation of a Tk20 account is required
• Completed the Digital Literacy Pre-assessment;
• Submitted a non-refundable Texas Education Agency Fee;
• Completed a Commitment Contract acknowledging awareness and understanding of the Professional Dispositions Policy and Educators’ Code of Ethics;
• Successfully completed a pre-admission departmental interview with an interview panel; and
• Acknowledged and accepted admission to the Educator Preparation Program.

Please note: 

• All accepted students must maintain the admission requirements to remain in the TWU Education Preparation Program.
• Admission requirements are determined by Texas Education Agency policies and are subject to change without notice.
• Students seeking Bilingual certification must meet minimum proficiency in Spanish.
• Students seeking Deaf/Hard of Hearing certification must meet minimum proficiency in sign.

All admission decisions are based on the successful completion of the above requirements. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor other than a minor traffic violation may affect certification. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Texas Education Agency. Any previous or current issues of academic dishonesty, disruptive behavior, or professional dispositions infractions at TWU, another university, or another Educator Preparation Program may result in denial of admission. Any decision may be appealed by contacting the Office of Educator Preparation Services at 940-898-2829.

Contact the Office of Educator Preparation Services (OEPS) at copeadvising@twu.edu or 940-898-2829 with any questions.

Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Requirements

• Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. [19 TAC §227.1(b)(1)]
• Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching. [19 TAC §227.1(b)(2)]
• The potential ineligibility of an individual who has been convicted of an offense for issuance of a certificate. [19 TAC §227.1(d)(1)]
• The right to request a preliminary criminal history evaluation from TEA. [19 TAC §227.1(d)(3)]

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

1. Apply online.
   Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
   • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details.
   • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
3. Submit Recommendation Requests
   If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application.
4. Pay the application fee.
   The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
   1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
   2. Certified check or money order by mail or electronically - Payable to TWU, sent by mail to:
      TWU Admissions Processing, 304 Administration Drive, Suite 102, Denton, Texas 76204
      (include your full name and ID number).
   3. Cash (no personal checks) - Pay at the Bursar's Office. After paying, bring the receipt to Admissions Processing (down the hall in ACT).
   4. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
   5. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants. 

Program Contact

Jean Joest
MAT Program Director
940-898-2258
MAT@twu.edu

Application Deadlines

Fall – July 15
Spring – November 1
Summer – April 1

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
  1. a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought, unless certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; or
  2. 15 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought if the certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; or
  3. a passing score on the appropriate TX PACT examination
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;
• A 2.75 cumulative GPA on all coursework on the last conferred bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 on the last 60 hours of coursework (includes all coursework taken even if it did not count for your initial degree);
• Demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling one of the following requirements;
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including US Territories;
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States approved by the State for Educator Certification (SBEC); or
  • Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). To have scores submitted directly to TEA use the agency code 8225. Minimum scores: Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
• Background checks will be required for early field experiences, student teaching experiences, and for certification in the state of Texas. Teacher candidates pay all fees incurred. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony must identify themselves on the criminal background application form. Applicants who fail to disclose a personal felony conviction will be removed from the educator preparation program. If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and would like to check your eligibility for teaching, you can go to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website. On this page, you will find a Preliminary Criminal History Review for Educator Certification Candidates for a non-refundable fee. This service will allow those individuals who are contemplating obtaining a Texas Teacher Certificate in the future, the opportunity to have a review of an existing criminal history performed by agency staff.

Failure to provide any documentation upon request by an agency, program, or school may result in the candidate’s inability to complete field experiences and the requirements for the TWU Educator Preparation Program Education.

• Complete the application for admission to the Educator Preparation Program.
• Submit a non-refundable Texas Education Agency Fee.
• Successfully complete a pre-admission interview with an interview panel.
• Sign a Commitment Contract acknowledging awareness and understanding of the Dispositions Policy and Educators’ Code of Ethics.
• Applicants who are offered admission must acknowledge and accept admission to the Educator Preparation Program. 

Program Contact

Jean Joest
MAT Program Director
940-898-2258
MAT@twu.edu

Application Deadlines

Fall – July 15
Spring – November 1
Summer – April 1

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
  • a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought, unless certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; and the content requirement of 12 semester hours will be determined by the Certification Officer or MAT Program Director; or
  • 15 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought if the certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7 and the content requirement of 12 semester hours will be determined by the Certification Officer or MAT Program Director.
  • a passing score on the appropriate TX PACT examination
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;
• A 2.75 cumulative GPA on all coursework on the last conferred bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 on the last 60 hours of coursework (includes all coursework taken even if it did not count for your initial degree);
• Demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling one of the following requirements;
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including US Territories;
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States approved by the State for Educator Certification (SBEC); or
  • Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). To have scores submitted directly to TEA use the agency code 8225. Minimum scores: Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
  • Background checks will be required for early field experiences, student teaching experiences, and for certification in the state of Texas. Teacher candidates pay all fees incurred. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony must identify themselves on the criminal background application form. Applicants who fail to disclose a personal felony conviction will be removed from the educator preparation program. If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and would like to check your eligibility for teaching, you can go to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website. On this page, you will find a Preliminary Criminal History Review for Educator Certification Candidates for a non-refundable fee. This service will allow those individuals who are contemplating obtaining a Texas Teacher Certificate in the future, the opportunity to have a review of an existing criminal history performed by agency staff.

Failure to provide any documentation upon request by an agency, program, or school may result in the candidate’s inability to complete field experiences and the requirements for the TWU Educator Preparation Program Education.

Program Contact

Amanda Hurlbut, Ph.D.
940-898-2280
AHurlbut1@twu.edu

Application Deadlines

Fall – July 15
Spring – December 1
Summer – May 1

Admission Requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Principal/Superintendent Certification Programs

1. Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of study; 2.75 GPA overall
2. Resume/CV (Uploaded to the graduate application)
3. 2 letters of recommendation addressing applicant's academic capabilities and suitability for the degree program (Name, email, and phone number of recommenders entered into the graduate application)
4. Statement of Intent (Uploaded to the graduate application)

Additional Admission Requirements for Principal as Instructional Leader

1. Two years as a full-time classroom teacher of record in a public or private, accredited school
2. Valid teaching certificate at time of admission and at time of recommendation
3. Teaching service record
4. TOEFL iBT score if bachelor's degree was earned out of the US in a country not approved by TEA

Additional Admission Requirements for Superintendent

1. Principal certificate or the equivalent
2. Three years of managerial experience in a public school district
3. Hold, at a minimum, a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education that at the time was accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Note: Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 applicants will submit copies of teaching certificate and teaching service record to the program director via email at the address shown above.  Beginning with Spring 2025 applicants, the teaching certificate and teaching service record will be uploaded to the graduate application.

For additional information about the program, please see the Department of Teacher Education. For additional information about obtaining educator certification for candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree, please contact TWU’s Office of Educator Preparation Services and visit the Master of Arts in Teaching and Post-Baccalaureate Initial Teaching Certification websites.

Program Contact

Heather Cato, Ph.D.
940-898-2304
hcato@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission for Fall cohorts
Hybrid

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Collect and submit the following documents into the application:
  • Collect and submit the following documents to
    • Spring 2024:  twu.edu/literacy-and-learning
    • Summer & Fall 2024: Documents will be uploaded into the application.
  • Resume
  • A one-to-two page narrative answering the following questions:
    • Why do you seek an M.Ed. in Reading education?
    • What does "literacy learning" mean to you?
    • What are your strengths as a teacher.
    • Describe 2-3 learning goals related to effective literacy teaching and learning.
    • Do you plan to seek the All-Level (K-12) Reading Specialist Certification or, alternatively, if you are seeking an M.Ed. without the certification?

Program Contact

Amy Burke, Ph.D., Program Chair
940-898-2234
aburke_@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

March 1: Priority deadline for financial aid and scholarships
April 15: Deadline for summer admission (program has a summer start)

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Collect and submit the following documents into the application:
  • Collect and submit the following documents to
    • Spring 2024:  twu.edu/literacy-and-learning
    • Summer & Fall 2024: Documents will be uploaded into the application.
  • Vitae/resume
  • Two professional and/or academic letters of reference from individuals who can speak to your potential for success in a graduate program.
  • Professional writing sample (may be a paper written in a master's class)
  • One to two page statement of professional experience and your goals in pursuing a doctoral degree in reading education
  • A one-to-two page narrative answering the following questions:
    • What does ‘literacy learning’ mean to you?
    • What do you think are the greatest challenges for language and literacy educators today?
    • What do you think current and past colleagues and employers would tell us about you as an educator?

Program Contact

Tawnda Smith
Admissions Coordinator
940-898-2602
slis@twu.edu

Preferred Application Deadlines

Fall - June 1
Spring - November 1
Summer - April 1

Admission Requirements

• Completed bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours from an accredited U.S. College or university, or an equivalent degree from a foreign college or university.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.75-2.99 may be considered for admission review on a case-by-case basis.
• At least two years documented full-time classroom teaching experience as a teacher of record in an EC-12 accredited school (public or private).   Applicants who are currently in their second year of classroom teaching will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

• Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School (see How to Apply).  Upload the following documents: 
  • Application Form - School of Library & Information Studies - (fillable PDF form; Chrome browser recommended)
  • Resume
  • 2-page statement of intent (your professional goals and career interests)
  • Email address for one individual familiar with your academic capabilities, who can provide a letter of recommendation to be requested through and submitted into the application

Additional Requirement: Apply to the TWU Educator Preparation Program. After formal admission to SLIS, you will be contacted by the TWU Office of Educator Preparation Services with information about applying to the Educator Preparation Program, an additional admission step required by the Texas Education Agency.  Please see "Requirements for School Librarian Certification" for more information.