Texas State University began as a normal school—a post-secondary institution for training teachers for the classroom—and has continued for 125 years as a top school for educators. Texas State is the ideal choice for career changers looking for certification with a master's degree that is convenient for adults, whether full-time students or still working full time.

Course Work

Our innovative M.Ed. programs (with teacher certification or C.M.Ed. CMED) offer the pedagogical content knowledge needed to teach young adolescents effectively in a developmentally appropriate manner. Initial certification is available in seven areas: English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR), Social Studies (SS), ELAR/SS, Math, Science, Math/Science, or Core Subjects (ELAR/SS/Science/Math). Applicants should select a certification area where they have previous university coursework (usually a minimum of 15 hours for Math and Science and/or 12 for ELAR and SS). The Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) will review your transcripts during the application process and provide feedback about certification qualifications.

All students take 12 core hours in middle school philosophy, supporting students with special education needs, language acquisition for students who are native speakers of a language other than English, and general teaching and assessment strategies. The remaining 18 hours focus on teaching and learning in your chosen pedagogical content area(s). An additional 6-12 hours in clinical teaching (EDST) are required through the Office of Educator Preparation, following the completion of degree coursework. Clinical teaching is full time, for the required school day.

New students may start their coursework in any semester. We offer all courses in the evenings and most classes are available online, in order to make study convenient for working professionals and parents. Courses are also available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

Program Details

Program Mission

Our innovative 4-8 C. M.Ed. programs (M. Ed. with teacher certification, C.M.Ed./CMED) offer the pedagogical content knowledge needed to teach young adolescents effectively in a developmentally appropriate manner. Texas State also offers many 4-8 content concentrations (English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), Social Studies (SS), ELAR/SS, Math, Science, and Core Subjects) that allow students to focus on a particular area of interest while interacting within a larger community of intellectual inquiry in education. Most coursework is offered online in a synchronous format, in the evenings; however, some in-person coursework may be completed on the San Marcos or Round Rock Campuses.

Career Options

A master's in 4-8 elementary education offers graduates options to teach in a variety of settings (elementary, intermediate, or middle schools in grades 4-8). Graduates are qualified to teach in their area(s) of concentration, and may also become grade level/content team leaders, mentor teachers, or instructional coaches. This degree also prepares graduates interested in working in district administration to pursue an Ed.D. or those interested in academia to pursue a Ph.D.

Program Faculty

The faculty in the 4-8 program come from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Most instructors are former 4-8 classroom teachers who have earned advanced degrees and have become full-time faculty at Texas State University. In addition to teaching, faculty actively engage in research and publish and present locally, nationally and internationally in their fields.