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Become a Certified Texas Teacher Faster

McMurry University’s FasTrack program provides an accelerated pathway to Texas teacher certification for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Choose between online or face-to-face coursework and begin your journey toward a rewarding teaching career.
Why Choose FasTrack How FasTrack Works

  • Flexible online or in-person formats

  • Accelerated certification pathway

  • Personalized guidance from experienced educators

  • Designed for career changers and graduates
  1. Apply to McMurry University
  2. Pass the PACT certification exam
  3. Complete FasTrack coursework
  4. Student teaching or internship
  5. Earn a Texas teacher certification

Online vs Face-to-Face

Pathway Format Best For
Face-to-Face On-campus classes Students who prefer in-person instruction
Online Fully online coursework Working professionals needing flexibility

What is the FasTrack Program?

McMurry University’s FasTrack program provides an alternative route to teacher certification in Texas for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to enter the teaching profession.

The program combines coursework, mentorship, and classroom experience to prepare candidates for success in Texas schools.

Participants gain the skills needed to effectively teach, manage classrooms, and support student learning as they work toward full certification.

Program Overview

Who Should Apply
Program Requirements
Why Choose FasTrack at McMurry University
Career Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions

The FasTrack program is ideal for:

  • Career changers interested in teaching

  • College graduates with a bachelor’s degree

  • Professionals transitioning to education

  • Individuals passionate about working with students

Applicants must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

  • Have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75

  • Have your official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities you attended.

  • Meet Texas certification requirements

  • Complete required coursework and examinations

Experienced Faculty Support
Learn from experienced educators who provide mentorship and guidance throughout the certification process.

Practical Classroom Preparation
Gain real-world teaching experience while completing certification requirements.

Flexible Pathway
Designed for individuals balancing work, family, and professional goals.

Strong Education Tradition
McMurry University has a long history of preparing educators for successful careers in Texas schools.

Graduates of the FasTrack program are prepared for teaching roles in areas such as:

  • Elementary Education

  • Secondary Education

  • Special Education

  • Subject-Specific Teaching Fields

Certified teachers are in strong demand across Texas school districts.

What is an alternative teacher certification program?

Alternative certification allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to become teachers without completing a traditional undergraduate education degree.

How long does the FasTrack program take?

Program timelines vary based on coursework and certification requirements.

Do I need an education degree to apply?

No. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Is the program approved for Texas teacher certification?

Yes. FasTrack prepares candidates for certification in Texas.

Choose Your FasTrack Pathway

Select a path for more information.

Follow these steps to earn your Texas teacher certification through McMurry’s FasTrack program.

Step 1: Apply to McMurry University

Apply to McMurry University as a transfer student.

When completing the application, select “No” for the question:
“Have you previously attended McMurry University as a full-time, degree-seeking student?”

Step 2: Meet with the FasTrack Director

Schedule a meeting with the FasTrack Director to discuss:

  • Certification options

  • Required coursework

  • Program timeline and start dates

The Face-to-Face pathway offers flexible scheduling, including:

  • Two long semesters, or

  • One summer with three sessions

During this meeting, you will also receive guidance on registering for the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).

Step 3: Pass the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)

The PACT exam is a subject-area certification test required for admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

Important notes:

  • The exam must be taken in your chosen certification area

  • TExES preparation materials can help you study

  • The FasTrack Director will help ensure you register for the correct test

Step 4: Apply to the FasTrack Program

After passing the PACT exam, complete the required FasTrack application forms.

Admission requirements include:

  • Passing the PACT exam

  • Minimum GPA of 2.75

Step 5: Complete Coursework and Observations

Once admitted to the program, you will begin required coursework and classroom observations designed to prepare you for teaching.

Step 6: Clinical Teaching or Internship

During the following courses:

  • Methods and Management

  • Planning, Curriculum, and Assessment

You will receive instructions on how to apply for:

  • Clinical Teaching, or

  • A One-Year Teaching Internship

Step 7: Apply for Texas Teacher Certification

After completing:

  • All required coursework

  • Clinical teaching or a one-year internship

You must apply for your Standard Teaching Certificate through the SBEC website.

Once you have:

  • Submitted your certification application

  • Paid the certification fee

  • Passed the required criminal background check

McMurry University will recommend you for Texas teacher certification.

Important Notice

All requirements and admission conditions are subject to change in accordance with regulations from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

 Apply Now

Follow these steps to earn your Texas teacher certification through McMurry’s online FasTrack program.

Step 1: Apply to McMurry University

Begin by applying to McMurry University.

Once admitted, you can begin the preparation steps required for entry into the FasTrack certification program.

Step 2: Complete the FasTrack Zero Course

The FasTrack Zero Course prepares candidates to take the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).

The PACT exam is a subject-area certification test required for admission into the Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

Important notes:

  • The PACT must be taken and passed before entering the FasTrack program

  • The exam is taken in your chosen certification area

  • While TExES preparation materials may be helpful, candidates must ensure they register for the correct exam

The FasTrack Director can assist with selecting the correct test, since McMurry does not certify all available testing areas.

Step 3: Complete Online Orientation

Students must complete the McMurry Virtual Campus Orientation for Online Learning before beginning coursework.

This orientation introduces students to the tools, expectations, and resources needed for success in online learning.

Step 4: Apply to the FasTrack Program

After passing the PACT exam, candidates submit the required forms to apply to the FasTrack program.

Admission requirements include:

  • Passing the PACT exam in the certification area

  • A minimum GPA of 2.75

The FasTrack Director will also provide each candidate with a personalized certification plan.

Step 5: Complete Coursework and Observations

Once admitted, students begin the online certification coursework, which is organized into three seven-week sessions.

In addition to coursework, candidates must complete:

  • 15 hours of video observations

  • 30 hours of classroom observations in a public school

Observations must occur in the grade level and subject area for which certification is held. Verification of hours and reflections is included within the coursework.

Session One

  • Theories of Learning

  • Inclusive Classroom

Session Two

  • Planning, Curriculum, and Assessment

  • Methods and Management

Session Three

  • Teaching Disciplinary Literacy

  • Special Learners

All observation hours must be completed before student teaching or internship placement.

Step 6: Student Teaching or Internship

During Session Two, candidates receive instructions on applying for either student teaching or an internship.

Student Teaching

Candidates who choose student teaching will:

  • Enroll in six hours of coursework

  • Complete a 14-week clinical teaching experience

  • Take an additional one-hour seminar course

Internship

Candidates pursuing an internship must:

  • Pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) certification exam

  • Receive approval before registering for the exam

  • Complete the additional required documentation

Internship candidates enroll in a three-hour course over two consecutive semesters.

In this program, an internship means the candidate has secured a teaching position in their certification area with a public or TEA-approved school district.

Step 7: Apply for Texas Teacher Certification

After completing:

  • All required coursework

  • Student teaching or a one-year internship

Candidates must apply for their Standard Teaching Certificate through the SBEC website.

Once the following requirements are completed:

  • Certification application submitted

  • Certification fee paid

  • Criminal background check passed

McMurry University will recommend the candidate for Texas teacher certification.

Important Notice

All admission requirements and certification conditions are subject to change in accordance with regulations from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

 Apply Now

Start Your Teaching Career

Ready to become a teacher in Texas?

Join McMurry University’s FasTrack Teacher Certification Program and start your journey toward a rewarding career in education.
Apply Today