Want to teach psychology in Texas? You’re in the right place.

Teaching psychology in the Lone Star State is both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding. Psychology teachers help shape the minds of tomorrow by exploring the science of behavior, thought, and emotion. With competitive salaries and growing demand, it’s a promising path for future educators n Texas.

According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the state is expected to add over 133,000 new teaching positions in the next decade. Postsecondary psychology instructors in Texas currently earn an average annual salary of $90,080.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a certified psychology teacher in Texas, from degrees and certification exams to job placement tips and more.

What Do Psychology Teachers in Texas Teach?

Psychology teachers introduce students to the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. In Texas, psychology is typically taught at the high school and postsecondary levels, depending on your certification level.

As a psychology teacher, you’ll help students explore topics like:

• Cognitive development: How people think, learn, and remember
• Emotional intelligence: Analyze and regulate emotions
• Personality theories: Studying patterns of thought and behavior
• Mental health awareness: Promoting well-being and resilience
• Research methods: Teaching scientific ways to study human behavior

Psychology is a versatile subject that prepares students for careers in healthcare, education, social work, business, and more. You will be teaching content and helping students develop critical thinking, empathy, and real-world problem-solving skills.

Steps to Becoming a Psychology Teacher in Texas

Becoming a certified psychology teacher in Texas involves a structured process defined by the Texas Education Agency. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or a Related Field

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Ideally, your degree should be in psychology, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field.

To qualify for certification, you typically need a minimum GPA of 2.5, either overall or in your last 60 college credit hours.

If you’re still deciding where to study, consider these options:

University	Program Example
Texas State University	BA in Psychology
University of Houston	BS in Psychology
University of Texas at Austin	BA in Psychology with Teacher Certification Option

Make sure your program is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to ensure eligibility for teacher certification.

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

After earning your degree, the next step is completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). These programs are designed to provide essential teaching skills like pedagogy, classroom management, and curriculum planning.

There are two main types of EPPs:

• Traditional EPPs: Usually embedded in bachelor’s degree programs and include student teaching
• Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs): Tailored for individuals who already have a degree and want a flexible, often online, route to certification

TeacherBuilder.com is a TEA-approved alternative certification program (and therefore an EPP) that offers a 100% online, self-paced path to becoming a certified psychology teacher. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals or career changers.

3. Pass the Required Certification Exams

To become certified, you must pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). For psychology teachers, the key exams include:

• Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC–12 (Exam #160)
  Focuses on instructional design, learning theories, and classroom management
• Content Area Exam for Psychology or Social Studies (Grades 7–12)
  Depending on availability, this exam covers psychological concepts within a broader social science context

TeacherBuilder provides complimentary access to 240Tutoring, a highly rated test prep platform, to help you prepare for these exams.

4. Apply for Your Texas Teaching Certificate

Once you’ve completed your EPP and passed the exams, you’ll need to apply for your official Texas teacher certification.

Steps include:

• Creating an account on the TEAL (Texas Educator Certification Application) system
• Submitting your application through the Texas Education Agency
• Paying the necessary fees
• Completing a fingerprint-based background check (required for all educators in Texas)

After approval, you’ll be eligible to apply for psychology teaching positions at high schools or postsecondary institutions across Texas.

Why Teaching Psychology in Texas Is a Rewarding Career

Teaching psychology goes beyond the classroom. It’s about shaping thoughtful, compassionate, and curious individuals. Here are a few ways you can make an impact:

• Empower critical thinking: Encourage students to analyze human behavior and develop evidence-based opinions
• Support emotional well-being: Equip students with tools for mental health, coping, and resilience
• Inspire lifelong learning: Spark curiosity in psychology that can evolve into future careers in healthcare, counseling, or academia
• Grow professionally: Teaching psychology helps you deepen your own understanding of the subject through constant learning and interaction

Become a Psychology Teacher in Texas with TeacherBuilder

If you’re ready to take the next step, TeacherBuilder.com offers an efficient and supportive pathway to certification. As a TEA-approved online EPP, it’s one of the most trusted alternative certification programs in Texas.

Here’s what you can expect:

Feature	Details
Online Coursework	100% self-paced, no deadlines
Certification Timeline	Complete certification in as little as 60 days
Exam Support	Free 240Tutoring test prep resources
Mentorship	Ongoing support from certified educators
Job Placement Help	Resume building, interview prep, and access to local job networks

With certification available in over 25 teaching areas, TeacherBuilder is equipped to support aspiring psychology educators throughout every phase of the certification process.

Becoming a psychology teacher in Texas is a rewarding career move that combines academic passion with the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional looking to change careers, an alternative certification program like TeacherBuilder offers the flexibility and support you need to succeed.

Get started today! Visit TeacherBuilder.com to learn more about our psychology teacher certification program and start your journey toward a successful career.

This article does not contain legal, educational, or government advice. As regulations can change from time to time, readers are advised to check with their local education departments to receive up-to-date information.