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UTeach Access is a transfer preparation and admissions pathway for Texas community college students interested in pursuing STEM teaching careers through UTeach Natural Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Designed for students interested in becoming middle or high school STEM teachers, the pathway supports students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics while working toward secondary teacher certification.

UTeach Access uses a cohort-based model to help prepare students for transfer to UT Austin and participation in UTeach Natural Sciences. Students complete foundational transfer-preparation coursework at a Texas community college prior to transfer and, if admitted through UTeach Access, receive advising and guidance related to degree planning, teacher certification, and transition to UT Austin.

Overview of UTeach Access

The U.S. faces a growing demand for STEM teachers, and UTeach Access was developed to help support future STEM educators transferring from community colleges to The University of Texas at Austin. The pathway prepares students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics for middle or high school teacher certification through UTeach Natural Sciences.

Before transferring to UT Austin, participants in UTeach Access complete foundational coursework at their community college. They also complete introductory coursework related to teaching and inquiry-based learning, including early field experiences in K–12 classroom settings.

Students admitted through UTeach Access continue their studies through UTeach Natural Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences while receiving advising and guidance related to degree planning, teacher certification, and transition to UT Austin. Upon graduation, students earn a bachelor’s degree and complete requirements for secondary STEM teacher certification.

UTeach Access Transfer Pathway

Community college students interested in pursuing STEM teaching careers through UTeach Natural Sciences can apply for transfer to UT Austin through UTeach Access. The following sections outline transfer-preparation expectations, program benefits and support, and admission steps for students interested in applying through the UTeach Access pathway.

Transfer Preparation

Students interested in preparing for transfer through UTeach Access should begin planning coursework and transfer preparation early in their community college career. UTeach Access transfer-preparation recommendations are designed to help students build foundational STEM and teaching preparation while completing coursework applicable toward UTeach Natural Sciences teaching-option degree plans at UT Austin.

  • Be Texas residents enrolled full-time at a Texas community college during the academic year immediately prior to transfer to UT Austin.
  • Plan to pursue a teaching-option degree in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics through UTeach Natural Sciences.
  • Complete at least 24 transferable semester credit hours selected from approved UTeach Access transfer-preparation coursework aligned with the intended teaching-option degree pathway.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative transferable GPA of 3.0.
  • Complete Calculus I or the equivalent with a grade of at least B− and complete at least two sequenced major-level science courses aligned with the intended teaching-option degree pathway with grades of at least B−.
  • Use the UTeach Access Transfer Coursework Planning Guide when selecting coursework to help ensure courses apply toward UTeach Natural Sciences degree requirements after transfer.
  • Complete EDUC 1301: Introduction to the Teaching Profession or an approved equivalent prior to transfer.

Coursework completed during the summer immediately prior to transfer may apply toward UT Austin degree requirements but will not count toward the transfer-preparation coursework considered during UTeach Access admission review.

Program Benefits and Support

Students admitted through UTeach Access continue their studies through UTeach Natural Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences while receiving guidance related to transfer transition, degree planning, and secondary STEM teacher certification.

  • Work with UTeach advisors on degree planning, certification requirements, and progress toward graduation.
  • Receive support during the transition from community college to UT Austin, including participation in a shared transfer cohort experience.
  • Continue coursework and field experiences focused on STEM teaching and inquiry-based instruction through UTeach Natural Sciences.
  • Participate in a community of students and educators preparing for careers as middle or high school STEM teachers.
  • Complete requirements for secondary STEM teacher certification while earning a bachelor’s degree through the College of Natural Sciences.
  • Receive support related to career preparation and transition into careers as middle or high school STEM teachers.
Admission Steps

Students interested in applying through UTeach Access should complete the following steps during the transfer application process.

  1. Submit the standard transfer application for admission to The University of Texas at Austin by the March 1 deadline.
  2. Indicate interest in UTeach Access as part of the transfer admissions process.
  3. Complete any additional UTeach Access questions, prompts, or requested application materials.
  4. Submit transcripts and supporting materials, including final spring semester grades, demonstrating completion of approved UTeach Access transfer-preparation coursework and eligibility expectations by June 1.
  5. Applications are reviewed based on academic preparation, interest in STEM teaching, and readiness for continued participation in UTeach Natural Sciences.

Is UTeach Access Right for Me?

If you are considering applying through UTeach Access, here are a few factors to consider.

UTeach Access Is Designed for Students Who...

  • are interested in becoming a middle or high school STEM teacher through UTeach Natural Sciences.
  • plan to pursue a teaching-option degree pathway in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics at UT Austin.
  • are preparing to transfer from a Texas community college and are completing approved UTeach Access transfer-preparation coursework.
  • are prepared for foundational STEM coursework prior to transfer, including Calculus I or the equivalent.
  • have demonstrated academic preparation through transferable mathematics and science coursework.
  • are interested in careers that combine STEM content knowledge with teaching, mentorship, and community impact.

UTeach Access Is Not Designed for Students Who...

  • already hold a bachelor’s degree. UTeach Access is intended for students completing their first bachelor’s degree while preparing for secondary STEM teacher certification.
  • are not interested in earning secondary STEM teacher certification. Students admitted through UTeach Access are expected to complete a teaching-option degree pathway and continue participation in UTeach coursework and field experiences after transfer.
  • plan to pursue majors outside of biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics, including Computer Science or Statistics and Data Science.
  • have already completed a large amount of transferable college coursework that may limit their ability to complete the required UT Austin in-residence credit hours within a teaching-option degree pathway.
  • are not prepared to complete Calculus I or the equivalent prior to transfer.
  • are not preparing to transfer as full-time students from a Texas community college.

Apply to UT Austin

Students interested in applying through UTeach Access should complete the UT Austin transfer application and review transfer-preparation expectations prior to applying.

Apply as a Transfer Student

The following resources provide additional information about transfer preparation, coursework planning, and degree pathways through UTeach Access.

UTeach Access Transfer Preparation Guide

Review transfer expectations, recommended coursework, degree pathways, admissions information, and transfer-planning guidance for students preparing to apply through UTeach Access.

Transfer Preparation Guide

UTeach Access Transfer Coursework Planning Guide

Explore approved transfer-preparation coursework, course equivalencies, and recommended course sequencing aligned with UTeach Natural Sciences teaching-option degree pathways.

Transfer Coursework Planning Guide 

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"UTeach Access supports future STEM teachers preparing to transfer from Texas community colleges to UT Austin. Through UTeach Natural Sciences, students can combine their interests in STEM and teaching while preparing to make a difference in future classrooms and communities" 

— Dr. Alexandra Eusebi, Academic Director, UTeach Access