Degree programs

The following degrees are offered through the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Undergraduate »
Master's »
Doctorates »
Certifications »

Undergraduate

Elementary Education – Bachelor of arts

Candidates accepted into the Elementary certification program are required to complete practicum experiences in school and community settings, including an intense four-week Advanced Practicum in the semester immediately preceding student teaching (to apply the concepts learned in blocked courses).

Secondary Education – Bachelor's degree in declared major plus teacher certification

Candidates accepted into the Secondary Education certification program are required to complete an intense 3 week practicum prior to acceptance in the program, and complete 60 hours of Advanced Practicum during the semester immediately preceding student teaching. Practicums involve observation, reflection, and practice in classrooms.

Student teaching is an entire semester of full time teaching at an approved WSU site in the state of Washington or internationally with supervision by an approved WSU provider.

Teacher Education and Certification

The College of Education prepares individuals to teach elementary education, early childhood education, and various single subjects. The teaching certificate, awarded by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction upon recommendation by WSU, designates the subject area in which the certificate holder is qualified to teach. Admission to, or continued enrollment in, the teacher preparation program is contingent upon faculty approval.

Opportunities are provided for teacher certificate candidates to work with and observe children in public schools. It is WSU’s intent to place only those individuals in P-12 classrooms who demonstrate a positive impact on student learning, and who possess characteristics desirable for working with young people.

Endorsements

Credit hours needed for the endorsements range from 40-108, depending on the major. Single subject endorsement preparation is available in agricultural education, biology, chemistry, earth science, English language arts, family consumer sciences, designated world languages (French and Spanish), health and fitness, history, mathematics, music, physics, and social studies.

Add-on Endorsements

Several endorsements are available as add-ons. Individuals may be recommended for endorsement concurrently with the completion of endorsement requirements in elementary education or in a specific subject endorsement listed above added to a currently valid teaching certificate. Add-on endorsements for pre-service teachers are offered in bilingual education, deaf education, English language learners, middle level math, reading, science and special education. Please note that the add-on endorsement does not guarantee "highly qualified" status. Please see the Office of Student Services for details.

Master's degrees

Master in Teaching (M.I.T.)

This degree is intended for those who already possess a bachelor’s degree. It is designed to prepare candidates to become effective elementary or secondary education teachers. This program leads to a masters degree and a State of Washington teaching certificate. The M.I.T. degree is available to students at all campuses, and includes integrated field experiences in schools.

Elementary Education certification
Secondary Education certification

Master of Arts in Education (M.A.)

The thesis M.A. degree focuses on developing research and inquiry skills in education and leadership. The M.A. degree is designed for students who wish to focus on educational research and who may pursue a doctoral degree. Specializations are offered in:

Curriculum and Instruction »
ELL/Bilingual education » (can include state endorsement)
Literacy Education
Special Education (can include state endorsement)

Master of Education (Ed.M.)

The non-thesis Ed.M. degree focuses on K-12, developing teachers' or other professionals' knowledge and skills in education and leadership. Specializations and/or endorsements are offered in: