List of Teaching Degrees at Western Washington University 2026

If you’re considering a career in education in Washington state, Western Washington University offers several pathways to help you get there. Whether you’re starting fresh with a bachelor’s degree or returning to school for graduate-level teacher certification, you have multiple options to explore.

Below, we’ll go over the teaching degrees available at Western Washington University, admissions requirements, and the kinds of careers you can pursue after graduation.

Does Western Washington University Offer Teaching Degrees?

Western Washington University offers teaching degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through its Woodring College of Education. Programs are built to prepare you for Washington state teacher certification, with pathways for elementary and secondary education as well as endorsement areas.

Undergraduates typically complete a content-based bachelor’s degree and a teacher preparation program, while graduate students can pursue options like the Master in Teaching (MIT) if they already hold a bachelor’s degree. Each pathway includes coursework in curriculum, classroom management, and educational psychology, along with supervised student teaching to help you meet state licensure requirements.

List of Teaching Degrees at Western Washington University by Degree Level

Through the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University, students can pursue programs that lead to a recommendation for residency teacher certification from the state, preparing you to work in elementary, secondary, or specialized classrooms. Programs include undergraduate and graduate options that integrate academic coursework, professional preparation, and supervised teaching experiences. Many of these options include endorsements, which are subject- and grade-level authorizations required for K–12 teaching in Washington.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching

Western Washington University offers several Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs that lead to teacher certification in Washington state. These programs combine professional education coursework with field experiences and student teaching, helping you build classroom skills before graduation. Many options also include dual endorsements, which can expand the grade levels or subject areas you’re qualified to teach.

Below are the education bachelor’s degrees that lead to teacher certification:

• Bachelor of Arts in Multilingual Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education P-3
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Inclusive Education (Special Education P-12 & Elementary Education K-8)
• Bachelor of Arts in Multilingual Special Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education

Master’s Degrees in Teaching

For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, Western Washington University offers a Master in Teaching (MIT). This graduate teaching program is designed for individuals who want to earn Washington state teacher certification while completing a master’s degree.

The MIT program includes intensive coursework in instructional methods, curriculum development, classroom management, and assessment, along with supervised student teaching. Endorsement areas are available in elementary and secondary education, allowing you to focus on the grade level or subject area that aligns with your career goals. This option is often a strong fit if you’re changing careers or completed a non-education undergraduate degree and now want to become a certified teacher.

Other Education Degrees at Western Washington University

In addition to licensure-focused teaching degrees, Western Washington University offers education programs for students interested in non-licensure roles or expanding their professional expertise. These options may be a good fit if you want to work in areas such as educational leadership, student support services, research, or policy, or if you’re a licensed teacher looking to add endorsements or deepen your specialization.

Education bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Education in Disability and Advocacy
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (non-certification option)

Education master’s degrees:

• Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education
• Master of Education in Education Leadership
• Master of Education in Language and Literacy

Education certificates and endorsement programs:

• Elementary Education Endorsement
• English Language Learner (ELL) and Bilingual Education (BE) Endorsement
• Media and Digital Literacy Certificate
• Multilingual Education Endorsement
• Residency Administrator (Principal) Certification
• Special Education Endorsement
• Superintendent Certification

Admissions Requirements for Teaching Programs at Western Washington University

Admission to teaching programs at Western Washington University involves meeting general university requirements as well as specific criteria set by the Woodring College of Education. Because teacher preparation leads to state certification, you’ll need to complete additional steps beyond standard admission.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

If you’re applying as a first-year or transfer student, you’ll first need to meet Western Washington University’s general undergraduate admission standards. Once enrolled, admission into a teacher preparation program typically requires a separate application.

Common requirements may include:

• Completion of prerequisite coursework
• A minimum cumulative grade point average
• Submission of an application to the teacher education program
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• Evidence of experience working with children or youth
• Passing scores on required state assessments, if applicable
• A background check and fingerprinting before student teaching

Because space in teacher preparation programs can be limited, meeting minimum requirements does not always guarantee acceptance.

Graduate Admission Requirements

If you’re applying to the Master in Teaching program, you must already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The program is designed for individuals seeking teacher certification at the graduate level.

Admission requirements may include:

• A completed bachelor’s degree
• A minimum undergraduate grade point average
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• A completed graduate application
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement outlining your interest in teaching
• Relevant experience working with children or in educational settings
• Completion of prerequisite coursework in your endorsement area
• A background check and fingerprinting prior to field placement

Graduate admissions can be competitive, so it’s important to review specific endorsement requirements and application deadlines carefully before applying.

Careers You Can Pursue With a Western Washington University Teaching Degree

A teaching degree from Western Washington University can prepare you for a range of roles in Washington’s public and private school systems. Because programs are aligned with state certification requirements, graduates are typically eligible to apply for a residency teaching certificate in their endorsement area.

Depending on your degree and endorsement, potential career paths may include:

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle school teacher
• High school teacher in a specific subject area
• Special education teacher
• Early childhood educator
• English language learner or multilingual education teacher

With additional experience or graduate study, you may also pursue roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or school administrator. Your exact path will depend on your endorsement, grade level focus, and long-term career goals.

Accreditation and Program Quality at Western Washington University

Western Washington University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Regional accreditation ensures the university meets established standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and student support.

In addition, teacher preparation programs are approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), which oversees educator certification in the state. This approval means programs are aligned with Washington’s certification requirements, including supervised field experience and student teaching, helping ensure you are prepared to meet state licensure standards after graduation.

FAQs About Western Washington University Teaching Degrees

If you’re considering Western Washington University for your teaching degree, you probably have questions about certification, program structure, and next steps. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask.

Can I Become a Certified Teacher in Washington With a Degree From Western Washington University?

Western Washington University’s teacher preparation programs are approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board, which means they are designed to meet state certification requirements. After completing your degree, required assessments, and student teaching, you may apply for a residency teaching certificate in your endorsement area.

Do I Need a Bachelor’s Degree Before Applying to the Master in Teaching Program?

Yes, the Master in Teaching (MIT) program is intended for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your undergraduate degree does not have to be in education, but you may need to complete prerequisite coursework depending on the endorsement area you choose.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Teaching Degree at Western Washington University?

A bachelor’s degree with teacher preparation typically takes about four years for full-time students, though transfer credits may shorten that timeline. The Master in Teaching program is generally completed in one to two years, depending on the program structure and whether you attend full time.

Does Western Washington University Offer Endorsements in Specific Subject Areas?

Students at Western Washington University can pursue endorsements in areas such as elementary education, special education, secondary subject areas, and multilingual education. Endorsements determine the grade levels and subjects you are authorized to teach in Washington’s public schools.

Is Student Teaching Required for Certification?

Supervised student teaching is a required component of teacher preparation programs at Western Washington University. This hands-on experience places you in a classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned before applying for state certification.

Discover Online Teaching Degree Programs

Start your journey toward becoming a teacher by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to Western Washington University or other highlighted schools to learn more about their education programs.