Admissions

Join the Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate Program

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Application Deadlines

Prepare to Apply

• Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited institution).
• Step 2: Complete Academic Breadth Prerequisites and program admission requirements.
  • We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to connect with an Admissions counselor prior to applying.
• Step 3: Work with an Admissions Counselor to receive an Academic Breadth transcript evaluation, a required application component.
• Step 3: Apply to and be admitted to UW Bothell’s Elementary Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate program. Visit the UW Bothell Office of Admissions for more information.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Note: International transcripts must be evaluated prior to application
• 2.00 cumulative GPA
• Academic Breadth prerequisites completed or in-progress with a minimum 2.0 GPA in each course. All Academic Breadth courses must be completed by the start of the program.
• Reading, Writing & Math Test Scores – SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores
  • No minimum score required
• Meet all UW Bothell admissions requirements

Application Components

• Online application
• Admissions Essays (300-400 words each):
  • Why do you want to be a teacher? What aspects of your identity do you feel are strengths that you could bring to the teaching profession and in working with youth?
  • Describe your lived experience related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Reflect on your stance toward learning more about how to implement DEI in your future classroom. 
• Transcripts for all degree-granting institutions and institutions where you completed Academic Breadth coursework. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the UW Bothell Admissions Office.
• Enrollment verification forms for in progress courses
• Academic Breadth transcript evaluation form completed by a School of Educational Studies advisor
  • An admissions counselor will help you work with the School of Educational Studies to evaluate your transcripts
• Reading, Writing & Math Test Scores – SAT, ACT, or WEST-B score reports
  • Test scores are a state-mandated requirement
  • No minimum score required
  • Scores older than 5 years are accepted
  • Accepted basic skills tests:
    • SAT Reading, Math, Writing or Essay sections
    • ACT Reading, Math, & Writing sections
    • WEST-B, Reading, Math, & Writing subtests

Notification of Admission

Notification of admission generally occurs by early February. Applicants will have 20 days to confirm their acceptance and secure their place in the program through a tuition deposit.

Application Information & Resources 

• S/NS Grades or equivalent during COVID-19 Pandemic. For quarters designated as having extenuating circumstances, SES will consider an S (satisfactory) grade or equivalent as fulfilling an admission requirements. S grades will not negatively impact your application. 
• WEST-B Resources:
  • Additional information on WEST-B
  • Online proctoring available for WEST-B
  • Free WEST-B practice tests & preparation materials

Background Checks

Students accepted to the Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate will be legally required to submit their fingerprints to the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks.

Approved background checks are required before a teacher candidate can apply for their Pre-Residency Clearance, a pre-certification legally required for student teaching.

If students have any questions or concerns about fingerprinting or the implications of state and federal background checks, please contact an Educational Studies advisor.