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: Register for and take required admissions & certification exams.
• 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
• Reading, Writing & Math Test Scores – SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores
  • No minimum score required
  • Basic Skills test scores are a state-mandated admissions requirement
  • 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
• NES Elementary Education Test Scores – Subtests I and II, also called NES 102 and NES 103
  • No minimum score required
  • Test scores are a state-mandated teacher certification requirement
• 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. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the UW Bothell Admissions Office.
• Enrollment verification forms for in progress courses
• Reading, Writing & Math Test Scores – SAT, ACT, or WEST-B score reports
• NES Elementary Education Test Scores – Subtests I and II score reports

Notification of Admission

Notification of admission generally occurs by early February. Applicants will have 14 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
• NES Resources
  • Additional information on NES
  • NES 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.