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.
  • Please plan ahead, test scores may take up to four weeks to process
• 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
  • Please plan ahead, it may take up to four weeks to receive scores
  • Basic skills test scores are a state-mandated admissions requirement, and are required at the time of admission
  • 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
• NES Elementary Education Test Scores – Subtests I and II, also called NES 102 and NES 103
  • Please plan ahead, it may take up to four weeks to receive scores
  • The NES test is a state-mandated teacher certification requirement, and scores are required at the time of admission
  • No minimum score required to apply
    • Students who do not a receive passing score can submit an SES NES Petition if admitted to the program
• Meet all UW Bothell admissions requirements

Application Components

All components must be submitted by the final materials submission deadline.

• 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
  • SAT score reports: request and send scores directly from The College Board to UW Bothell
  • ACT score report: request and send scores directly from the ACT to UW Bothell
  • WEST-B score report: upload PDF score report to application portal
• NES Elementary Education Test Scores – Subtests I and II score reports
  • NES score report: upload PDF score report to application portal

Notification of Admission

Notification of admission generally occurs by late January. 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.

Information for International Students

The Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate requires that students complete a student teaching practicum, along with an optional practicum in an English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classroom OR in a Special Education classroom. International students with a visa, other than F-1 visa holders, should consult an immigration attorney to determine their eligibility for completing these required practica. F-1 visa holders will need to plan and apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) prior to beginning these required practica. If you have any questions, please contact the International Student Services (ISS) office.