Admissions

Exciting changes coming to the Elementary Education Option Major Declaration Process!

Beginning Spring 2025, you can join the Elementary Education Option directly and become an Elementary Education major effective Autumn 2025. You will continue working with your academic advisor to plan for your teaching methods courses and student teaching.

On this page

• Prepare to join the Elementary Education Option
• Declaration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Declaration Deadlines
• Declaration Information & Resources
• Background Checks Notice

Prepare to join the Elementary Education Option – Effective Spring 2025 for Autumn 2025 majors 

First-Year Student Path

• Step 1: Gain admission to UW Bothell as a first-year student.
  • Visit the UW Bothell Office of Admissions for more information.
• Step 2: Meet with an advisor to develop an academic plan to complete Elementary Education Option declaration requirements.
• Step 3: Declare the Elementary Education Option!

Transfer Student Path

• Step 1: Gain admission to UW Bothell and to the Elementary Education Option as a transfer student!
  • Visit the UW Bothell Office of Admissions for more information.

Declaration Requirements – Effective Spring 2025 for Autumn 2025 majors

• Minimum of 2.00 cumulative GPA
• 30 quarter credits at UW Bothell or transferred from other accredited institutions
• B WRIT 134 Composition or other English Composition course with grade of 2.0 (C letter grade) or higher
• SAT, ACT, or WEST-B Reading, Writing & Math test scores – 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/Essay sections
    • ACT Reading, Math, & Writing sections
    • WEST-B, Reading, Math, & Writing subtests

How to Declare 

1. Submit online declaration form
2. Students who meet declaration requirements are admitted to the Elementary Education Option

Declaration Deadlines

SES welcomes students to the Elementary Education Option throughout the academic year. Students are encouraged to submit their declaration forms when they are ready, and forms will be processed within two weeks.

New UW Bothell first-year and transfer students should follow UW Bothell Admissions deadlines.

Declaration Information & Resources 

• S/NS Grades during COVID-19 Pandemic. For quarters designated as having extenuating circumstances, SES will consider an S (satisfactory) grade as fulfilling an admission requirements. S grades will not negatively impact your application to the Elementary Education Option. 
• 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 Option are 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.