Admissions

On this page

• Declaration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Declaration Deadlines
• Declaration Information & Resources
• Background Checks Notice
• Information for International Students

Declaration Requirements

• 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

Admission to the Elementary Education Option depends on your declaration type:

• First-Year Student or Transfer Student
• Pre-Major student
• Current Student who Plans to Change Majors
• Returning Student

First-Year Students & Transfer Students

1. Work with an Admissions counselor to prepare your application to UW Bothell.
2. Review UW Bothell Admissions deadlines.
3. Apply to UW Bothell.
4. After acceptance, register for and attend an Advising and Orientation session. If you are a new first-year student, you’ll learn how to join the Developmental & Youth Studies major once you meet the minimum declaration requirements.

Pre-Major Students & Current Students who Plan to Change Majors

1. Check in with your academic advisor to review Elementary Education Option minimum declaration requirements and to develop an academic plan.
2. Submit online declaration form
3. Students who meet declaration requirements are admitted to the Elementary Education Option

Returning Students

You are considered a returning student if you have not been enrolled for more than one quarter (excluding summer quarter). To begin the returning student process, please email an SES advisor.

1. Submit the Returning Student Request Form.
2. Wait for form to be processed by the UW Bothell Registrar.
3. Once readmitted to UW Bothell, meet with your SES advisor to co-develop an updated academic plan.

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.

Information for International Students

The Elementary Education Option requires that students complete a student teaching practicum, along with a practicum in an English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classroom OR a practicum 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.