Admissions
Exciting changes coming to the Elementary Education Option Major Declaration Process!
Effective Autumn 2025, you can join the Elementary Education Option directly. You will continue working with your academic advisor to plan for your cohorted block of 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
- Information for International Students
Prepare to join the Elementary Education Option
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
- 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
- Submit online declaration form
- 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:
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.