Major in Education
68-70 semester hours depending on specific program
The following information is for students entering the undergraduate degree program in Fall 2020. For candidates that entered the B.A.E. program prior to Fall 2020, please refer to earlier PLU catalogs.
Eligibility Requirements for Admission to B.A.E. Program
All individuals seeking to enter an undergraduate degree program must apply to the department. A completed application must be submitted to the department by February 10, 2021 for Fall Semester admission.
A completed application will include the following requirements:
- Evidence of verbal and quantitative ability as illustrated by a passing score on each of the three sections of the Washington Educators Skills Test Basic (WEST-B) or equivalent SAT/ACT scores. Check www.west.nesinc.com to register (not required for Outreach Education majors).
- Official transcripts of all college/university work (must be from a regionally accredited college/university; foreign transcripts must have a professional evaluation for regional university equivalency)
- Junior standing (60 or more semester hours)
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75
- Psychology 101 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher
- Writing 101 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher
- MATH 123 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher must be taken prior to admission to the Elementary Education program in the Department of Education.
- Two letters of recommendation: one academic/professional reference and one that speaks to the candidate’s work with young people
- Application Essay: Explain your views on the role of education in society and your reasons for wanting to enter the teaching profession. Indicate how your talents, skills, and experiences might contribute to the community. 500-750 words.
- Application forms and procedures for admission to professional studies in education are available on the department’s website: www.plu.edu/education/
- The admission criteria will be used to assess the student’s academic and professional readiness.
Continuation in a program of study in the department is subject to continuous assessment of student development and performance. Candidates are required to demonstrate the mastery of knowledge, skills, professionalism, attitudes, and dispositions required for effective practice. Records will be reviewed at the end of each semester to ensure candidates are meeting standards throughout the program.
Degree and Certification Requirements
- All coursework is completed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or above.
- All coursework designated by EDUC, SPED, or EPSY have been completed with a B- grade or better.
- All additional courses related to and required for education programs and teacher certification have been completed with a grade of C or better. For elementary education candidates these include: MATH 123 or equivalent; MATH 124 or equivalent; life science; physical science; KINS 322 or equivalent; and MUSI 341 or equivalent.
Note: Each endorsement requires passing the designated WEST-E or NES. Refer to the student handbook for testing timelines.The WEST-E or NES must be taken and passed prior to student teaching.
Eligibility for Certification
Candidates become eligible for certification when they have met the requirements for a B.A.E. and passed the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) required by the state of Washington and scored by Pearson. The B.A.E. requirements are separate from the teacher certification. Though a passing score is required for certification, the student is required to complete the edTPA in order to be eligible to earn the B.A.E.
Residency Teaching Certificate
Candidates who successfully complete a program of professional studies in the department, who meet all related academic requirements for a degree or a certificate, and who meet all state requirements will be recommended by the department for a Washington State residency teaching certificate. Additional state requirements include a minimum age of 18, good moral character and personal fitness as evidenced by completion of state Pre-Residency Clearance and Washington State Patrol/FBI background check via fingerprint clearance, assessment by means of passing scores on WEST-B, WEST-E or NES/ACTFL exams, and completion of state certification application and payment of state certification fee. Information regarding all state requirements and procedures for certification is available from the certification officer in the department. State requirements are subject to immediate change. Candidates should meet with department advisors each semester and the certification officer for updates in program or application requirements.
Note: The department will make every reasonable attempt to obtain and distribute the most current information regarding Washington State certification requirements, but cannot guarantee that state requirements will remain unchanged.
B.A.E. Curricula
Elementary Certification and Endorsement Options
Elementary Education/Special Education Professional Education
Elementary Education/Reading Professional Education
Elementary Education/English Language Learner (ELL) Professional Education