Major in Education
68-70 semester hours depending on specific program
The following information is for students entering the undergraduate degree program in Fall 2023. For candidates that entered the B.A.E. program prior to Fall 2023, please refer to earlier PLU catalogs.
Eligibility Requirements for Entrance to B.A.E. Program
The School of Education offers direct admission for the Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.E.) program. This allows students to pursue Elementary Education (K-8) at the time they are officially enrolled at PLU. No additional application or interview is necessary for the B.A.E. program. The education program which culminates in a B.A.E. degree and Washington State Teaching certificate begins in Fall of your junior year.
Entrance 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
Continuation in a program of study in the school 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 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 all required state tests. The B.A.E. requirements are separate from the teacher certification.
Residency Teaching Certificate
Candidates who successfully complete a program of professional studies in the school, who meet all related academic requirements for a degree or a certificate, and who meet all state requirements will be recommended by the school 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 school. State requirements are subject to immediate change. Candidates should meet with school advisors each semester and the certification officer for updates in program or application requirements.
Note: The school 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
Health and Fitness or Music Education