2023 – Top 20 Teacher Certification Bachelor’s in Education Degrees in the Pacific Region
Choosing a school for your initial teacher prep bachelor’s degree is a pretty serious decision that will shape the course of your entire teaching career. You’re walking into this profession with a clear understanding of the impact that you can have on the lives of thousands of children over the course of that career. You’ll be offering your part of the collective inspiration they get from their years in school to propel them to new heights… you’ll be introducing them to all new information in the right way at the right time to expand their minds… and you’ll be providing reassurance and encouragement at just the right moment to keep them on track.
So if you’re on the West Coast or in Hawaii, and you don’t plan on leaving, that means one of these twenty programs is going to be the right choice for you.
There’s definitely a different vibe out here in spectacular sunset country—relaxed, but high-tech. Innovative, multicultural, and globally-minded, perched on the edge of the Ring of Fire, our schools are on the leading-edge in educational theory and opportunity.
You can tap into that excellence and excitement at any of these first-rate Pacific Region bachelor’s programs. You’ll learn from the best, be surrounded by excellence, and make the kind of local contacts you need to get the job you want after graduation.
How We Selected The Top Pacific Region Teaching Certificate Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
It’s no easy task to pick only the top 20 in a region with so many excellent teacher prep bachelor’s programs. There are superb public and private colleges scattered all throughout California, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, perched on the coast and nestled behind mountains. They are truly world-class, having made globally-recognized research contributions, and connecting students to international study programs around the world. Narrowing it down to the top 20 is no easy task in such a group… but here’s how we did it.
Programs With Only The Best Instructors
As a future educator, it’s not going to be any surprise to you that our biggest consideration comes down to the instructors who are going to be teaching you how to teach. No one makes more of a difference in the education you get than the people imparting the knowledge you need and giving you the condensed version of their hard-won experiences.
At these schools, you’ll find professors who are perfect role models for your own future as an educator: superb communications skills, an overwhelming command of the material, empathy and patience, and a quiet confidence in the ability of their students to absorb and master the subjects. They won’t quit on you. You’ll find them getting you through even the toughest material, in those moments when you’re whipped and it feels like you’ll never graduate.
And the retention rates at these schools reflect that. Instructors who go the extra mile to make sure students understand and absorb the lessons ensure that even the most rigorous curriculum won’t discourage future teachers.
This kind of excellence is verifiable. The best instructors have the kind of real-world grounding in practical teaching experience that tempers theory with practice, and have helmed ground-breaking research, producing widely read scholarly articles and delivering presentations that administrators other teachers refer back to for years. That gives them a kind of authority that is hard to beat, and it’s exactly that kind of thing you want to tap into for your own education.
Specialty Accreditation And Accolades for Academic Excellence
It should go without saying that the best teaching colleges have the best academic programs. We drilled down to find schools that have high standards and a tradition of graduating students who are not only employable, but highly sought-after.
Although not every school on the list has it and it wasn’t considered critical in our assessment, we did give weight to Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)-accreditation when we saw it. Many superb schools don’t hold this particular stamp of approval, but it really tells you that there is something special about those that do. The extra review by an organization that truly understands the ins and outs of modern teacher training is always a stamp of approval that is worth considering, and a number of these schools demonstrated they have the academic chops to pass the rigorous review process with flying colors.
Superb Community Connections and Student Teaching Options
Although many of these colleges have idyllic campuses with all the majesty and natural beauty people think of when they dream of the college experience, but more important are the resources they make available for aspiring teachers to tap into. First-rate facilities, research centers, computer labs, libraries and teaching labs all make a real difference in helping foster immersive, collaborative educational and research experiences.
That extends off-campus as well, where we looked for programs that offer diverse settings for your critical student teaching experiences. Everything from public to private school settings and both multicultural and socioeconomic diversity are on the table. Special needs classroom experiences and gifted teaching programs round out the experiential environments you can find, giving you a critical breadth in your training that will serve you well for your entire career, no matter where you end up teaching. And strong ties to local and regional school districts expand your network of contacts in the right places when it comes time to find a job.
Reputations That Resonate Nationally
The best schools can’t help but get noticed. And that often means they receive glowing reviews from reputable sources that make it their business to rank and recommend institutions based on their own set of proprietary criteria. So the best schools often get raves everywhere from the Carnegie Foundation and The Princeton Review to Forbes Magazine and U.S. News & World Report.
It’s not just on the media level, either. Take a look around at schools in your area… chances are, you’ll find plenty of graduates from the institutions right here on this list who are working and thriving there, and often advancing high into the administrative ranks. That’s no accident—it’s exactly what happens when you put together a first-rate education and experiences, and then turn those graduates loose in the workforce. And it leads to big alumni networks, giving you someone you can contact just about anywhere you might want to work.
That also means that having the name of any of these colleges on your CV can only help to get it moved to the top of the pile when it’s hiring time.
Unique Opportunities And Experiences
Whether it’s finding a school that runs its teaching certificate program on a cohort basis, keeping you together with the same tight-knit group of fellow students throughout your entire teacher training experience, or finding a program with a streamlined path to a master’s in a sought-after specialization that you can immediately roll into after completing your bachelor’s, there are dozens of highly specific characteristics to be found in schools that offer teacher training.
While we can’t tailor the list for every individual, what we did do was look for colleges that offered those kind of unique options rather than just a cookie-cutter approach to initial teacher preparation and licensure. From hybrid programs that deliver classes both online and on campus to those that offer free access to statewide teacher’s summits or prep courses for your credentialing exams, you’ll find schools on this list with all kinds of opportunities.
Sometimes, the opportunities can be WAY off-campus… many of these schools also offer international learning experiences, which can really open your eyes and increase your value in the job market. With multicultural classrooms becoming more and more the norm in the U.S., it’s never going to hurt to have some direct hands-on experience in other cultures yourself.
Your Guide to the Very Best Teaching Certificate Bachelor’s Programs in the Pacific Region for 2023
Because student preferences and needs are so individualized, we have included a lot of other information that didn’t factor into our selections, but which you may find useful as you look through to find your best fit. That includes all the subject areas covered at each school, whether or not it’s a public or private institution, and the estimated cost per credit for obtaining a degree there. You can’t make a final decision about the right school without digging in and doing plenty of research on your own, but we’re confident that you’ll find the important highlights you need right here to start narrowing it down.
So here it is – our top picks for the very best teaching certificate bachelor’s programs in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.
California
Michael D. Eisner College of Education
Northridge, CA
Website
BA in Liberal Studies (on-campus), Integrated Teacher Education Program
- Multiple Subject (Elementary Education)
- Single Subject (Secondary Education)
- Education Specialist (Special Education)
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $191 (in-state), $587 (out-of-state)
- Also offers: MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Language and Literacy, and Multicultural/Multilingual Education, Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Technology, and Multicultural and Multilingual Education in Secondary School; MA in Special Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing), Educational Administration, Higher Education Leadership, Instructional Design
- Cohort-style learning model features a dynamic blend of learning that includes seminars and field experiences
- Outstanding resources available through the Michael D. Eisner College of Education, the largest public college of education in California
California State University Northridge’s BA in Liberal Studies is strong on convenience, thanks to the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), which is part of the BA in Liberal Studies program. Through the ITEP, you’ll finish you bachelor’s degree and initial teaching credential concurrently, which allows you to graduate in just four years. The BA in Liberal Studies is a cohort program that is prized for its collaboration and communication and features a dynamic blend of learning that includes seminars and field experiences. The program is housed within the Michael D. Eisner College of Education, a nationally recognized school that values excellence, innovation, and social justice.
College of Education
San Bernardino, CA
Website
BA in Liberal Studies (on-campus)
- Multiple Subject (elementary)
- Single Subject (secondary)
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $191 (in-state), $587 (out-of-state)
- Also offers: MAEd in Bilingual/Cross-cultural Education, Career and Technical Education, Correctional & Alternative Education, Holistic and Integrative Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Reading and Literacy, and TESOL; MA in Educational Administration
- CSU San Bernardino is ranked among the best colleges and universities in the West by esteemed publications like The Princeton Review, Forbes and U.S. News and World Report
- University serves the nation’s largest county within the California State University system and is home to 20,000 students
Through the CSU San Bernardino BA in Liberal Studies, the path to an elementary or secondary teaching credential becomes a rich personal growth experience that will stay with you every school year for your entire career. That’s because CSU San Bernardino is known for skilled and caring instructors who have earned their stripes through strong backgrounds in research and practice. This is reflected in CSU San Bernardino’s track record for outstanding student outcomes, which includes one of the highest first-to-second-year retention rates within the California State University system. Your experience here is rounded out with strong partnerships with more than 55 school districts throughout the region – your ticket to outstanding opportunities for experiential learning through student teaching.
College of Education and Integrative Studies
Pomona, CA
Website
Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies (hybrid), Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
- Education Specialist, Mild/Moderate Disabilities
- Education Specialist, Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $191 (in-state), $587 (out-of-state)
- Also offers: MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership
- Cohort model features a blend of day and evening classes
- Convenient and flexible course delivery includes a blend of on-campus, hybrid, and online courses
Ideally integrated into the Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies program, the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at California State Polytechnic University is your accelerated path to an initial teaching credential as an education specialist in California. In fact, with the ITEP as your initial path to a career in teaching you’ll enter the classroom an entire year earlier than you would through a traditional undergraduate teacher prep program. Getting your education through a polytechnic means experiential learning is front and center, backed by a philosophy and approach to teaching that believes in learning by doing. The many diverse field experiences you’ll get as a CalPolly Pomona ITEP student will make your transition from college to the classroom an effortless one.
School of Education
Camarillo, CA
Website
BA in Liberal Studies (on-campus)
- Elementary Education Integrated Teaching Credential
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $191 (in-state), $587 (out-of-state)
- Also offers: MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Disability Studies; MA in Educational Leadership
- Outstanding academic support offered through the Clinical Experiences and Partnerships Office
- Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Public Schools for 2021
California State University Channel Islands offers a convenient liberal arts bachelor’s with a teaching credential built right in that allows you to earn your initial teaching license in elementary teaching in just four years. The Integrated Teaching Credential program prepares you to teach elementary (K-8) in a variety of subjects and features a comprehensive and convenient course of study that includes personalized support through its Clinical Experiences and Partnerships Office, a hub for any and all questions and issues regarding your academic experience and preparation for initial teacher certification in California. While it’s the youngest university within the CSU system, it certainly doesn’t fall short in terms of academic rigor and student success. In fact, it’s ranked among the nation’s Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report thanks to its strong graduation rates, faculty, financial resources, campus life, academic offerings, and more.
College of Educational Studies
Orange, CA
Website
BA in Integrated Educational Studies, Schools Emphasis (on-campus)
- Elementary
- Single Subject
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,894
- Also offers: MA in Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership Development
- National accreditation: CAEP
- Ranked among the top 50 schools in the nation for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report
- Superb alumni network of 50,000+ worldwide
Chapman University’s BA in Integrated Educational Studies with the Schools Emphasis is your effective pathway to an initial teaching certification that includes ample field experiences for a well-rounded course of study and options to study abroad if you have a global mindset. This comprehensive course of study is long on innovation and respect, earning it recognition from U.S. News & World Report and a designation as an R2 research institute by the Carnegie Foundation. As a student of Chapman, you’ll benefit from the university’s commitment to research through its many projects, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative learning environments. And thanks to the university’s commitment to academic excellence, graduates here are sought out by some of the top employers in the region, including the Los Angeles, Orange Santa Ana, and Irvine Unified School Districts. And if graduate work is in your sights, Chapman offers an accelerated, five-year Bachelor’s plus MA in Curriculum and Instruction.
School of Education
San Diego, CA
Website
BA (on-campus)
- Single Subject
- Special Education
BA/BS (on-campus)
- Art Education
- Biology
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies
- Exercise and Sport Science
- French
- History
- Mathematics
- Music Education
- Spanish
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,253
- Also offers: MAED in Educational Administration, Leadership in Learning
- Offered at the Mission Valley, Point Loma, and Bakersfield campuses
- Students receive free access to the California Teachers Summit, the Reading Workshop, and the four-day preparation courses for the CBEST
Point Loma Nazarene University Bachelor of Arts is a comprehensive and accelerated course of study that allows you to earn both your undergraduate degree and your initial teaching credential in just four, short years. This program comes with unique opportunities to enrich your academic experience, including free access to the California Teachers Summit, the Reading Workshop (hosted by the university), and the four-day preparation courses for the CBEST. Guided by a philosophy focused on serving others, along with ample practical learning experiences, special guest lectures, and workshops make this program the clear choice for the most dedicated aspiring teachers in Southern California. The low student-to-faculty ratio of just 14:1, support and guidance through valuable faculty mentorships, and study abroad opportunities round out this comprehensive course of Christian study to create a truly fulfilling educational experience.
Seaver College
Malibu, CA
Website
BA (on-campus)
- Multiple Subject
- Single Subject
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,925
- Also offers: MA in TESOL; MS in Leadership in Higher Education, Learning Design and Innovation, Leadership Pre-K to 12 Education, Organizational Leadership and Learning
- Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges in the nation
- Valuable addition of educational technology coursework into the program
The Pepperdine University undergraduate teacher preparation BA is an integrated program that allows you to complete both your bachelor’s degree and initial teaching credential in just four years. Pepperdine offers a beautiful Malibu location and a close-knit Christian environment where students enjoy equal parts spiritual exploration and academic excellence. As a student of Pepperdine, you’ll be well-prepared to teach in today’s technology-focused environment, thanks to the addition of educational technology content embedded in the curriculum and the one-week technology workshop that’s included as part of the program.
School of Leadership and Education Sciences
San Diego, CA
Website
Bachelor’s (on-campus)
- Multiple Subject, K-6
- Single Subject, 7-12
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- General Science
- Geosciences
- Math
- Physics
- Spanish
- Special Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,737
- Also offers: MA in Higher Education Leadership; MEd in ESOL, Literacy, and Culture, Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy and Digital Learning, School Leadership, STEAM
- Recognized as a Community Engagement Institution by the Carnegie Foundation
- Ranked among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report
The University of San Diego’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs provide you with everything you need for your initial teaching credential in California and are housed in an esteemed private institution that’s grounded in the Catholic tradition and built upon the university’s history of academic excellence. In fact, the University of San Diego has long been recognized among the nation’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Practical teaching experiences abound here, providing you with ample opportunities to gel with San Diego’s diverse community of learners. Choose SDU and you’ll be part of a long history of student success that includes a near-100% employment rate at graduation.
Benerd College
Stockton/San Francisco/Sacramento, CA
Website
BA in Liberal Arts (on-campus)
- Multiple Subject
- Single Subject
- Art
- English
- Mathematics
- Music
- History and Social Science
- Spanish
- Science
- Special Education
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,679
- Also offers: MAEd in Organizational Learning and Effectiveness
- Exceptional private school experience features small class sizes and a dedicated faculty
- Excellent student teaching opportunities thanks to Benerd’s strong partnerships with many regional school districts
Earn a bachelor’s degree and your initial teaching credential in California through the University of the Pacific and you’ll enjoy all of what this esteemed university has to offer: a dedicated, supportive faculty that delivers a truly personalized learning experience for every student. The outstanding, hands-on experiential learning you’ll participate in throughout the program culminates with unmatched student teaching opportunities courtesy of Benerd’s strong partnerships with districts throughout the region. The University of the Pacific is also a great value in private education, with its tuition earning it a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Values Schools list for 2021.
School of Education
La Mirada, CA
Website
BA in Liberal Studies (on-campus)
- Elementary Education
- Multidisciplinary
- Biology
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- Human Development
- Intercultural Studies
- Mathematics
- Spanish
- Special Education
- S. History
- Visual Arts
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,450
- Also offers: MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction; MS in Curriculum, Instruction and Publication
- Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s top “up and coming” national universities
- Outstanding experiential learning opportunities with children with special needs, ELLs, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds
The Biola University Integrated Teaching Credential BA in Liberal Studies offers a premier path to your initial teaching credential that’s grounded in the Christian faith and supported by a faculty of experienced practitioners and educators who are committed to your success. You’ll benefit from this biblically centered curriculum and the outstanding experiential learning opportunities that allow you to put all your pedagogical knowledge and skills into practice. You’ll learn in a wide variety of environments, including Christian and public schools and with children with special needs, ELLs, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This dynamic course of study is just one of the reasons why Biola earned a place on U.S. News & World Report’s top “up and coming” national universities.
Division of Teacher Education
Azusa, CA
Website
BA (on-campus)
- Single Subject
- Multiple Subject
- Special Education
- Mild/Moderate
- Moderate/Severe
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,361
- National accreditation: CAEP
- Also offers: MAEd in Learning and Technology; MA in Educational Technology
- Ranked among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report in 2019
- Consistently ranked among Forbes’ Top Colleges
The Azusa Pacific University undergraduate teacher preparation programs are built on a reputation of academic excellence and backed by recognition from esteemed publications like Forbes, the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Choose Azusa Pacific as your pathway to your K-12 teaching credential and you’ll enjoy small class sizes, the option of taking classes at one of its eight campus locations throughout Southern California, and a faculty who are consistently recognized for their innovation and leadership. In fact, innovation has always taken a front seat here, as is evidenced by the university’s classification as an R2 Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Foundation.
Hawaii
School of Education
Honolulu, HI
Website
BEd in Elementary Education K-6 (on-campus)
Estimated cost per semester credit: $960
- Outstanding learning environment features small class sizes, a dedicated faculty, and mentor educators
- Technology-driven program includes online learning, a digital portfolio-based web page assessment system, and high-tech classrooms
Other Program offerings:
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (Licensure Program)
- Master of Education in Secondary Education (Licensure Program)
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership with Instructional Design Concentration
Hawaii Pacific University offers a private school education in the heart of Honolulu, and its BEd in Elementary Education provides an excellent pathway to licensure as a Hawaii educator teaching grades K-6. You’ll love the Hawaii Pacific undergraduate teacher preparatory program for its convenient evening and select online courses, its small class sizes, and for its outstanding experiential learning opportunities in the region’s culturally diverse classrooms. An education at HPU gives lots of attention to educational technology so you’ll leave this program prepared to teach in any tech-heavy modern classroom. For example, the BEd in Elementary Education provides students with plenty of online learning tools, an e-portfolio assessment system, and classes that take place in high-tech classrooms.
Oregon
School of Music and Dance
Eugene, OR
Website
Bachelor of Music in Music Education (BMME), K-12 (on-campus)
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $307 (in-state), $837 (out-of-state)
- Also offers: MS, MEd in Educational Leadership; MS in Curriculum and Teacher Education: Cultural Foundations of Education, Teacher Inquiry, Curriculum Studies, ESOL, Educational Technology
- 100% of UO music education graduates seeking employment as K-12 public school music teachers have received job offers upon graduation
- Outstanding alumni network teaches throughout the U.S. and internationally in places like Italy, Spain, and China
The University of Oregon School of Music and Dance offers the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, one of just a few programs available on the West Coast to offer music teacher licensure within a four-year bachelor’s degree and one of the top programs of its kind in the nation. This premier program, which provides everything you need for initial teacher licensure in music (K-12), is supported by an innovative curriculum and a dedicated faculty that brings expertise in band and choral music together with elementary education, preparing you to impart to students a love and appreciation of music that will last a lifetime. As a student here, you’ll have access to the Cykler Music Education Library, which is home to a computer lab with state-of-the-art educational software, and top-notch research and curricular materials. You’ll have many opportunities to engage with music and other musicians, thanks to the more than 30 student ensembles and the 300 concerts and events held here each year.
School of Education
Portland, OR
Website
BA in Elementary (on-campus)
BS in Secondary Education (on-campus)
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,647
- National accreditation: CAEP
- Also offers: MEd in Reading Intervention, ESOL; MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- Outstanding alumni network includes more than 7,500 teachers and school leaders
- Optional Dual Language Specialization available by earning an ESOL endorsement and completing additional DL course and clinical experiences
The University of Portland undergraduate teacher prep programs boast an award-winning faculty, an immersive academic experience that includes hands-on learning throughout the program, and opportunities to double major or minor in the Arts and Sciences and add teaching endorsements in reading, special education, and ESOL. As a student here, you’ll have access to excellent professional development opportunities that include graduate studies, special teaching endorsements, leadership programs, and professional certificates, and you’ll enjoy superb opportunities to get involved in service learning. In fact, each year, students complete more than 140,000 hours of service in local schools and throughout the community. You can even enhance your education further with the addition of a Dual Language Specialization by pursuing ESOL endorsement and meeting additional DL course and clinical requirements.
College of Education
Forest Grove, OR
Website
BA in Education and Learning (on-campus)
- Elementary
- Special Education
BEd in Teaching and English Language Learning (hybrid)
- Elementary-Multiple Subjects
- Single Subject
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,571
- National accreditation: CAEP
- Also offers: MAEd; MEd in Reading Intervention, Talented and Gifted, Dyslexia, Technology and Learning
- Outstanding international teaching experiences available
- Minor in ESOL available
Pacific University’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs are built on a solid foundation of academic excellence and led by a community of respected scholars and practitioners. You’ll study with a close cohort of your peers for an immersive, collaborative educational experience, whether at the Roseburg, Eugene, or Woodburn campus. And if a global experience is part of your academic plans, Pacific University offers the addition of an ESOL minor and exciting international placements that allow you to explore school systems and cultures in places like New Zealand, Ecuador, Mexico, Kenya, and Chile. Are you an instructional assistant or other professional working in a K-12 school who’s looking to build upon your previous education and earn your initial teacher certification? Then the BEd in Teaching and English Language Learning is designed for you! This hybrid program can be completed in just 20 months!
Washington
College of Education
Pullman/Spokane/Tri-Cities/Vancouver/Everett, WA
Website
BA (on-campus)
- Elementary
- Secondary
Estimated cost per semester credit: $358 (in-state), $856 (out-of-state)
- Also offers: MA, MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Language, Literacy, and Technology Education
- Designated a “highest research activity” doctoral institution by the Carnegie Classification
- Outstanding global learning opportunities include more than 500 study abroad programs in more than 48 countries
The academic reach of Washington State University is extensive, so the opportunities available to students here are unmatched by any other school in the region. Choose the BA in either elementary or secondary education as your pathway to initial certification and you’ll benefit from WSU’s world class faculty of active researchers committed to advancing the field of education. The superb service-learning opportunities here have students clocking tens of thousands of hours of civic engagement work every year. The low student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1 ensures a tight-knit collaborative learning environment, and with an alumni network more than 200,000 strong you’ll never be far from a fellow former Cougar at any point in your career. If international study is part of your academic plan, WSU has you covered there, too, thanks to more than 500 study abroad programs in more than 48 countries. The university’s century-old reputation for academic excellence is supported by the many accolades bestowed upon it in recent years, including a designation from the Carnegie Foundation for an unmatched level of research activity.
College of Education
Seattle, WA
Website
BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, Elementary Education Specialization (K-8) (on-campus)
BA in Humanities for Teaching (on-campus)
- Secondary Education
- Elementary Education and ELL Endorsement
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $1,057
- Also offers: MAEd in Adult Education and Training, Student Development Administration; MEd in Educational Administration and Leadership, Educating Non-Native English Speakers
- BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with an elementary education specialization is ranked second in the nation among integrative programs
- Seattle University’s College of Education enjoys an 85-plus-year tradition of producing the next generation of effective, ethical educators
Seattle University’s undergraduate teacher preparatory programs provide a top-notch private school education that’s focused on the unique needs of today’s learners. Its Humanities for Teaching with Elementary Education Specialization prepares you for the Washington State elementary teaching credential and ELL endorsement, while the BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with an elementary education specialization is an integrative program that combines content from the College of Education and Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies and is ranked among the best in the nation. Whichever program best meets your professional goals, you’ll feel good knowing you’re completing a program that’s rooted in the Catholic tradition and studying within an institution that’s been educating effective and ethical educators since 1935.
School of Education
Seattle, WA
Website
BA in Integrated Studies (on-campus)
- Elementary
- P-12
- Visual Arts
- Theatre Arts
- Music (Choral, General, Instrumental)
- Health and Fitness
- Designated World Languages
- Special Education
BA/BS in Secondary Education (on-campus)
Estimated cost per quarter credit: $1,038
- Also offers: MEd in Educational Leadership, Digital Education Leadership, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, Literacy, Language, and Equity
- Consistently ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best National Universities
- Low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1 ensures a personalized learning experience
The BA in Integrated Studies through Seattle Pacific University is built on the university’s long-standing reputation as one of the premier teacher education programs in the state and in the region. A unique blend of Christian principles and valuable Seattle practical experiences has delivered programs that have been producing the next generation of educators for more than 90 years. Collaboration, communication, and a distinct focus on community engagement ensure these programs are as dynamic as you’d expect from a nationally ranked private university. It’s no wonder Seattle Pacific has been consistently ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best National Universities.
Department of Education
Tacoma, WA
Website
BAE (on-campus)
- Elementary (endorsements in Special Education, Reading, ELL, World Languages, and secondary endorsements in Health/Fitness and Music available)
- Middle School
- P-12 (Reading, Special Education, English Language Learners)
- P-12 Health and Fitness Education
BMS in Music Education (on-campus)
Estimated program cost per semester credit: $1,514
- Outstanding record of student success includes a 90% employment rate six months after graduation
- Consistently ranked among the Best Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Superb study abroad opportunities available
Pacific Lutheran University’s pathways to initial teacher certification are effective (90% are employed within six months after graduation)… collaborative and personalized (thanks to a low, 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio)… and rich in research opportunities and study abroad experiences. In fact, 50% of all students here complete some type of international study experience. Pacific Lutheran was the first American university to have study away classes on all seven continents simultaneously and was the first university on the West coast to receive the Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. Choose PLU for your bachelor’s degree and path to initial teacher certification and you’ll be part of a university that’s been consistently ranked among the Best Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
School of Education
Spokane, WA
Website
BA (on-campus)
- Elementary
- Special Education
- Secondary
Estimated cost per semester credit: $1,501
- Also offers: MA in Administrative and Nonprofit Leadership; MEd in Educational Administration, Teaching and Learning; MAT in Gifted and Talented
- Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among the Best in the West by the Princeton Review
Whitworth University’s BA program leading to initial teacher certification is part of the esteemed School of Education, which boasts one of the highest placement rates in the state. A $140 million-plus investment in the school’s campus, record levels of student enrollment and retention, and an unwavering commitment to providing a top-notch education within a Christian environment are just a few of the perks of earning your bachelor’s degree and teaching certification at Whitworth University. Its commitment to academic excellence earned Whitworth a host of national accolades in recent years, including a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Universities in the West list and the Princeton Review’s Best in the West list. It was also the recipient of the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine.