Master in Teaching with Elementary Certification

Completing the Master in Teaching program

Completing the Master in Teaching program along with meeting state requirements leads to a Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate with an Elementary (K – 8) Endorsement as well as a master’s degree. The program can be completed in 15 months full-time and 27 months part-time.

The Master in Teaching with Elementary Certification program has an emphasis on social justice. The WSU Vancouver MIT program emphasizes the connection between teaching experiences and the practical realities of K – 8 classrooms, as well as the importance of collaboration with colleagues and students on teaching strategies and a professional network.

Admission requirements

Bachelor’s degree

Admission is selective and requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (per Graduate School policy) in a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This degree can be in any content area.

Testing

  • Take a basic skills test ACT/SAT/WEST-B (all sections—mathematics, reading and writing) per Washington state teacher certification requirements. There is no preference for one test or another, and no minimum score required; old scores can be submitted. Scores must be on file at WSU Pullman at the time of application.
  • If ordering SAT scores, visit the College Board website and use school code: 4705.
  • If ordering ACT scores, visit the ACT website and use school code: 4482.
  • If registering for the WEST-B, select the State of Washington and WSU Pullman to receive official test scores.
  • Applicants must also pass both subtests one and two of the NES test for Elementary Education and submit scores by the time of application. All test scores must be sent to WSU Pullman.

Experience with children

Supervised experience with K – 8 children is required. Public school classroom experience is preferred, babysitting/nannying is not acceptable. Email Academic Coordinator to discuss whether your experiences qualify. Documented experiences must be completed by the time of application and must have occurred within three years of the program start date.

Program structure

The program begins annually in May (summer semester). It involves a minimum of 52 semester hours of certification courses including a year-long field experience. This program does not allow time for full-time employment. You will need to be available during the weekday for field-based work in local schools and for classes in person on the WSU Vancouver campus.

Summer semester schedule (first semester in program):

  • Classes are scheduled across the whole summer term (early May – late July), with most classes offered twice a week during the day or late afternoon.

Fall semester schedule:

  • Fall classes are usually offered during the late afternoons and evenings Monday – Thursday.

  • Teacher candidates spend two full school days a week at their placement school for their pre-internship.

Spring semester schedule (final term in program): 

  • Teacher candidates spend five full days per week (Monday – Friday) at their placement school for their student teaching internship.

Summer semester schedule (final term in program)

  • Teacher candidates complete MIT 702: Final Master's project to complete the MIT degree requirements. This course has one in-person presentation in mid-June.