Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education at Western Washington University

The Elementary Education at Western Washington University is a Full Time Graduate Certificate program offered across its Main Site and WWU - Bellingham campuses in Bellingham , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 1 year. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on September 27, 2026.

About Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education

This program centers an anti-bias, anti-racist, social justice philosophy and leads to a recommendation to the state of Washington for a teaching certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement. Students seeking a bachelor's degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Why Consider an Elementary Education Professional Program?

Elementary teachers have a unique opportunity to make a difference in their communities by laying the foundation for both future academic learning and for future participation in democratic society. By helping students learn how to learn, develop problem-solving capacities, cultivate stamina, and learn the value of practice, they set the stage for successful life-long learning. By introducing students to key understandings and inquiry processes of subject matter disciplines, they set the stage for deeper learning through subsequent schooling. By helping students learn to appreciate each other, value their differences, and collaborate successfully, they help build healthy, sustainable, globally interconnected communities for tomorrow. By doing all of these things, they help address existing inequities and promote the well-being of our society.

Disciplines

Woodring College of Education

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education at Western Washington University

Entry Requirements

Transcripts

You are required to upload a scanned or electronically generated unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended as part of the application. Provide a copy of your diploma if your transcript does not list the degree awarded.

If you are admitted, a final, official transcript from each institution is still required before you can enroll. If your undergraduate degree is still in progress, please upload current transcripts at the time of application. If you are admitted and choose to attend WWU, you will be required to submit a final official transcript showing the award of the bachelor's degree prior to registration.

Documents must be issued within the last two years at the time of application.
To be considered official, transcripts must be in sealed envelopes prepared by the university or college; attested / certified copies prepared by the institution may be accepted if originals cannot be provided by the institution.
All transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the institution, Ministry of Education (or equivalent), or an accredited agency.

Credential Evaluation

This is NOT in lieu of official transcripts, but an additional requirement.

If your degree was earned outside the US or Canada, submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation. We accept both WES evaluations (standard course-by-course or ICAP), and Educational Perspectives evaluations through the CertiFile Certified Credential Attachment service.
- Note: If you choose to submit a WES evaluation, we recommend the ICAP product, because it includes verified copies of your official transcripts and eliminates the need to provide a separate official transcript to our office if you are admitted and choose to attend WWU.
- Please see Certifile Order Process for detailed information about ordering a degree evaluation through the CertiFile service.
You must have earned, or must be in the process of earning the equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree prior to beginning the graduate program.
The degree-granting institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in the country where the degree was earned.

Please contact the Graduate School office if you have questions or need clarification on these requirements. Applications cannot be sent to the department for admission consideration until all required documents are received.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 86

Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education

Elementary school teacher | middle school teacher with additional endorsements

Tuition and Fee Information for Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education at Western Washington University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education at Western Washington University

Most materials, including unofficial transcripts, your statement of purpose, and writing samples (if required), are required to be uploaded at the time you submit your application. Preparing them in advance will expedite your process.

If you have questions about the application, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our staff is available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time), at (360) 650-3170 or [email protected].

Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education at Western Washington University

Western Washington University

United States of America, Bellingham