Elementary Education Teaching Certification - M.A.

This program is offered online.

This master's program meets state requirements to obtain elementary education certification at the graduate level and is designed for non-certified elementary educators who:

Are currently employed full-time in a K-5th grade classroom that can serve as your internship placement or can be placed for a full-time internship or paid position during the school year
Want to be a part of a supportive professional learning community
Are ready to complete the required online classes in 12 months

Why elementary education at Western Michigan University?

High-ranking: WMU is ranked No. 3 in the state of Michigan and in the top 100 public institutions for best graduate schools in education.
Real-world experience: Students in this program complete a year-long clinical experience with the required coursework for certification. Additionally, students co-teach with trained mentors and receive extensive coaching during the school year
Cohort model: Students in this program work in cohorts and receive targeted feedback on their practice as they apply what they are learning in their coursework.
Early career support: Students will have the opportunity to be placed in the district as full-time teachers and receive comprehensive induction support for three years.
Creating exceptional educators: Michigan school principals ranked 95% of new teachers prepared at WMU as “effective” or “highly effective” in 2021-22.
Hitting the standard: The WMU teacher education unit is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Students may be eligible for $20,000 in funding through the Urban Teacher Residency Program.

Candidate interviews

Admission to this program requires an interview prior to submitting an application to the program. There are limited spots for each cohort. Complete the form prior to December 1. You will be notified by December 1 to schedule your interview. If selected, there will be an orientation in April.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Regena Nelson for more information.

Schedule an interview

Video of WMU UTRP

This program helps you become a holistic educator; shows you how to work with different backgrounds.
_{Zyaire Kahnah (read more)}

Additional information

Who should apply?
Those who hold a bachelor's degree and are seeking initial teaching certification in elementary education.
Complete this form to be contacted by December 1 for a pre-application interview.
Interviews will determine selection for the cohort.
Once selected for the cohort, submit the graduate program application.
Cost and funding
Tuition and fees
Cost of attendance
Scholarships
Assistantships
Grants
Loans
Employer-paid tuition
Military and veterans
Helpful links
College of Education and Human Development
International Admissions and Services
Graduate College
Office of Military and Veterans Affairs
Visit Campus
Admissions requirements
Pre-application interview
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of undergraduate work.
A concise written statement of purpose (250 words or less) indicating the applicant’s reasons for seeking admission to the program and what the applicant hopes to accomplish during the program of study.
Two letters of recommendation.
A resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Teacher education resources

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All WMU students have the option to stand out with an integrative learning project in one of several pathways including health and diversity and includsion, leadership and more!

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Office of Clinical Experiences

The Office of Clinical Experiences at Western Michigan University is responsible for the coordination and oversight of all field experiences (internships and student teaching) associated with teacher education curricula.

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Office of Teacher Certification

Western Michigan University's Office of Teacher and Administrator is here to assist you with the application process and aid in preparing you for recommendation for certification.

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