Image

Elementary Education Teaching Certification - M.A.

This program is offered in-person at WMU's Main Campus with online course options.

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

  • Hold a bachelor's degree in any area of study
  • Are able to be placed in a full-time internship or paid position during their final semester OR who are already working in an elementary classroom
  • Want to be a part of a supportive professional learning community
  • Are ready to complete the required online classes in 16 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.
  • Image

    Hitting the standard: The WMU teacher education unit is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Additional information

  • 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

Image

WMU signature

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!
Image

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.
Image

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.

Questions? Contact Dr. Regena Fails Nelson