Teacher Certification Program (TCP)

Developed for individuals who have always wanted to become teachers, this program allows opportunities for growth and learning in an online cohort, guided by Christian scholars who are dedicated to your success. Whether you're seeking a bachelor's or master's degree with a Washington teacher certificate – or your teacher certification only – Whitworth has an option for you.

Want to learn more about becoming a teacher in Washington state? Chat with an advisor – we’re here to help. Call 509.777.3222 or email csadmissions@whitworth.edu.

Snapshot
Course Format	Online with virtual class sessions in the evening
Average Completion Time	Bachelor's with Certification 2.5 years with A.A. or applied associate degree (A.A.S. or other); 5 years with no transfer credits Master's with Certification 3 years Certification Only (for those who hold a bachelor's) 2.5 years
Cost Per Credit	$565 per credit (financial aid & scholarships available) $1,000 tuition discount** for all students who qualify during final student teaching semester
Application Deadline	Four weeks prior to start date
Cohort Model	Yes

**Tuition rate for the 2025-26 academic year; rate applies to undergraduate-level students. Cost for graduate-level students is $675 per credit.

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What will I study?

Teacher certification students will learn:

How to effectively instruct and assess K12 learning
An understanding for the diversity of learners
How to identify and describe the roles that social, cultural, linguistic, physical and community contexts play in the classroom

Program Details

Bachelor's Degree with Certification

This track includes courses to allow you to earn both your B.A. in elementary education and your Washington state teacher certificate. If you are interested in obtaining certification in a secondary content area, please give us a call to speak with an advisor for more information. A program can be developed with supervisor approval.

Master's Degree with Certification

For those who currently hold bachelor's degrees, Whitworth's Teacher Certification Program allows you to complete your Washington state teacher certificate while you're working toward a master's degree. Enroll in the 500-level courses and apply 20-24 credits toward an M.Ed. degree. If you are interested in obtaining certification in a secondary content area, please give us a call to speak with an advisor for more information. A program can be developed with department approval.

Certification Only

For those who currently hold a bachelor's or master's degree, Whitworth offers a program that allows you to acquire an elementary teaching certification or a secondary certification in an endorsable content area (e.g., math, science, English, language arts, history).

"I am so thankful for the experience I gained teaching virtually. Despite its many stressors, learning to teach virtually provided me with experience and an extra skill set that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned. The pandemic showed everyone that you truly never stop learning!"

Melody Amene

Transfer Information

Already have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Applied Associate Degree (A.A.S. or other)?

With an A.A. or applied associate degree from a community college, you may transfer to Whitworth's teacher certification program as a junior, receiving 60-64 semester credits toward your bachelor's degree. You can complete your degree in as little as two to three years. Check out our generous transfer policy here.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you've obtained knowledge through experience outside of the traditional classroom, you may earn up to 32 semester credits of electives through subject tests, certifications, licenses, self-directed study, work-related trainings and more. For more details about credit for prior learning, click here.

Excellence in Teacher Preparation

Whitworth University is acknowledged as a leader in teacher preparation. School administrators actively recruit Whitworth graduates knowing that our program prepares educators who excel and will lead with integrity and commitment. The Teacher Certification Program blends theory with practice by arranging classroom experiences each term. Within the final semester you will have the opportunity to complete a full-time student-teaching practicum and an intercultural experience designed to help you become a well-prepared educator.

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Cohort Format

Whitworth's Teacher Certification Program is offered in a cohort format. Simply put, this means that you'll be part of a small group (approximately 15 students) who work collaboratively through the teacher certification curriculum in sequence. Within the final semester, you'll complete a full-time student-teaching practicum.

School of Education Mission

Degree Requirements

Teacher Certification Program Cohort Admission Requirements

In addition to being admitted to the School of Continuing Studies, students must meet the following requirements to be admitted to the Teacher Certification Program cohort:

Successfully complete Basic Skills Testing (WEST-B Reading, Writing and Mathematics; or SAT/ACT alternatives)
Earn a 3.0 GPA at Whitworth with at least a C in all pre-cohort certification courses
Successfully complete Foundations of Education
Receive a positive dispositional evaluation
Complete a written interview
Submit professional recommendations
Obtain pre-residency clearance (during first semester of the cohort)

For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this major, please view the course catalog.

Prerequisites and Content-Area Requirements

EDE 304/504

Foundations of Education: Philosophy, Practice & Professionalism

3 credits

Elementary Teacher Certification Curriculum - 47 credits

MA 220	Structure of Elementary Mathematics	3 credits
EDE 204	Child & Adolescent Development	3 credits
EDE 261	Social Studies/JMLSTI Content & Methods	3 credits
EDE 325W*	Exceptional Learners & UDL: Meeting the Needs of All Students	3 credits
EDE 332C	Math Practicum (12 weeks)	1 credit
EDE 343	K-9 Natural Science Content & Methods for Educators	3 credits
EDE 348/448	K-8 STEAM Methods - Arts, Movement & Health Integration	3 credits
EDE 357*	K-9 Primary & Intermediate Mathematics in the Classroom	4 credits
EDE 358	Lesson Design & Differentiation for Diverse & Multilingual Learners	3 credits
EDE 367	Introduction to Intercultural Education	1 credit
EDE 368	Intercultural Immersion Experience	2 credits
EDE 441C	Literacy Practicum (12 weeks)	1 credit
EDE 444*	Emergent Reading & Intermediate Literacy Methods	4 credits
EDE 463*	Foundations for Student Success: Assessment & Classroom Management	2 credits
EDE 470	TCP Capstone Seminar	2 credits
EDE 496	Clinical Practicum	9 credits

*Optional MA pathway courses available.

Secondary Teacher Certification Curriculum - 33 credits

For secondary certification, an academic major or sufficient coursework in an approved content area is required.

EDE 204	Child & Adolescent Development	3 credits
EDE 304/504*	Foundations of Education & Critical Issues in Education	3 credits
EDE 325W	Exceptional Learners and UDL: Meeting the Needs of All Students	3 credits
EDE 369	Secondary Lesson Design & Differentiation for Diverse & Multilingual Leaners	3 credit
EDE 351A	Practicum I - Differentiation & Classroom Management Focus	1 credit
EDE 351B	Practicum 2 - Instruction & Assessment	1 credit
EDE 367*	Introduction to Intercultural Education	1 credit
EDE 368*	Intercultural Immersion Experience	2 credits
EDE 470	Teacher Certification Program Capstone Seminar	2 credits
EDU 465W	Secondary Content Area Reading, Writing & Assessment	3 credits
EDE 463/564*	Foundations for Student Success: Assessments & Classroom Management	2 credits
EDE 496	Clinical Practicum	9 credits

*Optional MA pathway courses available.

Graduation Requirements & Electives

All adult education programs from Whitworth must include shared curriculum and elective coursework to complete degree requirements. Some of the requirements may be met by courses offered in the major. Check with an advisor for details.

Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate – 126

Total credits needed at Whitworth will vary depending on credits transferred from other institutions and/or earned via credit for prior learning.

What type of job can I get?

Elementary certification allows you to teach from kindergarten to eighth grade.
Secondary certification allows you to teach in middle school and high school in a specific content area (i.e., math, science or history).
A master's degree in education with certification allows you to teach at the level for which you are certified, or at the community college or university level.

Our grads get great jobs.

In addition to most local and many regional districts, graduates from Whitworth's Teacher Certification Program are employed in school districts across North Idaho, northwest Washington, Southern Arizona, Montana, Alaska, Nevada, Hawaii, South Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin, China and even Oman.