Endorsement Advising and Exams

Learn more about Seattle University’s Master in Teaching program’s endorsement options, endorsement advising service, and exams required before enrollment.

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Endorsements

An endorsement is the specific subject matter or content area listed on a teaching certificate in Washington State. The state requires teacher candidates to demonstrate the content knowledge needed to teach the grade level standards for their initial endorsement subject(s). All applicants must complete the endorsement coursework outlined in their respective endorsement verification form. This coursework must be completed prior to starting the MIT program. Applicants do not need to have all of the coursework completed at the time of application; however, they should indicate plans for how they will complete the requirements prior to the program start date on their submitted endorsement verification form.

Endorsement Advising

The Master in Teaching program provides individualized endorsement advising for applicants. Here are the recommended steps for the endorsement form and advising session:

  1. Begin by completing the Endorsement Verification Form to the best of your ability
  2. Submit this Google Form to request an endorsement advising session.
    • Please note: you will need to include your unofficial transcript(s) in your submission form. 
  3. An Endorsement Advisor will review your submission and reach out to you within 7 days* regarding next steps. The advisor will let you know:
    • What courses have or haven't been accepted to meet requirements
    • What courses we need more information on to determine eligibility (i.e., syllabus or course description
    • What coursework requirements you still need to meet

*During breaks between quarters, response may be delayed due to faculty being out of office. If you do not hear back within the timeframe, please email teacheredendorsements@seattleu.edu.

Endorsement Options

Learn more about the different endorsement options:

The elementary endorsement prepares students to teach students K-8.

Since the elementary endorsement covers a broad range of coursework, many applicants need to take additional courses to meet the prerequisite coursework requirements listed on the elementary endorsement form. The MIT program makes it easy to meet the course requirements by offering Elementary Content Modules.

The Secondary Endorsement option allows you to teach grades 6-12.

Below are the specific secondary endorsement areas offered at Seattle University.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Designated World Languages Endorsement Form: French, Japanese, Spanish  
  • Earth and Space Science
  • English Language Arts
  • History  
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Science**  
  • Social Studies
  • Theater Arts**  
  • Visual Arts

**Students seeking an endorsement in Theater Arts and General Science must also have an endorsement in a second subject area. Common combinations are Theater Arts and Language Arts, or Biology and General Science.

Exams

Applicants are required to take the WEST-B and WEST-E/NES exams and upload their scores but are not required to pass the exams upon application submission. If admitted, applicants must take the exams before you start the program to remain enrolled. Applicants can reference the corresponding endorsement form to ensure they register for the correct test.

All applicants must take the Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or submit test scores for an accepted alternative test prior to the beginning of the program. The WEST-B consists of three sections: Reading, Writing, and Math. The test is available  online.

Due to current legislation, the State of WA does not require a passing score for the WEST-B or its accepted alternatives. Below are the acceptable alternatives for the WEST-B. If you choose to use ACT or SAT scores, and you did not have an essay sub-test as part of your exam, you will need to also take the WEST-B writing sub-test.  

Accepted alternatives for all applicants:

Alternatives for out-of-state applicants:

  • CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)  
  • Praxis I  
  •  NES Essential Academic Skills Test  

All applicants must take and pass the Washington Educator Skills Test - Endorsement (WEST-E) or National Evaluation Series (NES) test in their endorsement area(s) prior to beginning the program. This test is not a requirement to apply to the program. If admitted, applicants will need to provide official passing scores to Seattle University prior to August 10 (of your entry year). The NES passing score is 220. The WEST-E passing score is 240. These tests are available  online.  

Designated World Language (DWL): The DWL endorsement is only offered in the MIT program. 

  • DWL West-E: The DWL endorsement is only offered in the MIT program. The WEST-E for DWL does not need to be taken prior to the beginning of the MIT program. Students obtaining this endorsement will need to take and pass the corresponding WEST-E before beginning their internship.  
  • ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)Test: ALL students obtaining a DWL endorsement (French, Spanish, Japanese) do need to take and pass both the written (WPT) and oral (OPI) sections of the ACTFL test prior to the start of the program. Both sections must be passed at the level of "Advanced Low" or better. Test registration can be completed online.

The College of Education has a limited number of vouchers available to cover the cost of the test fee for the WEST-B, WEST-E, and/or NES exams. Please email teachered@seattleu.edu to request a voucher. Vouchers are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Ashley Miller

Senior Admissions Counselor

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