priority application date Summer Quarter 2009: Thursday, March 5, 2009.

Secondary Science Admission & Application

Please note: all enrolled students are required to provide proof of measles (rubeola) immunity. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the UW Tacoma Registrar's Office confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before 01/01/57 are considered to be immune to measles and therefore do NOT need to submit proof of immunity.

Admission Requirements

The Secondary Science Education Program admits students for Summer quarter only. Complete applications received by the Priority Application Date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the Priority Application Date will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Remember, several items are required to complete your application. Transcripts often take several weeks to arrive. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received.

Bachelor's Degree

from a regionally-accredited university or college. Applicants who are in the final quarter or semester of their undergraduate work may apply for provisional admission, but must hold a bachelor's degree before beginning the Secondary Science Education Program.

3.0 Grade-Point Average

calculated from the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission depending on the quality of their academic work and educational experience with secondary school-aged children.

One Official Transcript

from every college or university you have attended.

A Completed Course

in Adolescent or Lifespan Development. This course must focus on the psychological development to include social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. Course must be 100-level or above and must have a grade of 2.0 or better.

Program Selection Document

requires that you indicate the certification option that you will pursue.

Personal Goal Statement

of one to two pages which describes to the Admissions Committee why you would like to teach. The goal statement is an important part of the application because it allows you to share a part of yourself that we typically would not see in your GPA. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number on each sheet.

Resume

of professional experience, educational background and other relevant information including volunteer experience.

Two Confidential, Sealed, Letters of Recommendation

submitted on behalf of the applicant from individuals who can speak about the candidate's commitment, academic ability, and potential as a teacher.

40 Hours of Documented Experience

(minimum) within the last 5 years in a public school classroom. The classroom should closely match the subject and age level you wish to teach.

Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B) scores

Required of all applicants to the Secondary Education Program. Applicants must take the test no later than April 4, 2009 to be considered for admission to the Summer 2009 class. Visit the WEST-B website for a Study Guide, registration details, and other information about the test.

WEST-E

in content area: Science, Earth Science and/or Biology. Applicants must take the test no later than April 4, 2009 to be considered for admission to the Summer 2009 class. For more information on the WEST-E, please visit the WEST-E Website.

Test Note: The WEST-B and WEST-E are administered on the same day. Therefore, you must be prepared to take one of the two prior to the April 4, 2009 test date (i.e. Jan. 10 or Feb. 21).

Personal Interview

Selected finalists will be invited for a personal interview.

Application Materials

for the Secondary Science Education Program are now available for download from our website.

Application Procedures

Visit our Admissions page to download application materials!

The application checklist below is a helpful document to ensure that all items are complete. No action can be taken until all materials are received.

Washington State Certification

Upon successful completion of the secondary science education program, students will be recommended to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for a Residency Teacher Certificate with an endorsement in Science, Earth Science and/or Biology for grades 5-12. For information on the WEST-E exam go to the WEST-E Website. Students may qualify for additional endorsements based on prior course work and a passing score on the WEST-E for their endorsement area.

Tuition Information and Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Enrollment Services for specific information on tuition rates and financial aid.