Elementary Education (BA) + Special Education (M.Ed.)
Music (BA) + Master’s in Teaching (MIT)
Currently enrolled Saint Martin’s undergraduate students can choose highly efficient 4+1 pathways to teacher certification that combine undergraduate and graduate courses. Students interested in elementary education can choose the BA + M.Ed. pathway, earning their teaching certificate at the end of four years and moving straight into a master’s degree in special education. Students interested in secondary education can earn a bachelor’s degree in their subject matter area and move right into a graduate level teacher certification program. Both pathways allow students to take graduate courses during their undergraduate years, saving both time and money, and preparing them to enter the teaching profession with increased earning potential and robust expertise in their content area.
Why choose the 4 + 1 pathway?
4 + 1 allows you to complete your Master's degree program in only one additional year beyond your undergraduate degree. Your financial aid from your undergraduate program is applied to the courses in your junior and senior years so it is approximately $15,000 in savings.
Additional benefits:
- No graduate application fee
- Transcripts are not required (as they can be acquired from Registrar's Office)
- Priority access for graduate assistantships
The program's flexible structure allows you to choose when you want to enter the profession. You can be certified and teach as soon as your BA-Elementary Education degree is complete, and then complete the final courses for your M.Ed.-Special Education in the evenings as you work. Or, you can choose to teach at the completion of your Master's degree program.
Similarly, if you are pursuing secondary education, you can enter the MIT program to earn certification right after completing your undergraduate degree, or you can choose to work in your field before finishing your graduate certification studies.
Whichever option you choose, after completing your 4+1 pathway, you will graduate with:
- A bachelor's degree after 4 years
- A master’s degree after 1 additional year
- A Washington state teaching certificate
- A subject-matter endorsement
- Content-specific expertise and training
Note: admission into the graduate portion of a 4+1 pathway is not guaranteed. All applicants to the M.Ed. or MIT programs must meet minimum program application standards, regardless of prior 4+1 participation.
Saints succeed
“This opportunity rocks! The classes are cutting edge, and the instructors are amazing. If you want to make a difference in diversity, equity, and inclusion, this is your program!”
Bethany Camera-Schley ’23
College of Arts, Sciences and Education
