4 + 1 or 2 + 2 + 1 Program
BA - Elementary Education
MED - Special Education
Currently enrolled Saint Martin's undergraduate special education or elementary education students have the opportunity to continue on and earn a Master of Education (MED) through our 4 + 1 program. This comprehensive program creates a unique, accelerated pathway to teaching. You will enter the profession with deep qualifications and classroom/community-based experiences that make you a standout in the field.
Why choose the 4 + 1 program?
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
- Letters of recommendation are waived
- 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 MED-Special Education in the evenings as you work. Or, you can choose to teach at the completion of your Master's degree program.
Whichever option(s) you choose, you will graduate with:
- Bachelor's degree with elementary teacher certification in 4 years
- Master's degree in special education (1 additional year as opposed to 2) and
- Recommendation for WA special education endorsement
- Social justice in learning and in action! Our content and approaches are equity centered and action oriented, enriched by the Benedictine values of justice, respect, and peace
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 Education and Counseling
Requirements
Eligibility to apply requirements
Students must:
- Students must meet all graduate admissions eligibility requirements. Students will not be required to prove English Language Proficiency a second time.
- Students typically have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including credits earned from Advanced Placement, Running Start (Dual Credit), International Baccalaureate (IB), etc. in order to apply. Credit verification and program eligibility will be discussed at the pre-program advising consultation with the education student support coordinator.
- Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits—whether from the transfer institution alone or in combination with Saint Martin's credits.
Course requirements
If accepted, up to 12 credits of approved graduate courses may be applied toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. This condition is specific to a 4 + 1 program. Thus, but the undergraduate and graduate degrees in education could be earned in five academic years. For information, please refer to the graduate academic catalog.
