Admissions
Teachers College admissions requirements.
Admissions to our online Teachers College degree programs.
The WGU Teachers College is a recognized national leader in online teacher education. Below are admissions requirements specific to Teachers College programs that are in addition to WGU’s general admissions requirements.
Special requirements for select programs:
Programs leading to initial teacher licensure
Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility. This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.
WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Demonstration Teaching. You must be at least 18 years of age before you may begin the application process or participate in Preclinical Experiences and Demonstration Teaching. You must also submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.
Learn more about Demonstration Teaching and becoming a licensed teacher at WGU.
Programs leading to endorsement
If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement (for example, the M.A. in Mathematics Education, with an endorsement to teach secondary mathematics) and you plan to eventually apply for the endorsement, the following is required of you:
- A copy of a valid teaching license.
- Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.
An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program.
Additional requirements for program entry:
M.S. Educational Leadership program
Prior to entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership degree program, you will be required to complete a candidate interview and provide the following:
- Evidence of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Proof of a state issued, valid, and unexpired standard professional license
- A resume showing three years of licensed professional experience in a P-12 setting (excluding probationary, temporary, and substitute teaching experience)
- A confidential recommendation
- Recent annual summative performance evaluation
Additionally, you will complete and submit a Practicum Site Agreement. Use the version for your state of residence.
M.A. in Teaching degree programs
To be considered eligible for enrollment into a M.A. in Teaching degree program, you must provide official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, regionally accredited university and meet appropriate content requirements as described below by subject area:
- English Education (Secondary)
- Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
- Mathematics Education (Secondary)
- Science Education (Secondary Biology)
- Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
- Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
- Science Education (Secondary Physics)
The M.A. in Teaching, Elementary Education degree requires a 2.5 minimum GPA (or higher, depending upon your state), or the competency-based equivalent, in your B.A. program. An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.
We can help you make an informed decision.
The first step toward change can be the hardest—we get it. Your "welcoming committee" at WGU is made up of Enrollment Counselors, Admissions Specialists, and faculty members. Your initial interactions at WGU will be guided by an Enrollment Counselor who specializes in the programs you're interested in.
Your Enrollment Counselor is ready with as much help as you may need:
- Get your cost and admissions criteria questions answered.
- Assess WGU's fit with your career goals.
- Get started toward enrollment!
Steps and deadlines for enrollment in a Teachers College program:
Below is the list of steps and their respective deadlines required for enrollment in an online teaching degree program. Please note that at the present time, WGU is accepting applications only from individuals living in the United States.
The exceptions are U.S. active-duty military personnel and their families at overseas installations and individuals living in Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
International Applicants
Unfortunately, we have discovered we cannot always guarantee that the educational experience for students living outside the United States will meet our high standards for quality and convenience. It is our expectation that these problems will be solved in future years. An Enrollment Counselor has more information about which areas are eligible to submit applications.
1. Apply for admission and pay the application fee.
You may apply for admission at any time once you’re ready. The application fee is $65. You can pay online using a credit card or by mailing a check or money order. You must pay the application fee before your application will be processed.
2. Send in your official transcripts.
Transcripts of your prior college experience are required if you are seeking transfer credit, confirmation of sufficient background (for master’s licensure programs), or if you are looking to enroll into a graduate program.
Official copies of your transcripts must arrive by the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date for evaluation. For any MAT program, the applicant must have completed all the major-specific content.
Submit by mail or email:
Western Governors University
ATTN: Transcripts Department
4001 South 700 East, Suite 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84107-2533
3. Complete the financial aid application process.
If you intend to use federal financial aid to cover your tuition expenses, you will need to complete WGU’s financial aid application process and be certified as eligible to receive aid no later than the 22nd of the month prior to your intended start date. An Enrollment Counselor can answer any questions you may have about the financial aid process.
4. Complete your intake interview.
The Intake Interview is a 20- to 30-minute telephone interview that finalizes your enrollment and officially sets your program start date. This call is conducted by your Enrollment Counselor to ensure that you have accurate and appropriate expectations of WGU and of your program. This step must be completed by the enrollment deadline (generally the 15th of the month prior to your start date).
5. Make tuition payment arrangements.
Tuition payment arrangements must be made by the 22nd of the month prior to your start date.
Next Start Date
Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment!
Take the next step.
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time now. You could be on your way to your degree—sooner than you might think!