Admission Information: Alternative Routes to
Certification/Master of Arts in Teaching (ARC/MAT)

Applicants to the ARC/MAT program must hold a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in a state-recognized endorsement area, and meet all residency certification requirements. Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-endorsement area, or who want to pursue an endorsement in a content area other than their bachelor's degree major area of study may need to take additional courses to meet the requirements in the desired endorsement area.

The ARC/MAT program at SPU recognizes the "alternative routes" to certification that have been identified by the Professional Educator Standards Board of Washington for individuals who possess a unique set of qualifications and wish to be certified to teach in a classroom.

Routes to Certification

To qualify for the ARC program at SPU, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Route 2*: Currently employed staff member (e.g., para-educator, instructional assistant, education aide) with a school district or private school; a minimum of one year of career-related experience; BA, BS, or higher from a regionally accredited college.

Route 3: Individuals not currently employed by a school district or private school; BA, BS, or higher from a regionally accredited college. This is an ideal pathway for people considering a career change.

Route 4: Teachers employed in a public school on a Conditional or Emergency Certificate or employed in a private school; BA, BS, or higher from a regionally accredited college.

*SPU’s ARC programs are approved for Routes 2, 3, and 4.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following items to the Graduate Center:

• Application  and $50 application processing fee.
• Official transcript(s) from each college/university attended.
• Personal statement (1–2 pages).
• Résumé.
• GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores.*
• Two to four letters of recommendation.
• Passing WEST-B scores.
• Passing WEST-E score(s).
• Endorsement verification form.
• Moral Character and Personal Fitness Policy form  (found in the online application).
• Character and Fitness Supplement form  (found in the online application).

*The GRE or MAT will be waived for students who achieved at least (a) a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or (b) a 3.0 in the last 45 quarter credits.

ARC applicants who meet all admission requirements, including an initial screening of their complete application file, will be interviewed. All correspondence regarding the interview process will be carried out by email using the address provided in the application. Please set your email filters accordingly.

Application Deadline

February 1

Find information about this Program Overview, Program Outline, and Admission Requirements.