Alternative Routes to Certification (ARC)

THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DIFFERENCE

Seattle Pacific was founded more than 125 years ago, and the University has been preparing some of the most sought-after educators in the region for more than 90 years. Today, entrance to School of Education graduate programs is highly competitive. Faculty members – each teaching his or her own courses and each holding a doctorate – have worked to develop rigorous programs of quality.

The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University offers more than a dozen graduate programs. You can choose from three doctoral programs, seven master’s degree programs, and five certification programs, all of which focus on developing competence, character, leadership, and service in educators. While many students train to become teachers, others prepare for roles as school counselors, principals, superintendents, district office personnel, or professors in higher education. SPU's reputation in P–12 education in Washington and across the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

Why Seattle Pacific for your Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification?

SPU’s School of Education has been offering alternative routes to teacher certification since 2002. Hundreds of teachers have been prepared for work in classrooms across Washington through our alternative route offerings. Besides being SPU’s most affordable option for attaining teacher certification, the defining characteristic our alternative routes teacher preparation model is 180 days of student teaching. Designed for the working professional, the ARC program is a one year, (four quarters) online program. This program culminates with a Residency Teacher Certificate without a master's degree.

1. Accomplished Faculty

   Expert, caring faculty have a desire to help students succeed. Faculty are known for mentoring their students during and following their educational programs. These professors model lifelong learning through scholarly activities of their own, publishing frequently, and presenting at professional conferences.

2. AACU Membership

   Seattle Pacific is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. SPU certification programs are approved by the Washington state Professional Educator Standards Board. The School of Education is also a member of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, and has a chapter, Sigma Phi Upsilon, of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling.

3. Deep Character Emphasis

   Built on an character education foundation, the graduate programs at SPU offer first-class education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take ethics courses, and character issues are integrated throughout the curriculum.

4. Flexible Format

   The ARC program is a one year (four quarters) all online program to certification that begins in late June. Courses are flexible and follow the university quarter schedule. The program typically includes weekly modules of content to complete. 

5. Connected Alumni

   School of Education graduates move on to purposeful careers in schools and district-level leadership throughout the country. When you obtain a graduate degree from SPU’s School of Education, you join a community of alumni who stay connected.