Prospective and Entering Freshmen

Freshmen interested in pursuing a career in education have many options in terms of selecting a major. While Seattle University does not offer a teacher certification program at the undergraduate level, entering students may select from a wide variety of majors and minors which will well prepare them for future teacher-certification programs and teaching positions. It is strongly encouraged that students work closely with both their academic advisor and the pre-education advisor when selecting classes.

For those interested in teaching at the elementary level (grades K-8), it will be most helpful if you are able to incorporate into your academic plan a variety of courses in basic subject areas such as English, math, social studies, language, life science and physical, earth or space science. Students are also encouraged to select a major with an interdisciplinary focus. The B.A in Liberal Studies is a great degree choice at SU due to the program's broad intellectual training and flexibility in curriculum.  

For those interested in teaching at the secondary level (grades 6– 12), it is advisable to complete the coursework required for the desired subject endorsement-area in the state in which you desire to teach. This may mean you choose to major, double major or minor in the subject-area you want to teach.

One Seattle University undergraduate program is specifically focused on pre-education. The Matteo Ricci College offers the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities for Teaching program (BAHT).  The curriculum is individualized to correspond to the grade level(s) and subject(s) that a student might want to teach.  

As part of the Matteo Ricci Bachelor of Arts in Humanities for Teaching (BAHT) program: 

• Students enter and progress through the program with a cohort.

• Beginning with the first quarter and throughout the freshman year, the BAHT course work places the students in the K-12 setting.  In the middle of the sophomore year the students have a full “immersion course” in the K-12 setting.

• The BAHT classes average a 20:1 student to teacher ratio.  This provides the students the opportunity to develop a “family of support” with other BAHT students.

• In addition to faculty and staff support, the program offers peer advising, which gives every BAHT student the guidance that new college students need to ensure success.

• The BAHT degree gives the student excellent preparation for subsequent professional training, including immersion in the Humanities, arts and the natural and social sciences.

• The BAHT student can earn a guaranteed provisional deferred admission into the Seattle University’s prestigious Master’s In Teaching program (MIT).  Places are reserved for qualified BAHT students.

BAHT Contact Information:
Nancy Bush
BAHT Program Coordinator
(206) 296-2666
bushn@seattleu.edu

Liberal Studies Program Contact Information:
Dr. Sven Arvidson
Liberal Studies Director
(206) 296-5470
arvidson@seattleu.edu