Seattle University's College of Education offers multiple pathways to an endorsement in Special Education. Choose between online courses or a hybrid of online and in-person classes.
Graduate credits allow you to apply your classes toward a master's degree at Seattle University. Choose between online, hybrid, or in-person classes to fit your learning style in this one-year, 24-credit program. See program description below.
Combine the convenience of online courses with lower pricing and the option of graduate credit and you have an unbeatable combination with our new Online Endorsement Academy in Special Education. Teachers complete the endorsement in a one-year program of 8 one-month module and may apply graduate credits toward a master's degree in Special Education.
The Seattle University Endorsement Only program in Special Education is designed for certified teachers with either a master's degree or a bachelor's degree. The program is a hybrid that provides online and in-person classes. Graduate credit may be applied toward a Special Education degree.
Students who wish to earn the Washington state primary endorsement in Special Education must already hold a Washington state teaching certificate.
Students must complete at least 15 credits of coursework at Seattle University in order to complete the total 24 credits of required special education coursework. The amount of coursework is dependent upon previous coursework and experience. Specific courses include:
In order to obtain the special education endorsement, students must also pass the WEST-E test in special education. Learn more about the WEST-E.
The Special Education Endorsement is offered through the Special Education degree program. Application requirements and process for the endorsement and degree program are the same and are listed here. Students who complete the 24-credit endorsement-only program already have half the credits necessary for the 48 credit MEd degree should they choose to continue on in the program.
Those students with extensive prior coursework in special education, who would like to know how many credits they are lacking towards a special education endorsement, may have their transcripts reviewed by the special education program director. This may be done prior to or after admission to the endorsement only program.
Requirements in each course specified above have been linked with competencies required by the State. Under limited circumstances, specific courses may be waived depending upon prior background and experience. In order to waive specific courses, applicants must document that requirements in each course were met. This documentation at a minimum must include official transcripts, course syllabi, and any other documentation regarding previous background or experience.
To have transcripts reviewed, students should contact Cinda Johnson at cinda@seattleu.edu or 206-296-5888. Students without extensive prior coursework in special education do not need to fulfill this requirement.
Once students are admitted into the program, a plan of study will be set with the student's advisor in order to complete the required coursework for the special education endorsement.
As part of the endorsement review, students will be required to complete the special education endorsement form (the endorsement form is available either from the program office).