Apr 18, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-UNDER REVIEW 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-UNDER REVIEW

School of Education

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Academic Awards Master of Education, Master in Teaching, Bachelor of Arts, Endorsements for the State of Washington teaching credential
Dean Rowlanda Cawthon
Departments Graduate and Undergraduate

The School of Education provides educational programs that serve undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. Traditional undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies as preparation for a career outside the K-12 system. Undergraduate students have the option to complete a five-year BA-MIT degree to earn a Washington State K-12 teacher certification.

The Master in Teaching (MIT) is the only program that leads to teacher certification, and Northwest University undergraduate students may apply up to ten credits toward degree completion – a significant financial and time savings. BA and MIT candidates may choose from a variety of content areas across grade levels.

The School of Education has a history of preparing well-trained educators that flourish in the increasingly diverse field of education. Our programs align closely with state-required learning standards and research-based industry standards. In addition, through partnerships with area public and private schools, businesses and non-profit organizations, our candidates gain rich and practical experience throughout their program. We prepare practitioners with the knowledge and skills to impact the world in positive and life-changing ways.

Vision

The School of Education prepares highly skilled, compassionate, and reflective educators to meet the needs of all students in every community.

Mission

The School of Education develops holistic, adaptive, learner-focused educators through transformational learning experiences that deepen their understanding and foster a commitment to lifelong learning.

Core Values

In carrying out our vision and mission, the School of Education is guided by the following core values and expected outcomes:

COLLABORATION – We believe learning is relational and cultivate partnerships across communities, schools, and disciplines to model the cooperative spirit we seek to instill in future educators.

ATTENTIVENESS – We nurture future educators’ emotional intelligence, well-being, and character, recognizing teaching as a human-centered profession rooted in empathy, care, and responsiveness to learners’ and teachers’ needs.

REFLECTION – We encourage critical self-awareness, ongoing evaluation of practice, and openness to growth as central to the development of effective and ethical educators.

EXCELLENCE – We pursue the highest standards in teaching, learning, and professional preparation, equipping educators to lead with skill and integrity in every educational context.

SERVICE – We are committed to preparing educators who serve with compassion, humility, and a heart for all students, recognizing the inherent worth and potential of every learner.

Cohort Model

The School of Education uses a cohort model. Students who enter the program  at the same time are banded together as a group. They will take some of their courses together, have opportunities for cohort events, student led life groups, and internship experiences. Benefits to the cohort model include more effective learning, increased community, and sense of belonging, and stronger persistence toward degree completion.

Undergraduate Programs

Candidates can major in Educational Studies and minor in Elementary* or Secondary Education*. Students majoring in Educational Studies must choose from the following concentrations:

  • Community Programming for Children and Youth
  • International Education
  • Elementary Education*

*Students pursuing a minor in either Elementary or Secondary Education or a concentration in Elementary Education and who are interested in earning a Washington State Teaching Certificate are invited to apply to the five-year BA-MIT pathway. Applications for the MIT program are accepted each spring.

Graduate Programs

Details for the following programs are available in the Graduate Catalog:

  • Master in Teaching
  • Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
  • Ed.D. - Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minors

Certificates