The UW Tacoma School of Education admits new students every quarter for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) for Practicing Educators Program. See the Priority Application Deadlines section below for dates.
The graduate degree program is designed to build upon the skills, knowledge and commitment of practicing educators and other professionals working in educational settings. This graduate degree program offers five areas of emphasis that you can select to best fit your professional learning and development needs. With this high-quality graduate degree from UW, you will be prepared to meet the needs of 21st century learners. Our UW Tacoma professors are skilled instructors who are actively engaged in schools and produce quality research. As our students complete this graduate program, they typically earn higher salaries and promotions, realize exciting new career opportunities, and advance the lives of their students in truly meaningful ways.
Is this Graduate Program right for me? A teaching certificate is not required to enroll. Our graduate students include full-time practicing teachers; educational consultants; school support personnel; instructional, behavioral and emotional coordinators and coaches; counselors and advisors; community college instructors; after school program educators; and those working in nonprofit educational organizations. This program is for professionals with full-time jobs. It is designed as a part-time program, with most classes meeting during the evening with hybrid and online options. Generally, the core and concentration area courses are completed in the first year, and elective courses and a culminating experience are completed in the second year. The program allows certified teachers to embed endorsements for Special Education and English Language Learners into their degree program.
Please Note – Candidate program plans may result in Candidates participating in the UWT graduation ceremony before completing final program requirements.
The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
| Priority application dates | |
|---|---|
| Summer Quarter | April 15th |
|
Autumn Quarter Deadline Extended |
August 20th |
| Winter Quarter | October 15th |
| Spring Quarter | January 15th |
These are priority application dates. Contact Justin Gailey (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698) for application deadline extension information.
The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Bachelor's degree
from a regionally accredited institution
3.0 grade point average
calculated from the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission depending on the quality of their complete application file.
UW Graduate School application
When applying online, be sure to choose "Graduate" from the pull-down menu of application types. Then be sure to choose "Education - Tacoma (MEd - General for Practicing Educators)" from the pull-down menu of graduate programs.
Unofficial transcripts
From every college or university you have attended must be uploaded into the online application. If admitted to the program, one official transcript from your bachelor's degree college (except if UW) will be required by the UW Seattle Graduate Admissions Office.
Personal goal statement
The mission and values of the University of Washington Tacoma School of Education underscore our primary goal of building educator capacity to understand and meet P-12 student needs. In this context, please include the following in your 2-page double-spaced goal statement:
- A discussion of: 1) Your experiences in seeking to understand and meet the needs of children and youth; 2) and how those experiences shape your professional ambitions.
- A discussion of how UWT graduate studies in the education program will help meet your professional goals.
Holistic criteria will be used for goal statement evaluation and will include attention to clarity and quality of discussion, example specificity, and mechanics.
You may wish to review UWT School of Education mission/values for guidance.
Personal Data form
Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be secured from non-relative persons (no family or friends) who can describe your professional potential for working with children and/or for managing the academic requirements of a rigorous graduate school program of study. The letters of recommendation are incorporated into the online application and you will identify your recommenders within the application.
Teaching certificate (if applicable)
Important Immunization Information
All enrolled students are required to provide proof of immunity. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the UW Tacoma Registrar's Office confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before 01/01/57 are considered to be immune and therefore do NOT need to submit proof of immunity.
Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) defines a student status at the University of Washington designed to provide access to graduate courses for those who already hold a master’s degree, or qualified post-baccalaureate individuals who are not at the present time seeking a graduate degree but who may later want to apply those credits toward a degree. A maximum of 12 GNM credits, or any combination of GNM and transfer credits, may be applied toward the degree.
The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Bachelor's degree
from a regionally accredited institution
3.0 grade point average
calculated from the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission depending on the quality of their complete application file.
UW Graduate School application
When applying online, be sure to choose "Graduate Non-Matriculated" from the pull-down menu of application types. Then be sure to choose "Education - Tacoma (MEd - General for Practicing Educators)" from the pull-down menu of graduate programs.
Unofficial transcripts
From every college or university you have attended must be uploaded into the online application.
Personal Data form
Important Immunization Information
All enrolled students are required to provide proof of immunity. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the UW Tacoma Registrar's Office confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before 01/01/57 are considered to be immune and therefore do NOT need to submit proof of immunity.
The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
The application checklist is a helpful document to ensure that all items are complete.
UW Graduate School application
Questions? Contact Justin Gailey (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698)
Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) defines a student status at the University of Washington designed to provide access to graduate courses for those who already hold a master’s degree, or qualified post-baccalaureate individuals who are not at the present time seeking a graduate degree but who may later want to apply those credits toward a degree. A maximum of 12 GNM credits, or any combination of GNM and transfer credits, may be applied toward the degree.
The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
UW Graduate School application
Questions? Contact Justin Gailey (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698)
Register in advance for the session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
UW Tacoma
| Day | Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | January 12th, 2023 | 4:00pm | Zoom | RSVP |
| Wednesday | February 22nd, 2023 | 4:00pm | Zoom | |
| Tuesday | March 7th, 2023 | 12:00pm | Zoom | RSVP |
Contact Justin Gailey: (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698) for program and admission information
For Information on how to get to campus Click Here!
Tuition Exemption Policy
School of Education Tuition Exemption Policy - Located on the Current Students webpage.
When can I begin this program?
We admit new students every quarter for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) for Practicing Educators Program. See the Priority Application Deadlines section above for dates.
Where do I start the process of learning about the program?
It is highly recommended that you attend one of the information sessions listed in the tab above.
Can I continue to work while attending this program?
In most cases, yes, however there maybe exceptions. During the academic year, each course meets just once per week from 4:30pm-7:00pm. Summer quarter times vary.
How long is the program?
This is a 36-39 credit program consisting of, for the most part, 3 credit classes. The duration of the program depends upon how many courses you take each quarter. The typical student will take 2-3 years to complete the program. The graduate school allows a maximum of 6 years to complete your degree.
Please Note – Candidate program plans may result in Candidates participating in the UWT graduation ceremony before completing final program requirements.
How much is tuition?
Please visit the UW Tacoma tuition webpage for updated information
How do I get information about scholarships and other financial aid opportunities?
Please visit the Student Financial Aid website for Graduate Students and the School of Education Scholarship webpage.
Questions? Contact Justin Gailey (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698)
Students must complete the minimum number of credits and components as outlined in the selected study option.
Core courses
The core courses provide the background, perspectives, and resources necessary for in-depth work in an area of specialization. They prepare individuals to understand the basics of theory and research in education. All students are required to complete a total of 12 quarter credits as follows:
| Course number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TEDUC 501 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| TEDUC 502 | Learning about Learning | 3 |
| TEDUC 504 | Understanding Educational Research | 3 |
| TEDUC 520 | Equity and Justice in Educational Practice | 3 |
Program Plan
Endorsement options
The study option provides focused study in one specialized area of education. Students must select one study option and complete required courses:
Education electives
The education electives provide an opportunity to explore areas of individual interest and gain depth in specific content. Courses must be selected from offerings within the Master of Education program and in consultation with an adviser. Note that there are several study options that do not include an education elective component.
Culminating experience
Each student will participate in a culminating experience. This component of the program allows students to gain more applied knowledge of the field, and synthesize prior learning. There are two pathways for this experience as outlined below: Project Pathway and Practicum Pathway.
Project pathway
For: For Masters students and those pursuing the Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) study option.
The Project pathway will provide you with the opportunity to engage in systematic, reflective inquiry within the context of your current educational setting and/or broader contemporary educational issues.
| Course number | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter quarter | TEDUC 599 | Culminating Project | 3 |
| Spring quarter | TEDUC 599 | Culminating Project | 3 |
Washington Educators Skills Test - Endorsement (WEST-E) / National Evaluation Series (NES)
A passing score on the WEST-E / NES exam is required for any student wishing to add an endorsement to their teaching certificate.
Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the School of Education
Questions? Contact Justin Gailey: (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698)
Muckleshoot Cohort
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The Master of Education (M.Ed.) for Practicing Educators Program will admit for its Muckleshoot Master’s cohort to start in Autumn 2022. THE APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS September 15th, 2022. The online application is NOW OPEN. **When applying, please apply for the Autumn 2022 admission cycle; select "Education - Tacoma (MEd - General for Practicing Educators)" as the graduate program. Under "Select area(s) of interest" choose "Tribal/Indigenous."
This specific cohort will be Indigenous-centered in the curriculum and approaches in the program. This program is appropriate for students holding a bachelor’s degree and who are in the educational field or working with Tribal communities. The University of Washington Tacoma in a joint partnership with the Muckleshoot Tribal College are offering Indigenous leaders and educators the opportunity to apply to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) for Practicing Educators Program. We welcome educators, leaders, community members, advocates and those committed to systemic and societal transformation to strengthen commitment, approaches, and communities. All courses will be taught by Native American faculty/instructors (or individuals who have worked closely with tribal communities).
For more information, contact M.Ed. Advisor Justin Gailey at jgailey@uw.edu .
This program will be placed base at the Muckleshoot Tribal College, in-person.
Muckleshoot Tribal College
In 1995, the Muckleshoot Tribal Council made a significant commitment to higher education in the Muckleshoot community by creating the Muckleshoot Training Center. Designed to provide business training for tribal members seeking employment in the newly created Muckleshoot Indian Casino, the center offered computer training and college-level courses through agreements with Seattle Central Community College and Regis University of Denver, Colorado. The NACTEP Grant, known as the MOST Program, was one of the main programs at the Muckleshoot Tribal College.
Renamed Muckleshoot Tribal College in 1997, a partnership with Northwest Indian College was formed, as students continued to study for and complete the GED, pursue 2-year degrees, and receive introductory and intermediate training in a number of computer applications. Clover Park Technical College began offering its Office Assistant Training program through the NACTEP (Native American Career Technical Education Program) federal grant in 2000 that offered wide-ranging technology opportunities through the Muckleshoot Occupational Skills Training (MOST) program. The M.O.S.T. program continues today through a partnership with Green River Community College. Also in 2002, Northwest Indian College initiated the Class of 2004, to provide 2-year Associate of Arts transfer degrees.
Currently the Muckleshoot Tribal College houses the Native Technology Plus Associate of Applied Science Transfer Degree in Information Technology (I.T.) Systems, and, Security; the GED/HS21+ programs, a Pre-Apprentice Carpentry program through a partnership with Green River College, the Certified Nursing Assistant Program with Renton Technical College, the Northwest Indian College Associate of Arts, and, Bachelor’s Degree in Tribal Governance and Business. Continuing education and life skills classes are also offered throughout the year. A Writing Center was currently developed. The Muckleshoot Early College Program just celebrated its 10th Year of assisting with High School completion. To date, over 130 Muckleshoot youth have completed this program, and, moved forward in their High School completion. Other programs and partnerships are currently being developed as the Muckleshoot Tribal Council’s commitment to higher education continues today.
Muckleshoot Tribal College - Contact Information
Dr. Denise Bill, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Adult & Higher Education
| Day | Date | Time | Location | |
Contact Justin Gailey: (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698) for program and admission information
For Information on how to get to campus Click Here!
The application for the 2022-2023 cohort is closed.
The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Must be from a regionally accredited institution.
3.0 grade point average
Calculated form the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission depending on the quality of their complete applicatoin file.
UW Graduate School application
When applying online, be sure to choose "Graduate" from the pull-down menu of application types. Then be sure to choose "Education - Tacoma (MEd - General for Practicing Educators)" from the pull-down menu of graduate programs.
You can apply here.
Unofficial Transcripts
From every college of university you have attended must be uploaded in to the online application. If admitted to the program, one official transcript from your bachelor's degree college (except if UW) will be required by the UW Seattle Graduate Admissions Office.
Personal Goal Statement
We would like you to provide more information on your interest in this cohort and your future goals. In this context, please include the following in your 2 page double-spaced goal statement:
A discussion of: 1) Your experiences in seeking to understand and meet the needs of tribal community and/or Tribal/Indigenous education; 2) and how those experiences shape your professional ambitions; 3) How do you plan to use the knowledge you learn in this Masters Program in the Native American community.
Personal Data Form
One letter of recommendation
The letter of recommendation should be secured from non-relative persons (no family or friends) who can describe your professional potential for working with children and/or for managing the academic requirements of a rigorous graduate school program of study. The letter of recommendation are incorporated into the online application and you will identify your recommender within the application.
Teacher certificate (if applicable)
Important Immunization Information
All enrolled students are required to provide proof of immunity. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the UW Tacoma Registrar's Office confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before 01/01/1957 are considered to be immune and therefore do NOT need to submit proof of immunity.
RESIDENT TUITION FOR AMERICAN INDIAN STUDENTS
American Indian students who meet the following two conditions are eligible to pay resident tuition at colleges and universities in Washington State:
- For a period of one year immediately prior to enrollment at a state institution of higher education, students must have been domiciled in one or a combination of the following states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
- Students must be a member of one of the federally recognized Indian tribes, as determined under Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (25CFR), whose traditional and customary tribal boundaries included portions of the state of Washington, or whose tribe was granted reserved lands within the state of Washington.
Please review Federally Recognized Tribes Eligible for Resident Tuition in Washington State for a complete list of eligible tribes.
Application Process
- Complete the Resident Tuition for American Indian Students form.
- Provide the required documentation to support the resident tuition form. See the form for complete details.
Tacoma Students
Return the form to:
UW Tacoma Registrar’s Office
Mattress Factory 253
Box 358400
Tacoma, WA 98402
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is current as of 03/05/2018. The University of Washington reserves the right to update or remove this page as necessary for clarity and/or to reflect changes to residency law or university policies. This website is intended as guidance only and students are advised to refer to the Washington state laws on residency for current statutes and additional information. See RCW Chapter 28B.15, WAC Chapter 250-18, and WAC Chapter 478-160.
The UW Residency Classification Office will administer residency determinations in accordance with the current law at the time of application.
