School of Education School of Education Blog

Is It Too Late to Become a Teacher? Not with This Fast-Track Master’s Program

---

How to Fast-Track a New Teaching Career in One Year

Thinking about a career change to teaching? With Northwest University’s one-year Master in Teaching (MIT) program, you can become a certified teacher quickly, affordably, and with real purpose. Learn how.

---

From Corporate to Classroom: A New Path to Purpose

Many professionals eventually face a moment of reflection: Is this all there is?

If you’ve been working for a paycheck without a sense of purpose, you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever imagined yourself in front of a classroom—guiding, mentoring, shaping lives—you might be closer to that vision than you think.

The truth is, you don’t need to start over to become a teacher. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you could be teaching in your own classroom in under a year through an accelerated Master in Teaching program. It’s an ideal path for people who didn’t major in education but now want to become certified teachers.

---

Why Teaching Appeals to Career-Changers

Making a career change to teaching is not just practical—it’s deeply rewarding. Many mid-career professionals find themselves drawn to education for reasons like:

• Making a difference in students’ lives
• Job security and strong demand for teachers
• Transferable skills from previous careers
• A better alignment with personal values and goals

Teaching allows you to bring your life experience into the classroom and have a direct, lasting impact—something few careers offer.

---

Why Northwest University’s One-Year MIT Program Stands Out

If you’re searching for an accelerated Master’s in Teaching program in Washington State, Northwest University offers one of the most career-changer-friendly paths available.

Here’s what makes it unique:

Complete in 10 Months

The one-year MIT track lets you earn your Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate and Master’s degree simultaneously—fast, focused, and fully accredited.

Built for Working Adults

With evening classes and the option to extend to a two-year plan if needed, you can keep your day job until student teaching begins.

Hands-On Teaching Experience

Field placements and student teaching are integrated throughout, giving you real-world preparation—not just theory.

Respected by Local Schools

Northwest’s strong relationships with Washington school districts make their graduates highly sought-after by both public and private schools.

Cohort Support System

You’ll move through the program with a tight-knit cohort, building lasting friendships and professional networks as you go.

Affordable Investment in a Meaningful Career

Tuition is $1,150 per credit for 30 credits—priced competitively to get you back into the workforce quickly, and possibly at a higher starting salary thanks to the graduate credential.

---

Who Is the MIT Program For?

This program is perfect for:

• Professionals seeking a fast-track teaching certification
• Those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field
• Career-changers looking for a job with purpose
• Adults balancing work, family, and school responsibilities

Whether you’re leaving tech, corporate work, healthcare, or the arts, your skills are transferable to teaching—and in high demand. Choosing teaching as a second career isn’t just smart—it’s significant. The classroom needs mentors. Leaders. Role models. It needs people like you.

---