Earn Your Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree—Fast.
Thinking of becoming a teacher in Washington State? At Northwest University, you can earn your Master in Teaching and be ready to lead a classroom in under a year. Whether you’re changing careers or continuing right after your bachelor’s degree, our program provides a fast, affordable, and highly respected path to certification.
Rated as one of the top Master in Teaching programs in Washington, our approach combines academic excellence with a strong support network, real-world classroom experience, and flexible class schedules—designed with your life in mind.
Program Snapshot
- Program Length:
10 months (full-time) or 2 years (part-time) - Location:
Evening classes on our Kirkland campus - Start Date:
August 2026 cohort (now accepting applications) - Format:
In-person evening classes with daytime student teaching placement - Certification:
Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate, Master in Teaching (M.I.T.) - Tuition:
$1,150 per credit | Total: $35,650 (31 credits)
Why Choose Northwest’s MIT Program?
Be Teaching in Under a Year
Complete your certification and degree in just 10 months with our full-time cohort. A two-year part-time option is also available.
Top-Rated in Washington
Our program is consistently ranked among the best Master in Teaching programs in the state, known for excellent outcomes and strong school partnerships.
Built for Working Adults
Evening classes allow you to maintain your job or other responsibilities while preparing for a new career in education (up to student teaching).
Structured Field Experience
Gain confidence through a step-by-step model—starting with classroom observation and building up to full-time teaching under expert mentorship.
Teaching Certificate + Master’s
Earn your Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate and Master in Teaching degree simultaneously. Begin your career at the higher salary that often accompanies our graduate degree.
Professional Reputation
NU has strong, long-standing relationships with local school districts and private schools. As a result, our graduates are highly respected and sought after.
Personalized Support
You’ll experience staff and faculty who genuinely care about your success and create an environment where you are known, supported, and encouraged.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll develop deep understanding in both educational theory and teaching practice, with courses such as:
- Instructional Design & Assessment
- Classroom Management
- Learning Psychology
- Theology of Education
- Subject-Specific Methods (Elementary or Secondary)
- Full-Time Student Teaching in Local Schools
Endorsement Areas: Choose from K–8 Elementary or Secondary content areas like English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Music, Health & Fitness, ELL, or Special Education.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (any major)
- Minimum GPA: 2.7 (B– average)
- Optional: SPED or ELL endorsements may extend program by ~6 months
Also available: a 5-Year BA→MIT Pathway for current Northwest undergraduates in Education Studies.
Hear From One of Our Graduates
Frequently Asked Questions
The 31 credit program can be completed in as little as 10 months (full-time) or over two years (part-time).
Yes. Graduates earn a Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate and a Master in Teaching degree.
Absolutely. Many students enter the MIT program after working in another profession.
Evening classes make it possible to work during the day up to your student teaching phase.
Courses are offered in person Monday through Thursday from 6:00–8:50pm on our Kirkland, WA campus.
MIT students need to complete 460 hours of student teaching.
$1,150 cost per credit x 31 credits = $35,650
Only external scholarships are available for the MIT program.
Our primary application deadline is March 31 and final application deadline is June 15.
By December 31 before beginning student teaching practicum in the Spring semester.
- WEST-B/ACT/SAT scores with application materials.
- Fingerprinting and background check completed with student teaching preparation materials.
- NES/WEST-E Endorsement test with passing score prior student teaching experience.
- Three passing evaluation scores by both mentor teacher and Northwest supervisor.
- A minimum of four formal teaching observations completed by the Northwest Supervisor.
- 460 student teaching hours in a classroom, when pursuing a single endorsement. Additional hours may be required for additional endorsement areas.
- Student Teaching Video Reflection Assignment.
- Complete all MIT coursework with a B- minimum grade.
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog
Ready to get started?
Contact Morgan Nickson, Graduate Enrollment Counselor
morgan.nickson@northwestu.edu | 425-889-7794