WGU Teachers College Admissions Requirements

Admissions to our online teaching programs

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines for the WGU Teachers College

The WGU Teachers College is a recognized leader in online teacher education with students all over the country. Below are admissions requirements specific to Teachers College programs that are in addition to WGU’s general admissions requirements.

Special requirements for programs leading to initial teacher certification
Students who are seeking initial teacher licensure in a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or master’s program must also pass a state-specific basic skills test for the state in which they live as a prerequisite to Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). (Registering and paying for the test is the student’s responsibility.) This requirement can be met either prior to admission or before beginning the Foundations of Teaching subject area once you are in your WGU program.

WGU’s teacher licensure programs also include Demonstration Teaching (student teaching). You must submit to a criminal background check prior to entering the classroom for this component of your program.

Click here to learn more about becoming a licensed teacher at WGU.

Special requirements for programs leading to endorsement
If you enroll in a program that also includes a special endorsement (for example, the M.A. in Mathematics Education, with an endorsement to teach 5-12 mathematics) and you plan to eventually apply for the endorsement, the following is required of you:

• A copy of a valid teaching license.
• Official transcripts that demonstrate you have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized accredited university.

An Enrollment Counselor will instruct you as to when and how to submit your teaching license prior to or during your program. You do not need to submit a copy of your license if you are not seeking the endorsement.

Additional requirements for entry into the B.A. Mathematics (5–9 or 5–12), M.A. Mathematics Education (K–6, 5–9, or 5–12) degree programs

Show proof of having completed a college-level Pre-calculus or Calculus course with a C or better.

We require this prerequisite because our research has determined that students entering this program need to have demonstrated strong college-level mathematics abilities in order to handle the rigors of the challenging mathematics curriculum. The mathematics in this program goes far beyond Calculus and is roughly equivalent to a mathematics major.

Additional requirements for entry into the B.A. Science (5–9), B.A. Science (5–12, Geosciences), B.A. Science (5–12, Biological Science) programs

Show proof of having completed a College Algebra course as well as a Natural Science course (in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Geosciences) which includes a lab with a grade of C or better.

We require these prerequisites because our research has determined that students entering these programs need to have demonstrated their ability to handle the rigors of both a difficult college-level mathematics course as well as a natural science course with a lab component.

Additional requirements for entry into the B.A. Science (5–12, Chemistry), B.A. Science (5–12, Physics) programs

Show proof of having completed a college-level Pre-calculus or Calculus course as well as a Natural Science course (in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Geosciences) which includes a lab with a grade of C or better.

We require these prerequisites because our research has determined that students entering these programs need to have demonstrated their ability to handle the rigors of both a difficult college-level mathematics course as well as a natural science course with a lab component.

Additional requirements for entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership program

Prior to entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership, you will be required to submit an essay and Practicum Site agreement. Click on the link below for more information. Case study and practicum agreement.

Steps and Deadlines for Enrollment into a Teachers College Program

Below is the list of steps and their respective deadlines required for enrollment into an online teaching degree program. Click here for a printer-friendly version of the TC enrollment checklist.

Apply for admission and pay the application fee
You may apply for admission at any time once you’re ready. The application fee is $65. You can pay online using a credit card, mailing a check, or calling the Bursar’s Office at 1-877-435-7948, ext. 3105. You must pay the application fee for your application to be fully processed.

Send in your official transcripts
Transcripts of your prior college experience are required if you are seeking transfer credit, confirmation of sufficient background (for post-baccalaureate and master’s licensure programs), or if you are looking to enroll into a graduate program.

Official copies of your transcripts must arrive by the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date for evaluation. For any Post-BACC or MAT program, the applicant must have completed all the major-specific content.

Please make arrangements for the official copies to be sent to:

Western Governors University
ATTN: Transcripts Department
4001 South 700 East, Suite 700
Salt Lake City, UT 84107-2533

Click here to learn more about transferring credits.

Complete the Readiness Assessment
The WGU Readiness Assessment is a three-part online test designed to determine your likelihood of success at WGU. Your Enrollment Counselor can answer questions regarding this assessment.

Complete the Financial Aid application process (if necessary)
If you intend to use federal financial aid to cover your tuition expenses, you will need to complete WGU’s financial aid application process and be certified as eligible to receive aid no later than the 22nd of the month prior to your intended start date. An Enrollment Counselor can answer any questions you may have about the financial aid process.

Click here to learn more about financial aid.

Complete your Intake Interview
The Intake Interview is a 20- to 30-minute phone-based interview that finalizes your enrollment and officially sets your program start date. This call is conducted by your Enrollment Counselor to ensure that you’ve developed accurate and appropriate expectations of WGU and of your program. This step must be completed by the enrollment deadline (generally the 15th of the month prior to your start date).

Make tuition payment arrangements
Tuition payment arrangements must be made by the 22nd of the month prior to your start date. A two-payment plan is available to those who are not using federal financial aid.

Click here to learn more about paying tuition.