WGU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Endorsement Programs
Add an Endorsement to your Teaching License
Are you ready to take the next step in your teaching career? An endorsement can be added to your current teaching license to help you boost your résumé and be certified to teach additional subjects or grade levels. Discover what endorsement opportunities there are at WGU and how you can move forward with these programs.
*Note: Currently, WGU is not offering Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics endorsement programs in Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan.
What is an Endorsement?
When added to a teaching license or certification, an endorsement or qualifies a teacher to teach additional subject areas or grade levels.
Who Should Pursue an Endorsement?
Endorsements are ideal programs for currently licensed teachers who want to add a grade level or subject area to their license.
What is the Difference Between an Endorsement and Certification?
A teaching license, sometimes referred to as a certification, is proof of your eligibility to teach in a certain state. Licensed teachers can add subject areas or grade levels to their license in the form of endorsements. For example, a teacher licensed to teach chemistry to secondary students may want to add biology to their license as an endorsement.
How do Endorsement Programs Work at WGU?
Teaching endorsement programs at WGU are shorter programs that allow you to add an endorsement to your existing teaching license and qualify to teach additional subjects or grade levels. These endorsement programs are ideal for already-certified teachers who want to expand their opportunities in the classroom.
Educators must have certain current licenses in order to add a certain endorsement to their certification. The common license requirement for WGU endorsements is listed below. Different states may have different requirements for licenses and endorsements.
Online Endorsement Options
Education
English Language Learning (PreK–12) Endorsement
An online endorsement program for currently licensed school teachers who...
An online endorsement program for currently licensed school teachers who desire to be licensed to teach in ELL settings.
Become highly qualified in ELL, increase your career opportunities, earn re-licensure points, and possibly become eligible for lane changes leading to increased salary.
- Time: 62% of students finish within 13 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
This program is for current teachers who are looking to earn an English Learning Language (ELL) endorsement.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Assessment Theory and Practice
- Language Production, Theory and Acquisition
- Instruction Planning and Implementation
- Theories of Second Language Acquisition
Advance your teaching career and help ensure language barriers don't become a barrier to learning.
License Requirements For WGU Endorsements
Endorsement
License Requirement
Middle Grades Math
Secondary Math
Middle Grades Science
Secondary Science
Physics
Secondary Science
Biology
Secondary Science
Chemistry
Secondary Science
Earth Science
Secondary Science
Endorsement
License Requirement
Middle Grades Math
Secondary Math
Middle Grades Science
Secondary Science
Physics
Secondary Science
Biology
Secondary Science
Chemistry
Secondary Science
Earth Science
Secondary Science
Learn About Endorsements
3-12 Months
WGU endorsements take an average of 3-12 months to finish depending on which endorsement you choose to pursue. WGU endorsement programs are competency-based, which means you can work at your own pace and complete courses as quickly as you master the material.
$2550
Endorsement programs start at $2550 per six month term, and vary in price based on the type of endorsement you are pursuing. Your tuition for these programs is paid per six-month term, which allows you to take as many courses as you want in that timeframe.
Timing Made for You
While many education programs require in-person classes or set lecture times, WGU endorsements are built to be online, on your schedule. You are able to read material, watch videos, and complete assignments and tests whenever it is convenient for you and your schedule. This allows full-time employees, parents, and every individual to ensure that school fits into their life, not the other way around.
Discover Your Estimated Cost
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their endorsements. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay.
Endorsement Programs FAQs
Yes! An endorsement is an added credential on your teaching license and will need to be renewed with renewal points. Look at your specific state renewal requirements to understand how to renew your endorsement.
Endorsements at WGU are expected to take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on the number of courses in the program. Endorsement programs are at your own pace, so you can move through them as quickly as you master the material.
Endorsements can be a great addition to your résumé and can help you be eligible to apply for a wider variety of positions in a school. Endorsements allow you to be qualified to teach additional subject areas and grade levels, opening up employment opportunities.
Yes! An endorsement qualifies you to teach additional subject areas or grade levels, making you a great asset to a school. You may be able to teach English Language Learners, additional grade levels or subject areas, etc. These additional qualifications can be extremely valuable for your career growth.
Yes! In most states pursuing an endorsement program contributes to your relicensure or licensure renewal point requirements. Be sure to look at your state education requirements to understand how endorsement programs are applied to this process.