Department of Instructional Development and Leadership

Department of Instructional Development and Leadership

Quicklinks

Contact Us

253-535-7272
Department of Instructional Development and Leadership
Pacific Lutheran University Administration Building,Room 121, Tacoma, WA 98447
Office hours:
Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM

Master's & Certificate Programs in Education

Preparing New Teachers,
Advancing Current Teachers

PLU has a long history of preparing leaders in education, and a strong reputation for excellence.  Descriptions of all our programs are below and links for more information are on the left.

Monthly Webinar
Information Sessions

We are pleased to invite you to convenient monthly, online information sessions called "webinars."  To join, you simply need to sign up for a date and time that works for you, by clicking one of the links below.   You will access the video through your computer, and access the audio either through a phone line or your computer speakers. We will discuss Teacher Certification Programs, Instructional Leadership Programs, Admission Requirements, and Scholarship Opportunities.

To register for an upcoming webinar, please click a link below.   Please join us on: 

Preparing New Teachers

PLU offers programs to prepare new teachers at the elementary, middle school, or high school level.

Master of Arts in Education
Three Program Options

  • One-year, full-time track—earn the Master’s and WA State Residency Certificate in 12 months, 5 terms.  Candidates begin their studies in June and typically finish all program requirements, including a year-long internship, the following June. In this track candidates can hold part-time employment as long as it doesn't conflict with their internship.
  • Two-year, part-time track—earn the Master’s and WA State Residency Certificate in 24 months, 8 terms with evening, weekend, and online courses.  This track allows candidates to maintain employment as long as it doesn't conflict with the field experiences. There is a time committment required for the 15 week full-time student teaching internship in the second to last semester. 
  • One-year, Alternative Routes to Certification track—earn the WA State Residency Certificate in 12 months, four terms, with the option to pursue the Master’s within three years.  Courses are held in the evenings, online and on weekends; students can typically maintain employment, as long as it doesn't conflict with the field experiences or the internship.

The Master of Arts in Education with Residency Certification (One or Two Year Track)
The Master of Arts in Education with Residency Certification is designed for qualified candidates who possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and seek a career of service as teachers.  Course work leads to a Master of Arts in Education and recommendation for the Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in K-8 (elementary) as well as numerous all-level and 9-12 (secondary) specialty areas including Reading and Special Education.  See the link to the left for more information.

The Master of Arts in Education,
Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification
The Master of Arts in Education-Alternative Routes to Certification program includes special pathways designed to meet the needs of individuals who want to focus on secondary education.  Successful completion of the one-year, 19 credit certification portion of the program leads to a recommendation for the Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate.   Courses during the certification portion are offered in the evenings and weekends allowing candidates to hold a full-time employment as long as it doesn't conflict with the field experiences.   After candidates have completed the initial certification portion of the program, they will have three years to complete the remaining 17 credits in the MAE degree. These classes will be available on nights and weekends so candidates are able to work as teachers while finishing the degree.   See the links to the left for more information.

Advancing Current Teachers

PLU offers several programs for teaching professionals to advance their careers and broaden their creditials.

Master of Arts in Education, Principal or Program Administrator Certification
This program is designed to be completed in as little as twelve months for the emerging leader on a tight timeline, or can be spread out over a longer period for the working professional.  The program provides candidates with the practical knowledge and skills they need to lead a school community in a responsive and results-oriented way.  Professionals not interested in pursuing an additional master's degree can obtain the Principal and Program Administrator Certification only. See the links to the left for more information. 

The Master of Arts in Education,  Instructional Leadership
This is a twelve-month program that prepares accomplished teachers to become instructional facilitators, mentors and coaches in their schools and districts. The program provides opportunities for candidates to deepen their understanding of effective P-12 instruction and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for successful teacher leadership. See the link to the left for more information. 

Add-On Endorsement Certificate
This program enables Washington State certified teachers to add content area endorsements to their existing creditials.  This is a flexible, short-term program designed to provide teachers with the ability to make themselves more marketable.  See the link to the left for more information. 

Graduate Scholarships