Computer Science Secondary Ed. Major Information

Use your passion for CS to make a difference in people’s lives – while enjoying a well-paying, stable, rewarding job with summers off and generous student loan forgiveness options! 

The demand for qualified computer science teachers is at an all time high. This program will drive the future of Computer Science education and gives YOU the opportunity to be a part of it. 

The Computer Science, Secondary Ed. - Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) program is designed to provide exposure to the breadth of topics required to satisfy K6-12 students’ curiosity about how computers and technology work, now so central to daily life, and how students can personally leverage the learned knowledge to create their own futures. Since knowing computer science alone is not enough to be an effective, inspiring, and inclusive teacher, this major also includes coursework and field experience in the theory and methods of pedagogical content knowledge. This major both employs and creates emerging research on best-practices in computer science education.

• Add ‘CS, Secondary Ed’ as a student record ‘Academic interest’ at Web4U to receive updates on events, upcoming deadlines, and reminders.
• Schedule an advising meeting by emailing CS.ED@wwu.edu
• Take the 2 credit SCED 205 Intro to CS Education (offered Winter quarter) to learn more about CS education and get a chance to do a cool outreach activity with a local school.

1. Sign-up for the Pre-Major: Get early personalized advising on your pathway by  Signing up for the BAE Pre-Major any time after enrolling in CSCI 141. Pre-majors receive priority registration in key classes and up to date information to stay on track.  
2. K12 Experience: At least one quarter before formally applying to Woodring, consider who you could ask for a letter of recommendation on your experience with youth in an educational setting. If you don’t have anyone in mind (or want more experience with youth), consider programs like Compass 2 Campus, whose mission is to provide more access to higher education for students in Whatcom and Skagit counties through college student mentorship. This program offers class credit for involvement in the program, student employment opportunities, and also has opportunities to volunteer. You can also volunteer with CS classes in the Bellingham school district or Squalicum High School Vex Robotics club.
3. Apply to Woodring: After completing CSCI 145, students apply to the Woodring College of Education. Applications to Woodring College of Education are taken twice yearly. Deadlines for applying are September 1 for admittance in winter quarter and February 15 for admittance in fall quarter.

Requirements of the application include:

• Completion of courses: CSCI 141 (C- or better) & CSCI 145 (C- or better)
• Experience with youth in an educational setting
• Scores from a Basic Skills test (such as ACT, SAT, or West-B)
• 2 letters of recommendations
  • One speaking to your CS skills
  • One speaking to your work with youth in an educational setting
• 3 essays: (full question prompt here)
  • Why you want to teach
  • How you’ll be an inclusive teacher
  • Your experience working with diverse students

Contact us for advising at cs.ed@wwu.edu. For questions about Woodring, you may also contact: TeacherEd.Admissions@wwu.edu | WCE Contacts or check out this list of recommended resources for preparing your application.