Transition to Teaching

Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program is for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, but have realized they have a passion for education.

Program Overview

Transition to Teaching is a program for people with a bachelor’s degree and a desire to become licensed teachers. This one-year cohort program begins in May or October, depending on your schedule and our program openings. Each student is required to complete the curriculum, have passing scores on all required licensure tests before they are eligible for an Indiana Teaching license. Individuals who successfully complete the program are eligible to also earn the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, by taking an additional 12-18 credit hours (this is a total of 36 credit hours of graduate study).

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Credit Hours: 36

Cost/Credit Hour: $425

Format: On-campus

Est. Completion Time: 1-2 years

Requirements

Maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all college work. See below for complete details!

Visit the Academic Catalog for course descriptions:

catalog

 

Career Paths

There are a variety of directions you can go with a master's degree in education or teaching. Some possible jobs include: school principal, school administrator, corporate trainer, curriculum director, education or training consultant, librarian, media specialist (library), instructional coordinators, school and career counselors and advisors.

Program Testimonial

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Laura McElligott, Granger, Ind.

Bethel's Transition to Teaching Program empowered me to realize my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher many years after earning my bachelor’s degree in another field. This rigorous and challenging program proved to be well worth the effort because it gave me the resources and strategies needed to become an effective educator. The program offers strong collaboration between the students and professors and the latest teaching methods. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is passionate about teaching and wants to make a difference in the lives of children

Susan Keszei, South Bend, Ind.

Transition to Teaching has provided me the educational tools and essential knowledge I feel is needed to succeed as a teacher within today’s challenging classrooms. Even the demands and stamina it requires to complete the intense one year program simulates and prepares me for the demands and requirements it takes to teach on my own. I am grateful to Transition to Teaching that I do not have to wait another four years to fulfill my passion I feel confident and secure I am prepared to teach and will do so successfully. Thank you Transition to Teaching!

Ruth Arvidson, Elkhart, Ind.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I entered the Transition to Teaching program at Bethel. What I received was an eye-opening encounter with the challenges that face education today and how I could make a difference in the lives of children in public education. We learned how to work together as a teaching team and we learned how God still has a role in education through our very lives. Participating in Bethel’s Transition to Teaching program was probably one of the most defining steps that I have taken in my personal ministry. I would urge any person who has a heart for children’s education to take that step of faith to enter the program and make an impact for Christ in our society.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*, openings for K-12 principals is about 22,100 annually. This area shows an 8% growth rate, which is about average for all occupations ( 2020-2030). Average annual media pay is $98,490.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm (visited September 08, 2021).

 

Apply

How to Apply

  • Complete a free online application.
  • Meet with an admission counselor.
  • Send us your official college transcripts directly from the school to Bethel. They can be mailed in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to AGSAdmission@BethelUniversity.edu.
  • Complete the FAFSA using Bethel's school code: 001787 to be considered for state and federal need-based aid. 

Next Start Date

Admission Requirements

Please submit the following documents to agsadmission@betheluniversity.edu:

Please note: A copy of your résumé and essay will be sent to schools when securing fieldwork and school teaching placements.
  • Official transcripts with regionally accredited bachelor’s degree & 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • “What Makes a Great Teacher?” essay
  • Résumé
  • 2 professional references
  • Interview with Program Director
  • The State of Indiana requires teacher candidates to demonstrate proficiency in the basic skills areas of reading, writing, and math. Proficiency can be demonstrated using a variety of assessments, including the ACT, SAT, GRE, and Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests, as well as holding an advanced degree. More information on how to meet this requirement, including a list of approved assessments and minimum score requirements, can be found here: TTT Basic Skills Requirements.
  • For a step-by-step tutorial on how to purchase and schedule appointments for the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educator tests, please view this document: Praxis Core Registration Information.
  • In order to complete fieldwork and student teaching requirements, an extensive background check that includes a Child Protection Index check will be required for each teacher candidate. Details on the cost and procedure for obtaining this check will be given at orientation.

 

Graduate Programs

Ministry/Theology = $340 per credit hour
Education = $425 per credit hour
Transition-to-Teaching = $425 per credit hour (2021-22); $440 per credit hour (2022-23)
Other (MA, MBA, MSN) = $490 per credit hour
 
Fees per semester: $190 (full-time students): $160 (all part-time students)
Other fees may apply by program. Please see Advisor.

FAFSA Details

Financial Aid

Financial aid for adult and graduate students is available. Contact our Financial Aid Office at 574.807.7326 or Sabrina.Citte@BethelUniversity.edu to learn more about your options.

Find Direct Costs and Tuition and Fees  in our latest Academic Catalog

Request Information: Fill out the form or connect with an admission counselor to learn more!

Koren Scott

Koren Scott

Academic Advisor
Faculty & Staff
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Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission

A member of the North Central Association, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60602, 800.621.7440.

The Higher Learning Commission
A member of the North Central Association
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60602
(800) 621-7440