Introduction
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 and how students can personally leverage technology to create their own futures. You’ll gain confidence in your CS teaching ability through a select combination of classes in computer science, teacher training, and CS education. You’ll learn to be an effective, inspiring, and inclusive teacher through field experiences in real CS classrooms paired with training in evidence based pedagogical content knowledge.
*52 credits from the Secondary Education program including the student teaching internship. This major leads to an endorsement in Computer Science for grades P-12. For questions about the teacher certification process or when to apply, contact us at cs.ed@wwu.edu. For additional information, see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Why Consider a Computer Science Secondary BAE Major?
Computer Science is increasingly seen as an essential content area which everybody should have some exposure to – but K12 schools cannot offer CS classes without CS teachers. A high-quality Computer Science teacher has expertise both in the breadth of CS content areas and expertise in effective, engaging teaching. The Computer Science, Secondary Ed. - Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) program includes a set of core CS content classes selected to help all secondary students leverage CS towards fulfilling their life goals. Use your passion for CS to make a difference in people’s lives – while enjoying a well-paying, rewarding job with great benefits.
Student Resources
Department Website: Computer Science
Contact information: Caroline Hardin, Director of BAE Computer Science, Communications Facility 469, 360-650-3601, hardinc3@wwu.edu; Kjatosia Ruvalcaba, CS-Secondary BAE undergraduate advisor, Kaiser Borsari Hall 421D, 360-650-2971, ruvalck@wwu.edu; Teacher Education Admission, 360-650-4887, wce.teachered.admiss@wwu.edu.
Department advising: Admitted and/or current students visit the Advising section of the Computer Science website.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Students are advised to declare the pre-major as soon as they are enrolled in CSCI 141 by contacting the Undergraduate Advisor for advising and completing the pre-major application. Transfer students should seek advising immediately upon transfer to Western.
This major must be accompanied by the Woodring professional preparation program in secondary education and leads to an endorsement in secondary computer science. To be eligible for admission to the Woodring College of Education, prospective students are required to complete two computer science courses (CSCI 141 and CSCI 145) and earn a C- or above in CSCI 145. See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Grade Requirements
Recommendation for teaching endorsement normally requires completion of the major with a grade point of 2.50 or better in the required major courses. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.
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