Walla Walla University is offering a new opportunity for educators — one that reflects the realities of modern teaching while staying rooted in the values of faith, service and lifelong learning.
The university’s new Stackable Graduate Certificates Program is designed with flexibility in mind, providing a thoughtful, budget-friendly route to a Master of Education degree. Priced under $14,000 and built to accommodate busy lives, the program allows teachers to begin coursework at any time, progress at their own pace and pay as they go.
Maria Bastien Valenca, WWU School of Education and Psychology dean, understands the pressures today’s teachers face. "We know many of our educators are stretched thin. That’s why we’ve committed to supporting their growth without requiring them to give up their summers or upend their schedules,” she shares. “This program offers a pathway that is both accessible and meaningful.”
Participants can choose from three specialization areas — leadership, special education, and teaching and learning with an emphasis on STEM. Each area offers three tiers of certification:
- A basic certificate lays a solid foundation, with content designed to support North American Division endorsements.
- An advanced certificate builds on that base, offering deeper preparation for expanded professional roles.
- A professional certificate rounds out the journey with a personalized capstone project, completing the requirements for a master's degree.
All courses are taught by experienced, faith-grounded faculty who combine academic insight with real-world application. Because the coursework is project-based, many assignments can be applied directly to the student’s current teaching role — making the learning not only theoretical, but also immediately useful.
The program is fully accredited through Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and reflects WWU’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence within a Christian worldview.
“Whether you’re looking to grow into leadership, specialize further or simply stay current in your field,” said Bastien Valenca, “we want to walk that journey with you.”
To learn more about this program and how it may support your ministry in education, visit wallawalla.edu/graduate-education.
