Put your passion for education into action

No matter what field your bachelor’s degree is in, you can become a teacher.

Changing careers can be daunting, but with Bethel University’s on campus Transition to Teaching program, a one-year program will take you from your current career and put you in the classroom. Graduates will be prepared, not only as effective teachers, but as ethical school leaders.

This popular 12-month program has new cohort groups that begin in May and October. Your hard work culminates with you earning your Indiana teacher’s license. Students can enroll in the online option or the on campus option. For on campus, classes meet evenings, on the campus of Bethel University in Mishawaka, Ind., from 6 – 10 p.m. Your first semester will engage you in the principles of teaching in lectures and classroom work. During second semester, you will have fieldwork to complete. This is addition to the evening courses. Your last semester, you will complete 14 weeks of full-time student teaching.

If you are inspired to work with children in grades kindergarten through sixth, you will complete 24 credit hours. The secondary program, grades five through 12, requires 18 credit hours.

Seasoned professionals, our faculty provides you with the expertise and mentorship you need to grow as both a student and a person. Upon graduation, you’ll have gained the networking opportunities you need to take the next step in your education career.

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Accreditation

Bethel University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole.

Related Programs

Obtaining a License in Another State

The State of Indiana has a compact agreement with most states. That means that if you hold a valid Indiana license, it should be relatively easy to obtain a license in most states. It is important to obtain your Indiana license first. Other states may have different requirements than Indiana regarding coursework, testing or GPA.

To obtain information for out-of-state licensing, please contact the Department of Education within the state you are seeking licensure. Please visit the United States Department of Education website and select the particular state of interest for license requirements and application procedures.

For current information regarding out-of-state licensing, please visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) website.

Have questions? Please contact the Bethel University Education Department, Licensing Advisor.

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Request more information about this program and gain access to our knowledgeable enrollment team.
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Program Details

Next Start Date: 05/04/2025
Credit Hours: 18-24
Cost/Credit: 480
Transfer Credits: Up to 9*
Est. Completion Time: 1-2 Years
Accreditation: NCATE/CAEP

Course Requirements

Bethel’s Transition to Teaching degree prepares students for the classroom with field work, training on teaching methods and preparation for reading and writing across the curriculum. Courses and credit hours depend on whether you choose elementary or secondary level. If you need help identifying the area you would like to focus on, our academic advisors can help.

  • ▸ Required Courses: Elementary License (8 courses, 24 credits)

    • EDTR 501: Teaching in the 21st Century (6)
    • EDTR 502: Classroom Environment (3)
    • EDTR 512: Field Work – Elementary (0)
    • EDTR 517: Reading Methods I (2)
    • EDTR 518: Reading Methods II (2)
    • EDTR 519: Reading Methods III (2)
    • EDTR 522: Methods of Teaching – Elementary Grades (6)
    • EDTR 590*: Student Teaching (3)

    *Student Teaching is a full-time 15-week experience. 

  • ▸ Required Courses: Secondary License (6 courses, 18 credits)

    • EDTR 501: Teaching in the 21st Century (6)
    • EDTR 502: Classroom Environment (3)
    • EDTR 511: Field Placement, 80 hours (0)
    • EDTR 528: Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum (3)
    • EDTR 561: Methods of Teaching – Secondary Grades (3)
    • EDTR 590*: Student Teaching Full-Time, semester-long (3)

    *Student Teaching is a full-time 15-week experience.

Program consists of:

6

Total Courses
Earn your degree faster by transferring credits.
View Transfer Policy

Admission Requirements

Candidates for Bethel’s on-campus transition to teaching degree will need to submit the following:
  • Free online application
  • Candidate Self-Evaluation
  • Official transcripts
  • An updated résumé*
  • Two professional references. A form is sent electronically for candidates to share.
  • Candidates must also schedule an interview prior to admission with the Program Coordinator (Advisor will assist you).
  • Follow this link to identify the Indiana Department of Education requirements that must be met for Transition to Teaching candidates.
  • Candidates, before being allowed to do fieldwork and student teaching, are required to go through an extensive background check that includes a Child Protection Index. More on this will be provided at orientation.

*Your résumé will be sent to schools when you reach the point of securing fieldwork and teaching placement in schools.

Tuition and Fees

Bethel has long been touted for its value. We were ranked No. 2 on Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck-Midwest list, listed as one of the 50 Best Value Christian Colleges, and have made it to the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities-Midwest” list for fifteen consecutive years.

*Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. Depending on transfer credits, the number of semesters required for completion will affect total cost.

*Transferring any graduate-level credits must be petitioned with the department for approval.

Cost of Attendance Calculator

Payment Plan

Bethel University has a monthly installment plan available through Nelnet Campus Commerce. Enrollment can be completed online by accessing the student billing link through MyBethel or by calling 800.609.8056. Students will be charged an enrollment fee of $40.

Total cost with max. transfer credits:

$6,980

For Elementary License

Total cost with max. transfer credits

$4,340

For Secondary License

View Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid

Bethel University is committed to ensuring that all our students receive an affordable education.
We offer financial aid based on need, and military benefits and are proud to offer extraordinarily competitive tuition rates.
FAFSA Information
To learn more about your financial aid options or submit a FAFSA, please see our Financial Aid page.
View Financial Aid

Transfer Credits

Bethel is committed to helping you make the most of your previous educational experiences. Visit our Transfer Credits page to learn more.
Transfer Your Credits
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Career Outcomes

The Transition to Teaching degree provides graduates with fulfilling career opportunities. Information taken from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • ▸ Elementary Education

    Kindergarten and elementary school teachers, whether in public or private settings, instruct students on basic subjects. Teachers generally create lesson plans, grade assignments, oversee the classroom and work to identify strengths and weaknesses of students, communicate with parents, prepare students for standardized tests and also guide students in proper behavior with peers within the classroom setting. The job outlook is 7% for 2020-2030, which is about as fast as average for other jobs. The median annual salary in 2020 was $60,660.

  • ▸ Secondary Education

    High school teachers move students from junior high and prepare them for life after graduation, whether that is in the workforce, technical school or college. Teachers generally create lesson plans in their area of expertise, whether that is math, art or physical education, to name just a few. They also are in touch with parents about the student’s progress, prepare students for testing. The job outlook is 8% for 2020-2030, which is about as fast as average for other jobs. The median annual salary in 2020 was $62,870.

Benefits of Learning Online

An online degree can open doors to your career while allowing you to study in a convenient, affordable format.
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Request Information

Learn more about this program and other online academic opportunities at Bethel. Once you complete this form, here’s what you can expect from us:
  • A friendly phone call. We’ll contact you within 24 hours, ready to answer all of your questions.
  • Personalized treatment. You’ll get immediate access to your own dedicated and knowledgeable enrollment counselor. They’ll ask you more about your goals at Bethel, and walk you through everything you need to know to apply.

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