Admission to Undergraduate Programs

It is best to understand the admission process into the Teacher Education Programs the minute that you set foot on campus. That way, you can be prepared instead of surprised. Keep in mind that admission is competitive, so you will want to go above and beyond the minimum expectations. Because the Professional Education sequence will take 4-5 semesters to complete, it is best to apply as soon as possible.

Transfer students are required to be admitted to WSU and encouraged to become admitted to the Teacher Education Unit before starting coursework at WSU. In addition to the criteria listed above, all transfer credits must have been accepted by WSU and be designated on the WSU Admission Degree Audit (DARS) to be considered for Teacher Education Admissions.

The Teacher Education Program has certain criteria that must be met to complete the online application:

  • Cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.75 or higher. The cumulative GPA for admissions is based on a student’s most recent 30 college level credits completed. The calculation includes all semester credits in any given semester needed to meet the 30-credit requirement. Students can calculate their GPAs using online tools before applying.
  • Grade of “B” or better in a 3 credit college level writing course (ENG 111 if taken at WSU).
  • Grade of “B” or better in a 3 credit college level speech course (CMST 191 or 192 if taken at WSU).
  • Grade of “C” or better in a 3 credit college level math course (MATH 202 is required for Elementary and Early Childhood majors). MATH 202 is also recommended for other Teacher Education majors.
  • Complete 15 hours of clinical experience. This requirement could be satisfied by taking WSU EDFD 100, WSU SPED 300, or another course with clinical hours totaling 15 hours (this includes hours completed in the semester you are applying to the program). This criterion can also be met through a comparable work or volunteer experience, following high school graduation. These forms are available on the student resource page or in Cathedral 212. Return forms to Cathedral 212.

Pre-Education students will fill out the application for admission to WSU's College of Education for their designated major(s)/minor(s).

Students must apply to the Teacher Education Program with the expected major upon graduation that matches the major listed on their Degree Audit Report (DARS).

Apply for the Rochester Elementary and Early Education online program.

Apply for the in-person Winona Main Campus programs.


Application Deadlines

Fall semester: Oct. 1

Spring semester: March 1


If you have any questions about the Winona campus Teacher Education Program application (whether you're interested in the Winona campus or the online-only option), email CSS@winona.edu.

Please note, Elementary Education K - 6 online (EEPT) and Early Childhood Education Online (ECEO) are Fall admission-only programs. These programs require students to have 60 completed credits (or an AA degree) and will begin Fall 2023.

Priority deadline is March 1. The application window will be closed July 1 for the EEPT and ECEO programs.

Applicants are scored on a point-system according to the admission criteria* in three areas: Academics, Communication, and Mathematics.

  • The Communication section awards points based on the grades achieved in 3 credit college writing and speech courses (ENG 111 and CMST 191). A grade of a “B” (3.00) in each of these courses would earn 2 points while an “A” (4.00) would earn the maximum of 3 points.  For example, if a student has earned an “A” in English and a “B” in Speech, then that student would be awarded 5 out of 6 points in this section.
  • The Mathematics section awards points based on the grade achieved in a 3 credit college math course (MATH 202 is required for Elementary and Early Childhood majors and recommended for all other Teacher Education majors although MATH 100 will still be accepted for these majors). A grade of a “C” (2.00) would earn 1 point while an “A” (4.00) would earn the maximum of 3 points. If students have taken any higher math courses, an extra point will be added to their scores.  For example, if a student has earned a “B” in Math 202 which is a higher math course, then their score would be 3 in this section.

The total number that can be achieved is 14 points. The top students with the highest points are admitted each semester; these are known as Tier 1 students. Students who do not make it in the top 110 scores will be put on a waiting list. If any of the students on Tier 1 drop out, then students on Tier 2 will be contacted starting with the students who have the highest scores on Tier 2.

*Criteria are subject to change in any given semester.

Once admitted, students are required to join EMSP ($32) for liability insurance and complete a Comprehensive Criminal Background Check through Castle Branch ($50).

Newly admitted students must also complete these and other documents before they'll be allowed to register for their next semester of courses.

If a student is accepted, the student must start the Professional Education Sequence courses (PDF) the following semester and must graduate with the same major listed on their application.

This sequence will take four to five semesters to complete.

Criminal Convictions or Charges

Please note that criminal convictions or certain charges may make it difficult to obtain a teaching license. If you have questions about this, it is best to contact Monica Rasmussen, the Teacher Ethics Specialist at the Board of Teaching. She can be reached by email monica.rasmussen@state.mn.us or phone at 651.634.2736.