The School of Education Difference
Seattle Pacific was founded more than 125 years ago, and the University has been preparing some of the most sought-after educators in the region for more than 90 years. Today, entrance to School of Education graduate programs is highly competitive. Faculty members — each teaching his or her own courses and each holding a doctorate — have worked to develop rigorous programs of quality.
The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University offers more than a dozen graduate programs. You can choose from three doctoral programs, seven master’s degree programs, and five certification programs, all of which focus on developing competence, character, leadership, and service in educators. While many students train to become teachers, others prepare for roles as school counselors, principals, superintendents, district office personnel, or professors in higher education. SPU’s reputation in P–12 education in Washington and across the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.
Why Seattle Pacific for your Digital Educational Leadership certificate, master’s, or doctoral degree?
Technology has the potential to enhance teaching, learning, and professional productivity in every educational setting. As an educator, you are well aware of technology’s potential — how it can impact the way you teach, as well as the way students learn.
There is a difference between potential and delivery, however, and as new technologies find their way into the learning environment, educators often find they need additional support. SPU’s graduate options in Digital Education Leadership (DEL) are hyflex and designed to prepare you to make research-based decisions implementing and supporting digital technologies in the learning environment. The Digital Education Leadership certificate, MEd, and EdD are aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for students, educators, coaches, and administrators.
- Accomplished Faculty
Expert, caring faculty have a desire to help students succeed. Faculty are known for mentoring their students during and following their educational programs. These professors model lifelong learning through scholarly activities of their own, publishing frequently, and presenting at professional conferences.
- AACU Membership
Seattle Pacific is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. SPU certification programs are approved by the Washington state Professional Educator Standards Board. The School of Education is also a member of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, and has a chapter, Sigma Phi Upsilon, of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling.
- Deep Character Emphasis
Built on an character education foundation, the graduate programs at SPU offer first-class education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take ethics courses, and character issues are integrated throughout the curriculum.
- Flexible Format
Designed for working professionals, all courses in this program are online, with weekly real-time web conferences. It is designed using a cohort model, with a new cohort beginning every Autumn Quarter.
- Connected Alumni
School of Education graduates move on to purposeful careers in schools and district-level leadership throughout the country. When you obtain a graduate degree from SPU’s School of Education, you join a community of alumni who stay connected.
James Bettis
DEL Graduate | Instructional Technology Coach, Edmonds School District
“I decided to pursue the DEL program after looking at similar programs at other universities. David was the first professor to call and talk to me in person. He took the time to explain the program to me and he asked about my teaching experience and assured me that the DEL program would be a good fit for me … and it was! During the program I was able to move from being a classroom teacher to working as an Instructional Technology Coach, so I use the learning from the program in my day-to day-work. I draw on my learning around coaching, ethics, and digital best practices daily in my current role.
I really enjoyed the closeness and small size of our cohort. We spent time reading and responding to each other's work in addition to other collaboration. Our six-member cohort became pretty close in the two-year program and some of us have stayed connected well after we graduated. Also, I appreciated the flexibility of the program being able to work online and having the option to visit campus for larger projects was a great bonus.”
Mun Shing Cheong
DEL Student | CEO of Qurio Education in Hong Kong
“I made a switch to a new job, taking on a leadership role in education. I thought that the DEL program at SPU would be great because even though I have many years of work experience in tech, the field of education was completely new to me.
What stands out to me the most is DEL’s focus on digital, education, and leadership. Those were the exact key areas I was looking for as I am passionate about transforming education and the future of education. The fact that this program covered pedagogy, EdTech, and was tailored to training leaders in education checked all the boxes for me. I've learned to be comfortable and agile with technology, and more importantly, I've learned that if a leader can turn an organization into a learning organization, she/he brings the whole team along with them in the journey of growth and as a result, the whole organization grows and thrives. I highly recommend this program to educators who are looking to take their career to the next level and who want to be prepared for what the future of education might bring. The program is also perfect for anyone looking to pivot into education or a career switch into education.”
Christine Lackie
DEL Graduate
“I had been teaching for several years and saw the changing landscape of digital tools being used but worried about using tech with students in the K-5 setting. Among other things, I wanted to dig deeper into why my initial reaction was to shy away from using digital tools and platforms as an educator. I am so thankful that I pushed myself with SPU’s DEL program to learn more and become comfortable with these skills for myself, my students, with colleagues, and to truly understand what it means to teach 21st century skills as an educator.
What was so interesting was when Covid hit and schools closed, we were in a unique position because our students were already familiar with the digital education tool we utilized. The digital tools that I had been learning through the DEL program became a lifeline between educators, families and students in our school during emergency remote learning. Also, the DEL program is set up in a thoughtful way that also supports educators in the field. I am so thankful for how it has helped me grow as an educator, how it has helped my students and how it has helped my leadership skills with colleagues. From the very first quarter of DEL classes, I realized that the DEL program was focused on mindful use of tech and using digital education to prepare students for the world they live in, not the one I grew up in.
Helen Gong
DEL Graduate
“I decided to pursue my Master's Degree in SPU's DEL program because Dr. Wicks has deep experience in teaching and researching digital education. The blended learning format of the program also fit my situation. Dr. Wicks and the other professors who work in this program are so warm and kind. They sent me detailed information about the DEL program and introduced me to the courses and followed up with me. I had two other universities on my list and I chose the SPU DEL program because of the faculty.
When I started the program I was working at an international school as an IT assistant. Being in the program helped me get a job at a college where I was an information technology engineer. I was promoted to an instructional technology engineer after graduating from the DEL program. During the pandemic, I utilized what I learned from this program to help my colleagues teach online using digital technology. Because of my participation in the DEL program, I have become very passionate about educational technology. Recently I accepted a new opportunity to work in a Beijing international school as an innovation coach. The DEL program opened a precious box for me and helped me find a career I will love my whole life. Dr. Wicks has provided me with much support even after I graduated. He is a good professor, a good leader, and a good coach in my studies and my life."