Go from Para Educator to Teacher of Record in a shortened time with Wichita State University's Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP).
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education
Prepare for licensure as a Kansas teacher with our flexible program of study, specially designed for Para Educators to earn their Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Unified / Elementary education.
- Complete your degree without leaving your current Para Educator job
- Earn field experience for work as a Para Educator
- 100% online courses, with some in-person options for general education course requirements
- Dedicated success coaches / mentors provide guidance and support
- Collaboration with Kansas community colleges and technical schools on transfer articulation agreements
Request Information Scholarships Apply Now
Accelerated Bachelor's to MEd in Special Education
The accelerated bachelor's degree to MEd in Special Education program at Wichita State University is a fully online accelerated admission pathway allowing students int he Teacher Apprentice ProgramTM to save both time and money while earnign an undergraduate early childhood education/elementary education degree and a graduate special education degree. Candidates can endorse in either high incidence or low incidence special education, with the option to pursue a dual endorsement for expanded expertise.
For more information, contact Dr. Reagan Murnan at reagan.murnan@wichita.edu.
TAP Admission Terms
- Fall Semester - Acceptance Deadline - July 28, 2025
- Spring Semester - Acceptance Deadline - Dec. 19, 2025
- Summer Semester - Acceptance Deadline - May 12, 2025
TAP Admission Requirements
All Items must be completed prior to starting the TAP Online Program
Step 1: Complete the WSU TAP Application Form online.
Step 2: Apply for admission to Wichita State University
- New Student Application: Apply Now
- Previous WSU Student: Reactivate your file Now
Please notify your TAP Advisor that you are reactivating your account and which semester or 8 week period you plan to enter the program.
Please note this step will require you to submit your official transcripts to WSU. You will need to have an overall 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible for the TAP program.
STEP 3: Complete the Reference Request Form with names and contact information for three references who are qualified to address your professional skills, communication skills (oral and written), and your potential for success as a classroom teacher and as a student in this program.
STEP 4: Please use the Verification Form to verify your employment and that you have a Certificate of Health and/or Criminal Background Check on file with your district/interlocal where you serve as a para educator.
If you are unable to verify the Certificate of Health and/or Criminal Background Check through the verification form, please follow these steps:
Certificate of Health: Provide proof of a completed Certification of Health for School Personnel or TB test, K.S.A. 72--6266 (prior law 72-5213)) or verification that this has been completed per your employer**.
Criminal Background Check: Provide verification of a completed Criminal Background Check.
- Option #1: Provide a copy of current Substitute License.
- Option #2: Provide a copy of recent background clearance with Validity, NATSB, or district requirement.
- Option #3: Validity Screening Solutions - Submit the Validity Online Background Request Form with payment within 10 business days from the date of the Teacher Ed. Application.
**Requirements per district may vary. Please contact Wichita State University College of Applied Studies for approval of acceptable alternative forms.
STEP 5: Complete Student Authorization Form
Required application materials such as Verification Form, Certificate of Health, and Criminal Background Check can be submitted to the following options:
Email: parapath@wichita.edu
