Program Admission Policy

 

The following are the general admissions requirements for entry into the program:

  • Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited undergraduate institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or better may be admitted conditionally with the requirement that they must achieve a “B” or better in their first nine credits.
  • State Teaching Certification
    • This requirement is waived for applicants not in education, i.e., corporate trainers, school nurses, etc.
  • Three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the candidate’s professional experience.
  • A scholarly essay relating to a professional journal article.

Application materials are reviewed by the Admissions office and program faculty.  All admissions decisions are considered final.  To appeal the decision, simply write a letter to the Associate Director for Graduate Admissions.  The letter should detail any additional information that the applicant would like the program to consider including academic credits and/or performance, relevant life experience and changes in qualifications since submitting the initial application.  Once admitted, the status as a degree candidate is secure for one year.  Failure to enroll after one year requires reapplication to the program.

Meeting the minimal requirements for admission suggests that the applicant is prepared to engage in a master’s level experience.  The degree, GPA and certification requirements provide evidence that the applicant has fulfilled the content and pedagogical knowledge and skills required to meet state standards.  The letters of recommendation provide evidence of the applicant’s disposition toward education as a profession and all that is entailed.  The scholarly essay provides insight regarding the applicant’s ability to analyze and reflect on research and practice within the field of education. 

Note: Conditional Acceptance may be granted for applicants not meeting the GPA requirement.  Consideration will be given to those applicants who have between a 2.5 and 3.0 GPA, related work experience, strong recommendations, and a strong writing sample.  An interview may be requested by the program.  Degree candidates accepted conditionally must complete 9 credit hours with a B grade or higher, including the Introduction course (ALTE/EDTL/EDLD 600)