Admissions

Admission Checklist


Step #1

Admission to the Graduate School is the first stage of admission for students seeking candidacy for master's degrees offered through an academic department.

Step #2

To be eligible for Elementary Education degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition, each student must submit the following items.

  • The departmental admission application for the Master of Science - Elementary Education and/or Certificate in Reading Instruction must be completed and returned.
  • A copy of transcripts showing the required 3.0 GPA within the last 60 hours of undergraduate study (or 3.0 GPA in the first 12 hours of graduate coursework) is generally included within the admission packet.
  • A copy of the applicant's current teaching certificate must be submitted. If the individual does not have certification at the appropriate level, he/she will need to complete the coursework necessary for certification, which may entail undergraduate and graduate credits. Please refer to the information regarding Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification.
  • Two current letters of recommendation provided by professional sources, such as an immediate supervisor, principal and/or co-worker, are required. The letters of recommendation should address such topics as:
    • the candidate's depth of content knowledge including effective technology skills and ethical behaviors/dispositions;
    • critical thinking and problem solving;
    • oral and written communication skills;
    • advanced scholarship (research and/or creative activity);
    • ability to work with diverse clientele; and
    • ability to collaborate and create positive relationships within the school, community and profession.
  • Advanced Candidate Self-Assessment - Please complete and submit this self-evaluation.
  • A professional resume that includes information regarding undergraduate education, work experience, recent professional development activities (i.e., workshops attended and/or workshops presented), involvement with professional education organizations, and volunteer work within the community (involving children/youth) must be developed and submitted. Sample resume formats can be found on the Career Services website.
  • A formal (typed) letter of application expressing the applicant's goals for the master's program is required. Within the letter of application, please describe a professional situation that required you (the applicant) to employ critical thinking and/or problem solving to select an appropriate course of action in order to resolve an issue.