Criteria for Graduate Admissions

Admission to the Graduate Early Education programs in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership is contingent upon the following:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a liberal arts and sciences concentration.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.75 in each of two categories:
   1. Overall undergraduate course work.
   2. Course work in the liberal arts and sciences.
      Applicants' with a GPA of 2.5-2.75 may be accepted provisionally, subject to special conditions.
3. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
4. Two letters of reference addressing the applicant's potential to succeed in the teaching profession and graduate course work.
5. An interview with the program director.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

To apply for any of our graduate programs, please visit the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Admission to the Doctoral Program in Learning and Teaching – Early Childhood Education program in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership is contingent upon the following:

1. A completed application form.
2. Official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate course work. Applicants must hold master’s and bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions. Either the bachelor's or master's degree must closely relate to the doctoral specialization sought by the applicant. A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 in graduate course work and 3.0 in undergraduate course work is required.
3. An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), with a minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections and a minimum score of 5 on the analytical writing section.
4. A typed statement of intent and rationale for pursuing doctoral studies (500-1000 words).
5. Three professional references from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for doctoral studies.
6. A minimum of two years of successful full-time teaching experience or the equivalent.
7. Evidence of past professional work (e.g., videotape, portfolio, or other relevant documentation).
8. Interview and on-site writing task (scheduled after all other admissions materials have been received).

Program admissions reflect the belief that no single criterion reliably predicts applicants' potential for success in the program. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply if they do not meet one or more criteria but believe that other aspects of their experience might compensate. However, since many factors are considered in the selection process, meeting application criteria does not ensure admission to the program.

To apply for any of our graduate programs, please visit the Office of Graduate Admissions.