Special Education Master of Science

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
• If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

GPA/GRE

If you have less than a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, submit your official GRE scores (use institution code 1319).

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Resume and Cover Letter

Submit a current resume and a cover letter that outlines your professional goals.

Teaching Experience

Must be teaching in a full-time position at the start of an academic year. Please submit evidence from a district administrator or HR representative.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit the names and email addresses of two references for letters of recommendation within the online application.

Your letters should include the following:

• How long the reference has known you
• Information about your professional work experiences
• Characteristics you possess that will make you successful in a graduate program

Ensure your references know enough information about you and enough time to write a comprehensive letter.

Credentials

Take a screenshot of your “my credentials” page from your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account. Make sure your name and endorsement(s) are visible. Submit the screenshot with your application.

English Proficiency Scores (International Students Only)

International students applying to this program must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5 band.

Global Access to Online Degree Programs

When applying, international students applying to a fully online program must agree to our international online and hybrid programs disclosure and disclaimer statements. Due to limited on-campus courses, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Term — March 30

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