Master's Degree Admission Requirements

Overview

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development promotes excellence by engaging in and disseminating scientifically-based research, preparing exemplary professionals in education and human development, collaborating with other schools and institutions in the development of model programs and furthering positive learning experiences in all stages of life.

Admission to the Master's programs for educators focuses on K-12 education in the areas of reading and writing literacy; language acquisition; math, science, and technology education; bilingual education; learning theory; and giftedness. Admission is based upon evaluation for academic success and commitment to intellectual inquiry in the field of education. Applications are also evaluated on the basis of undergraduate (and any prior graduate) preparation, academic writing, GRE scores, and congruence between the applicant's objectives and the program interests.

General Admission Requirements for All Master's Degree Programs:

• Enclose a $75 application fee (check or money order) with the application. This fee is non-refundable. Note: If you have previously paid an application fee to a graduate program in the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, the $75 fee is waived.
   
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent training at a foreign university.
   
• Official transcripts showing degree conferral, certified and translated if from a foreign institution.
   
• A preferred minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Note: Applicants whose GPA falls below 3.0 may request an exemption to this requirement by attaching a letter explaining why an exception should be made (such as long-term experience, expertise in a related specialized field, or the required Graduate Record Examination score).
   
• Submit a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose demonstrates the applicants competence in speaking and writing the English language and ability to think critically. The Statement of Purpose should be a 2-3 page (500-750 words) written statement of how an applicant's career goals would be enhanced by realizing the goals of the program. The goals of all programs in the Department of Teaching and Learning are stated in our Conceptual Framework, which can be found on the last page of the application or click here to view the Conceptual Framework on our website.
   
• Distribute three recommendation forms and ask that they be sent directly to the Department of Teaching and Learning. Select respondents who can attest to your academic ability, your teaching abilities, and your personal qualities. If you are currently teaching, one recommendation must be from your principal or other supervisor.



• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all Master's programs. Request the official scores on the GRE (within the last 5 years). To insure that we receive your GRE scores, please use the institution code 7464 for the ACSSEHD. We require all three parts of the GRE: (a) Analytical Writing (b) Verbal Reasoning (c) Quantitative Reasoning.

For the GRE taken prior to August 1, 2011
Total minimum scores are 500 Quantitative Reasoning, 500 Verbal Reasoning, and a minimum of 4.5 for Analytical Writing.

For the GRE taken after August 1, 2011
Total minimum scores are 144 Quantitative Reasoning, 153 Verbal Reasoning, and a minimum of 4.5 for Analytical Writing.

For information about registering/taking the GRE, click here.

SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) offers GRE strategy workshops and test preparation courses. For information and registration, click here.

Additional Requirements for International Students:

• International students applying from countries where English is not the native language are required to provide scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Request the official scores for the TOEFL to be sent (if required; see below). The minimum score for admission is 550 on a pencil and paper test or 83 on the internet-based test. For more information about admission of foreign students, please click here.
  http://smu.edu/international/admission/default.asp
   
• As evidence of financial support, foreign students must provide a Certification of Finance Form/Letter of Financial Backing. This should represent that sufficient money will be available to the applicant to cover all expenses while at the University. This letter may be signed by a parent or sponsor but must be certified by a bank. The document must be notarized and on file before the process for visas and passport can proceed. (See next page for additional information regarding foreign applicants.)