Admission information

Graduate School programs (doctor of philosophy and master of arts)

December 1^st is the application deadline for fall term admission and consideration for assistantships or fellowships.

Faculty review applications shortly after this deadline and the Graduate School will notify applicants about admission decisions within 4-6 weeks of this date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

To apply, submit the following materials directly to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota, 150 Peik Hall, 159 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455-0208.

• Departmental application [.doc]
  • Additional Family, Youth and Community application [.doc] (for applications to this track)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Copies of scores on the Graduate School Record Examination (GRE)
• Unofficial copies of transcripts
• Current résumé
• Short writing sample (optional)

In addition, you must submit the following materials directly to the Graduate School, University of Minnesota, 309 Johnston Hall, 101 Pleasant St. S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0421. 

• Graduate School application
• Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
• Application fee
• Copies of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if applicable

Admission to the graduate programs is based on the applicant’s academic record, letters of recommendation, Graduate Record Examination scores, TOEFL scores where applicable, a statement of purpose (goals and interests), and perceived program "fit." Program area faculty review applicant files and make admission decisions on the basis of a holistic view of an applicant’s credentials. Most students admitted have a substantial background in education, especially in the emphasis area(s) of interest, and show a strong interest in research. 

In reviewing applicant’s files, faculty pay special attention to the statement of purpose, as it serves as an important source of information about an applicant’s background, goals, interests, and motivations. The statement may be up to three pages in length and should be constructed thoughtfully.

As an international student, where do I go for assistance?

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in conjunction with professional advisers in Student Services provide counseling, advising, and educational services for students and scholars from other countries. Students may receive counseling and advising services regarding visa requirements and other immigration issues; social, personal, and financial matters; international and intercultural educational opportunities; academic issues; and English language requirements.

Prior to your arrival on campus, general prospective student inquiries may be addressed to International Student and Scholar Services, 190 Hubert H. Humphrey Center, 301 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455 or call 612-626-7100. International applicants who require an I-20 for a student visa must provide a Financial Certification Statement upon admission to a program. For assistance, contact Student Services at 612-625-6501.

What about the master of education (M.Ed.) programs?

M.A. or M.Ed./professional studies?
Master's degrees explained

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