Graduate Programs of Study

• Admissions
• Programs
• Financial Aid
• Scheduling
• Research Requirement

Admissions
Do the Graduate programs require the GRE exam?
No. We do not require the GRE (or any other external exam) because we have found that exam scores do not necessarily correlate with success at DePaul. A good score on an external exam might influence an application which had other weaknesses, but it is not required.

What do you look for in an application to the the graduate programs?
We look for evidence of four things: academic ability to do graduate work, a strong background in an appropriate content area, a work ethic that will sustain you through a graduate program, and the ability to work with and/or teach students. To determine this, we look carefully at all of your application materials, but especially at your transcripts and personal statement and at your references. So you should make sure that your application materials cover our these areas of concern and that they give a good picture of the strengths which you will bring to the program.

Will DePaul accept graduate transfer credits?
Yes. You can petition to have the School of Education give you credit for up to two graduate courses that you have taken elsewhere. See your advisor to see how the program requirements will be affected.

What is the deadline for admissions? Do you use "rolling admissions"?
For some program, we admit on a "rolling admissions" basis, which means that you can apply at any time. For specific deadlines, click here.

Can I start classes before I am fully admitted?
Some, but not all, graduate programs allow registration prior to full admission. Please contact Graduate Admissions at 773-325-1152 to ask about specific programs.

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Programs
Can I adapt the graduate program to my particular needs?
For some programs, you are able to take elective courses which you can use to develop your career goals. We have a number of defined options (for example, in ESL or bilingual education, in mathematics, reading, or language arts, and in supervision).

Could I take classes outside of the School of Education to complete my degree?
Some programs include electives. Although the School of Education has a wide variety of offerings in many areas, some programs allow you to choose courses from anywhere in the University provided they are graduate courses for which you qualify. For example: English teachers often take courses offered by the English Department, including courses from their M.A. in writing program; history teachers are encouraged to take additional history or political science courses; elementary and middle school teachers might want to broaden their education by taking courses in our Masters in Liberal Studies program; and teachers interested in multicultural education are invited to consider courses on inter-cultural communication offered by our Communications department.

Can I get any additional certifications or endorsements through my graduate program?
Yes, in many cases you can. For details, refer to the program description and degree requirements. Be sure to contact an adviser when choosing electives.

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Financial Aid
Can I get financial aid to help defray the cost of tuition?
Sometimes, but financial aid for graduate students is limited. Occasionally, students are able to get financial aid from external sources. For complete details on financial aid and financing options, consult the Financial Aid office.

As a graduate student, do I qualify for a student loan?
Yes. The primary form of financial aid is loans. The Financial Aid office has details and information about applications for student loans.

Do graduate students qualify for graduate assistantships?
The School does have a small number of graduate assistantships for full-time students. Applications for these highly competitive positions are generally due in March or April for the following year.

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Scheduling
How long does it usually take to complete the program?
This depends on you. Three years is a general guide for most people, though some take longer and a few finish more quickly. Each program differs. Most people start with one course per quarter, and later take two per quarter.

Can I begin the Masters program while I am still working?
Yes. We expect that our students will be working full time outside the home, as teachers, administrators, or professionals in other positions. Since our Master's courses are typically offered in the evening. However, many programs, including all initial teacher certification programs, require field experiences, student teaching, or internships which require working in schools during the school day. You must be able to adjust your work schedule to meet these requirements.

What is a full course load for a person who works full-time?
We consider two courses to be a full load, especially for those who have responsibilities elsewhere.

Which programs are offered at one of DePaul's suburban campuses?
There are several programs and courses taught at DePaul's suburban campuses. For specific courses, times and locations, use the online course catalog.

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Research Requirement
What is the difference between an M.A. and an M.Ed.?
An M.A. requires a Master's thesis and an oral examination on the thesis. An M.Ed. requires two Master's papers or other capstone experience. All graduate programs, except for the Teaching and Learning program, require a thesis, papers, or capstone experience.

Is there any difference between an M.A. and an M.Ed. as far as marketability and respectability are concerned?
This is difficult to answer because it depends on whom you talk to and where you plan to work. Most people would answer, "No." Some people, especially those who do not know the field, perceive that an M.A. is more prestigious. From our perspective, both degrees require serious work and are equally prestigious.

Which should I choose, an M.A. or an M.Ed.?
This depends on you. The thesis is generally a year-long process, and it must involve a committee of at least three faculty members. Although it can be an extremely valuable experience, it requires time and commitment for you to make the most of the process. The papers or capstone can be planned earlier in your program and, if you are well organized, completed while you work towards the end of your program. Fortunately you do not need to decide until you are well into the program.

If I am registered for the Teaching and Learning program do I have to complete papers or a thesis?
No. This program leads to a M.Ed. degree, but does not require papers. An M.A. option requires an additional course and a thesis.

How do I get started on the M.Ed. papers?
If you decide on an M.Ed., you will work with a faculty member to complete the work. Some programs include a course which helps you through the process. Talk to faculty members to identify a topic of interest.

How do I get started on a thesis?
Since you cannot register for the thesis course until you have a thesis advisor, you first must get someone to agree to be your advisor. A good way to approach this is to prepare a short proposal and discuss it with the person you think you want to become your advisor. More details are in the thesis handbook (scroll down to MA Thesis). You can also obtain a copy from the Advanced Graduate Programs Office (SAC 481).

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