EdS Program Admission Requirements

​​Admission Eligibility

To be eligible for the Education Specialist program, students must hold a both a bachelor's and master's degree from an accredited college or university and have a previous GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Application Requirements

A complete application to the EdS program will include the following materials:

• Graduate admission application
• $40 domestic application fee, $75 international application fee
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be from faculty in your master's program
  
• A personal statement in which you discuss your interest in further study and articulating an issue or problem of interest or concern (approximately 3 pages)
• Writing sample from a master's-level class; alternatively, you can write a 3-5 page response to readings provided by the Curriculum Studies program - Alternative Writing Prompt

Applicants may be invited to attend an interview with EdS program faculty as part of the application process. Interviews are held either at the Lincoln Park campus or by phone, depending on an applicant's availability. The Office of Graduate Admissions contacts applicants to schedule the interview if one will be required.

Applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S. or who will be considered international students must submit additional materials. Visit our International Students page for more information.

Applicants can upload supplemental application materials, send requests for letters of recommendation, and pay the application fee through our online application system.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to program and admission requirements for the educational specialist program, students choosing to apply to one of the additional endorsement options are required to fulfill the following requirements.

Teacher Leader Endorsement

• A copy of a valid Illinois teaching license
• Proof of at least two years of full-time teaching experience
• Evidence of a passing score on the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (formerly the Illinois Test of Basic Skills) or ACT/SAT equivalent as established by ISBE
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors
• Statement of purpose indicating professional development goals and related experience (750 words)

Principal Endorsement

• A copy of a valid Illinois teaching license
• Proof of at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the last five
• Evidence of a passing score on the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (formerly the Illinois Test of Basic Skills) or ACT/SAT equivalent as established by ISBE
• One letter from district office recommending entrance into the principal preparation program
• Two letters of recommendation (one from your supervisor and one from a colleague) - These take the place of the three letters of recommendation required for admission to the EdS program
• Statement of purpose indicating why you want to be a principal
• Upon initial review, the process will include a required interview. Candidates will be expected to complete on on-site writing sample during the interview and submit a teaching portfolio.

Superintendent Endorsement

• Students must already have the general administrative (K-12) or principal (preK-12) endorsement added to their professional educator license
  
• Proof of at least two years of full-time administrative experience on a valid administrative license with the general administrative endorsement
  
• Evidence of a passing score on the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (formerly the Illinois Test of Basic Skills) or ACT/SAT equivalent as established by ISBE

Application Deadlines

The EdS program admits new students every quarter: fall, winter, spring and summer. It offers rolling admission, but regular deadlines are set for each term to assure students full consideration for admission and financial aid. The program will continue to accept and process applications after the regular deadline if space is available.

*The EdS program admits students all year on a rolling basis; however, most students admitted for the summer term will begin classes the following fall quarter.

Applicants typically receive an admission decision 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the Education Specialist program and meet with program faculty at an upcoming information session.

Ready to apply?