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Admission Information for Graduate Students

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Degrees offered:

Art Education (M.A., Ph.D.)
Communication Studies Education (M.A.)
Curriculum and Supervision (M.A., Ph.D.)
Developmental Reading (M.A.)
Elementary Education (M.A., Ph.D.)
English Education (M.A., M.A.T.)
Foreign and Second Languages Education (M.A.T., M.A.)
Foreign Language and ESL Education (Ph.D.)
Language, Literacy and Culture (Ph.D.)
Mathematics Education (M.A., Ph.D., M.S. in Mathematics with Education Option)
Music Education (M.A., Ph.D.)
Science Education (M.A.T., M.S., Ph.D.)
Social Studies Education (M.A., Ph.D.)
Special Education (M.A., Ph.D., Ed.S. in Administration, Consultant)

Licensure and Teacher Education, Certification

As an alternate course to seeking a graduate degree in Education, graduate students from other colleges may be admitted to a program leading to teacher licensure/certification as "certification only" through the Graduate College. They are subject to all policies, rules, and regulations of that college. Eligible graduate students also may complete teacher licensure/certification by pursuing an M.A.T. in English education, foreign language education, or science education, or an M.A. in social studies (program B).

Graduate students who apply to the Graduate College for "certification only" or to an M.A.T. program must apply separately for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Deadlines for application to either program are May 15, September 15, or February 15 for admission to restricted course work in the following semester. Graduate and postbaccalaureate students may submit GRE scores instead of PRAXIS I scores.

A limited number of applicants are accepted into each TEP program area, so meeting the Graduate College admission requirements does not ensure admission. Admission decisions are based on grade-point average in the undergraduate major and other criteria relevant to teaching. Upon admission to the TEP, students are assigned an education adviser.

Licensure/certification requires a major of at least 30 s.h. of course work in a subject area taught in the secondary school. Course requirements for each major are available in the Department of Teaching and Learning office. Candidates for secondary school teaching licensure/certification also may receive approval to teach in additional subject areas by completing an approved program of 24 s.h. or more of course work in those areas.
For more information on licensure program requirements, visit the Teacher Education and Student Services web site.

Secondary school teacher preparation programs are provided in the following areas.

  • Art
  • Coaching*
  • English
  • English as a second language*
  • Foreign languages - Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish
  • Journalism*
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Reading*
  • Science, including *physical science, biological sciences, chemistry, general science*, physics, earth science, and 9-12 all science
  • Social science, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology

*Available as an additional approval area only; major in another subject matter area is required for licensure.

An Iowa secondary teaching license qualifies holders to teach in grades 7-12. Students planning to teach art or music typically complete a program that prepares them for both elementary- and secondary-level licensure.

Secondary teacher preparation programs in mathematics and foreign language also offer a program that leads to licensure/certification as a subject matter specialist in grades K-6. This K-6 licensure/certification is available only in the same subject area as the secondary certification.

Candidates can obtain more information and the name of an adviser from the Department of Teaching and Learning office.

ESL Endorsement

An ESL endorsement enables an individual to teach English as a Second Language in K-12 in the state of Iowa. Because teaching endorsements are additional areas of expertise added to a teaching license applicants must be current students in a TEP program or licensed inservice teachers.

Applicants are admitted to the ESL endorsement program three times each year. Application deadlines are June 15 for fall admission, October 15 for spring, and March 15 for summer. Each applicant must submit a one-page essay explaining why he or she wishes to teach ESL; a transcript of all university-level course work; evidence of having completed two semesters of foreign language beyond the language component of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education Program or a documented score of "advanced plus" on the oral proficiency interview (OPI) given in the language department. Non-native speakers of English must provide evidence of scoring a 55 or higher on the Test of Spoken English.

Graduate degree programs: 
M.A. in Elementary Education  

This program is designed to prepare master's degree candidates in elementary education to serve as team leaders, grade level or subject area supervisors, curriculum consultants, or master teachers.

Admission requirements are the same as those established by the Graduate College. In addition, applicants must have completed an undergraduate program of teacher preparation in either early childhood or elementary education. Graduate students who have not completed an undergraduate program in elementary education must be admitted initially as "certification only" students.

M.A. in Developmental Reading
This degree program prepares graduate students for positions as reading specialists in kindergarten and grades 1-12. The required course work develops the skills, knowledge, and competence needed for supervisory, curricular, and remedial teaching positions in reading. The program also builds a background in reading for students who want to specialize further in the area and eventually to teach and/or conduct research in a college or university.

Students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate College, have an undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.00, hold an early childhood, elementary, or secondary school teaching certificate, and show evidence of completing two years of successful teaching experience.

Ph.D. in Elementary Education

The doctoral program in elementary education prepares students for college and university teaching and research positions in elementary education, and for research, curriculum, supervisory, or administrative positions in public school systems and government educational agencies.

Candidates for admission to the program should have a combined score of at least 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The required grade-point average for continuation in the program is that prescribed by the Graduate College.

Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Culture

This program prepares students for careers as literacy researchers and as college and university literacy educators. It considers influences of the broader home and community cultures on literate practices and grounds students in appropriate research methodologies. Course work provides a broad background in relevant theoretic and research literature as well as opportunities to conduct original studies that explore the nature of literate practices both in and out of school.

Applications for admission and for financial aid are reviewed by January 31 each year. Applicants should have at least two years of experience teaching language or literacy (reading, writing, English, language arts) and should have earned a master's degree or have completed a significant amount of graduate course work in a literacy-related field. Application materials should include a statement of purpose explaining the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate study and describing his or her future goals; transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work; Graduate Record Exam scores; a sample of academic writing; and three letters of recommendation.

M.A. in Art Education

The Master of Arts program is administered by the School of Art and Art History in cooperation with the College of Education. Students make application for admission to the School of Art and Art History.

The program prepares highly qualified teachers of art for elementary and secondary schools and community colleges. The strong academic emphasis of this program assists teachers who are themselves creative artists to become highly literate in the history and language of art.

Applicants must have completed the equivalent of the minimum course work in art required for the B.A. or B.F.A. degree in art from The University of Iowa, and a license/certificate to teach art. Applications must be accompanied by a representative portfolio of the candidate's work, consisting of eight slide reproductions of artwork and one example of written work. The written work may be a paper previously written for a course or it may be an original paper. Deficiencies in undergraduate art or courses recommended for teacher licensure/certification are evaluated following admission so that students can make up required course work concurrent with work for the degree. Candidates must meet Graduate College requirements for admission.

Ph.D. in Art Education

The doctoral degree program is administered by the College of Education with the cooperation of the School of Art and Art History. Students make application for admission to the College of Education.

Students must meet the general requirements for doctoral students in the Graduate College and have an M.A. in art education from The University of Iowa or an equivalent degree from an accredited degree-granting college or university. Application to the program must be accompanied by a representative portfolio of the candidate's work, consisting of 12 slide reproductions of artwork and two examples of written work. The written work may consist of papers previously written for a course or original papers. These should be submitted to the Art Education office.

In the case of course work deficiencies, students must register for pertinent courses. Two years of successful teaching experience in an elementary or secondary school is required prior to admission or completion of the doctoral program.

M.A. in Communication Studies Education

The program prepares teachers and supervisors of speech communication for secondary and postsecondary positions.

Candidates must have a g.p.a. of at least 2.75. Candidates without prior academic background in speech communication may need to take additional courses beyond the minimum requirement. Application should be made to the Department of Communication Studies.

M.A. in Curriculum and Supervision

The program prepares teachers and administrators for positions as consultants, directors, and coordinators in secondary school curriculum development.

Students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate College. Teaching experience is desirable.

Ph.D. in Curriculum and Supervision

This program, administered by the College of Education, prepares students for leadership positions in the field of curriculum for secondary schools, state departments, intermediate systems, and college teaching.

Students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate College, hold a valid teaching license/certificate, and have at least two years of teaching experience. Applicants must be approved for admission by a faculty review committee.

M.A. in English Education

This program, intended for experienced teachers of English, provides opportunities for professional development and preparation for department chairs, supervisors of English, and curriculum specialists for secondary schools. Application should be made to the College of Education.

Applicants should have taken extensive course work in English and have taught English for at least two years, and must meet the general requirements of the Graduate college. Students must maintain a 3.00 g.p.a. while enrolled in the program.

M.A.T. in English Education

The M.A.T. program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in English or a related field and few or no professional education courses. Successful completion of the program enables students to receive a credential to teach English in secondary schools.

Applicants must have a B.A. in English or the equivalent, with an undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.00. They also must take the Graduate Record Exam. Since this is a credentialing program, candidates must not have qualified for a credential previously. Applicants are expected to have no more than 6 s.h. of course work in professional education courses prior to admission.

M.A.T. in Foreign and Second Languages Education

The M.A.T. program in foreign and second languages education is designed for superior liberal arts and sciences graduates who have had few or no professional education courses. Successful completion of the program leads to elementary and/or secondary teacher licensure. The M.A.T. is available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Spanish, and Russian.

A bachelor's degree with a major or a strong concentration in a second language and an undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.00 are required.

M.A. in Foreign and Second Languages Education

This degree is appropriate for persons who would like to pursue a foreign language education specialization in teaching (kindergarten through college) or in related fields (e.g., language laboratory directors, instructional materials designers, or evaluation specialists). It also offers enrichment in foreign language pedagogical knowledge for the practicing teacher. The degree gives the candidate the opportunity to design a program with a special focus.

Students must meet the general requirements of the Graduate College, have prior teaching experience, be proficient in English and in another language, have acquired at least 20 s.h. in undergraduate, upper Department foreign language course work. Applicants should submit a statement of purpose explaining their graduate study goals. A g.p.a. of at least 3.00 in undergraduate course work and some experience living, working, and/or studying in the applicant's chosen target language culture are preferred. International applicants must score at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL or 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, and 5 on the TWE. Students must maintain a 3.00 g.p.a. while enrolled in the program. Candidacy for the master's degree is reevaluated annually.

Ph.D. in Foreign Language and ESL Education

This program provides students with the necessary content-area knowledge and research skills to prepare them for independent research, program administration, and positions of leadership in a variety of settings in the areas of foreign language and ESL education. It is designed for individuals who have demonstrated success in foreign language and ESL teaching and who wish to prepare for positions in academia, government, or the private sector where in-depth knowledge of foreign language educational issues is required.

Applications for admission are reviewed twice each year, in mid-January for applicants seeking financial support and again in mid-June. Applicants should have at least two years of experience teaching foreign language or ESL and should hold a master's degree or have completed a significant amount of graduate course work in a foreign language or foreign language education. Application materials should include a statement of purpose explaining the applicant's professional goals, transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, Graduate Record Exam scores, a sample of academic writing, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must have a g.p.a. of at least 3.00 in graduate course work. International applicants must score at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL (or 600 on the paper-based TOEFL).

M.A. in Mathematics Education

The program provides students with advanced specialization in mathematics and education as a better foundation for K-12 teaching.

Candidates must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College and, except in unusual cases, hold a professional license/certificate to teach school mathematics. A combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is preferred.

M.S. in Mathematics with Education Option

This program prepares licensed/certified teachers with advanced specialization in mathematics and mathematics education. It is administered by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Application should be made to that department.

Ph.D. in Mathematics Education

The program for a Ph.D. in mathematics education prepares supervisors, teacher education personnel, community college personnel, and researchers in mathematics education. It is administered by the College of Education.

The 72 s.h. include work taken toward the master's degree. Credit earned more than 10 years previously must be updated. Minimum course requirements are for exceptional students. Typically, the program consists of 80-90 s.h. Applicants must have an undergraduate major in mathematics or the equivalent; a master's degree in mathematics, mathematics education, or education; a 3.00 g.p.a. or above; and, except in unusual circumstance, a current teaching license/certificate and at least two years of teaching experience.

M.A. in Music Education

The program provides students with deeper insights into music, the theory and practice of music education, and the role of music in the school curriculum. The degree program may be taken with thesis (30 s.h. minimum) or without (33 s.h. minimum).

The program is administered by the School of Music, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with the College of Education. Application is made to the School of Music.

Ph.D. in Music Education
The program prepares students for teaching, research, or administrative posts. Graduates accept positions at colleges, as teachers of music education classes and activities; as band, chorus, and orchestra directors; and as administrators of music departments and schools of music. Some apply their skills in public schools, as music supervisors, research and curriculum consultants, or directors of city or district school music programs.

The program is administered by the School of Music, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with the College of Education. Application is made to the School of Music.

M.A.T. in Science Education 
The M.A.T. is designed primarily for those who already have completed a B.S. or B.A. in an area of science and who decide that they would like to become teachers. It features advanced work in science along with the courses required for certification, offering students the opportunity to attain a master's degree and teaching certification at the same time.

The program assumes students have completed considerable course work in science--at least 56 s.h.--as undergraduates, but no previous course work in education. Students' science course work should be equivalent to that required by the science education program in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. An applicant with a strong major from another institution may be licensed only in that particular science discipline, as opposed to the two or three areas provided by science education major programs at Iowa.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a major or its equivalent in one of the sciences. A g.p.a. of at least 3.00 is required for admission and must be maintained throughout enrollment in the program.

M.S. in Science Education
This degree is designed for students who want to pursue advanced science education specialization in teaching (kindergarten through college) or in related fields such as medical education, museum programs, and textbook editing. Although a nonthesis option is available, the thesis program is the recommended option.

Candidates must have a 2.50 undergraduate g.p.a. and usually must have an undergraduate degree in one of the sciences or in science education. Applicants must have teaching licensure/certification unless they are preparing for careers in allied health, museums, or community colleges.

Ph.D. in Science Education
This degree is appropriate for qualified candidates who aspire to college and university positions as science educators; major supervisory posts in national, state, and local systems; teaching positions in the sciences at small liberal arts colleges; positions as instructors of general education science courses and areas at major colleges; positions as research directors in science education; and positions in medical education.

Candidates must meet the minimum admission standards of the Graduate College. Applicants usually must have completed a master's degree in one of the sciences or science education and have earned a 3.00 g.p.a. on all graduate work taken before making the application. All students must have completed an M.S. thesis or similar research suitable for publication.

M.A. in Social Studies Education
The program provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary work in education, history, social science, or related areas for classroom teachers, high school department chairs, and supervisors, as well as others interested in acquiring greater competence in history and the social sciences and greater proficiency in teaching and supervision. 

Applicants in most cases must have a bachelor's degree in education, history, or one of the social sciences from an accredited institution; a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00; a g.p.a. of at least 3.00 in history and/or social science courses; preferred composite Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative tests; and two letters of recommendation. Evidence of writing ability in the form of a completed major paper or essay also is required. Typically, applicants to Program A are expected to hold a secondary teaching license/certificate.

Ph.D. in Social Studies Education
This program is administered by the College of Education. It prepares secondary department chairs, supervisors, curriculum directors, teacher education personnel, and college instructors in the social sciences and in social studies education.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in history, the social sciences, or education, and a master's degree in history, the social sciences, or education. At least two years teaching experience is strongly preferred. Applicants must satisfy the requirements for admission to a doctoral program in the Graduate College and have a g.p.a. of at least 3.00. A minimum Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score of 1200 (composite of verbal and quantitative) is preferred. Applicants who did not write a thesis as part of their M.A. must submit seminar papers or field research as equivalents.

Special Education Consultant

The purpose of this program is to prepare consultants to serve in special education programs.

Admission to a certification or M.A. degree program in special education is required. Applicants must hold or meet the requirements for the special education teaching endorsement congruent with the desired consultant authorization. For example, applicants must hold or meet the requirements for a mental disabilities endorsement in order to be recommended for the special education consultant endorsement with authorization in mental disabilities. Teaching endorsements must be documented by copies of teaching credentials.

Applicants also must have completed four years of successful teaching experience, two of which must be congruent with the desired consultant authorization. Applicants must provide evidence of successful teaching (e.g., written statements from school personnel documenting years of teaching, type of students served, and success as a classroom teacher).

Documentation of certifications and teaching experience should be submitted with the application for admission to the Graduate College.

M.A. in Special Education

The M.A. program requires a minimum of 32 s.h. Specific program requirements are available in the department of Teaching and Learning office. The primary purpose of the M.A. degree program in special education is to prepare persons to deliver appropriate levels of service to students with disabilities at the elementary and secondary levels in either public or private settings. Applicants with a master's degree and special education certification may request admission for the purpose of obtaining an additional area of special education licensure/certification (i.e., professional improvement). Students admitted to the M.A. program typically receive licensure/certification in at least one area upon completing the program.

Admission requirements include:

  • a completed graduate application form;
  • copies of official transcripts for all previous college course work;
  • an official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (verbal and quantitative);
  • three current letters of recommendation; and
  • evidence of experience and/or teacher licensure/certification (varies depending on program).

Students whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 600 (on the paper-based test). An interview may be requested. In addition to the above, the following represent minimum requirements.
An undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.00 (and/or 3.00 on at least 12 s.h. of graduate course work) and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1000 are preferred Final admission decisions are made by the special education graduate admissions committee and are based on a composite analysis of the candidate's likelihood for success in the program. This analysis may include consideration of available resources, comparative standing, and specific program requirements.
Applications must be complete to be reviewed. It is the candidate's responsibility to provide a completed admissions dossier. Students may be admitted for any session.

Ed.S. in Special Education Administration
The Ed.S. in special education administration is offered jointly with the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies. See "Educational Policy and Leadership Studies" in this section of the Catalog. 
Ph.D. in Special Education 

Admission requirements for the Ph.D. program include a master's degree or equivalent in special education and at least one year of full-time teaching experience with exceptional children. The admissions committee gives preference to applicants who have had several years of experience.

Admission requirements include:

  • a completed graduate application form;
  • copies of official transcripts for all previous college course work;
  • an official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (verbal and quantitative);
  • three current letters of recommendation; and
  • evidence of experience and/or teacher licensure/certification (varies depending on program).

Students whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 600 (on the paper-based test). An interview may be requested. In addition to the above, the following represent minimum requirements.
An undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.00, or a graduate g.p.a. of at least 3.50 if a graduate degree has been conferred, and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1000 are preferred. For students without an M.A. thesis, an equivalent project must be completed.

Final admission decisions are made by the special education graduate admissions committee and are based on a composite analysis of the candidate's likelihood for success in the program. This analysis may include consideration of available resources, comparative standing, and specific program requirements.

Applications must be complete to be reviewed. It is the candidate's responsibility to provide a completed admissions dossier. Students may be admitted for any session.


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