Eligibility & application

Requirements for eligibility are the same whether you’re applying in pursuit of a Master of Arts in Education, a Teacher Leadership Certificate, or as a non-degree seeking student.

Before you apply

Eligibility for this program is dependent on meeting certain criteria. As this is a competitive program, the Teacher Education Department will form a cohort from amongst the applicants who meet eligibility criteria. Meeting the eligibility criteria or minimum standards alone does not guarantee admission.

Minimum standards

Bachelor's degree

You have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Grade point average (GPA)

For baccalaureate and any prior graduate coursework, you need at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 GPA scale.
*Note: This is true for all course work even if it did not lead to a degree. If you have multiple transcripts, we will calculate a cumulative GPA using each of them.

GPA exceptions

If your GPA was below 3.0, and you still wish to apply, please write a letter to the Admission Committee that:

  1. Clearly explains the reason(s) you did not meet the GPA requirement
  2. Describes your action plan to address those reasons using specific strategies to balance coursework (including class time and homework) and personal commitments. Develop your own strategies, or include the following: create and adhere to a schedule, use our writing support program and other campus resources, set regular meetings with faculty, and use specific study plans.

Teaching experience

You must have a minimum of one year of full-time teaching experience in P-12 schools.
We encourage you to apply if you:

  • Have full-time or part-time employment in a teaching position (or are on leave from a teaching position) in a local public or private school as the instructor of record (not a student teacher or para-professional)
  • Are a teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), English Language Development teacher, and/ or Instructional Coach
  • Have access to students and school data if you are not employed as a teacher

Note: Full-time or part-time volunteers in schools are eligible for consideration under special situations.