Admission
Graduate Studies

Application Checklist

• Download and print the application checklist

Review your program's eligibility requirements before applying. After applying online (step 1), submit the other materials via the form below or email to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. 

1. Apply Online

Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission.

Make sure to select the correct student type on the drop-down menu for 'I am applying as'. If you are not pursuing a Master of Arts in Education (MAE), a graduate certificate, or teaching endorsement, apply as a non-degree seeking student.

Pay the non-refundable $50 Application Fee. Teacher Licensure applicants may qualify for a fee reimbursement from Teach.org. 

*Once you are admitted, you will be required to pay a one-time Confirmation Fee of $150 to reserve your spot in the program. If this is a hardship, please contact the graduate studies coordinator.

If you experience difficulties submitting your graduate application, email gradstudies@fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7097.

2. Submit official transcripts & professional and personal development certifications

We prefer electronic official transcripts. We can't accept third-party unofficial/emailed transcripts.

• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Submit professional and personal development you have received credit for on a college transcript.
• Include conference attendance or coursework for licensure credit. If any transcripts show “work in progress,” you must also send final transcripts.
• Request the institution or National Transcript Clearinghouse to send your electronic transcripts to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Send mailed transcripts to:

  Fort Lewis College
  Graduate Studies
  1000 Rim Drive
  Durango, CO 8130

If you previously attended FLC:

• Fort Lewis College transcripts will be obtained for you.
• List any institutions you attended before FLC and submit via the form below or email to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. We will inquire with the Undergraduate Admissions office if they still have your official transcripts on file.
• Admission documents are kept for one year. Your responsibility is to request official transcripts to include with your application if our Admissions department no longer has them.

3. Essay

Write a 1,200 to 1,500-word statement that describes:

• Your interest in graduate education and how it contributes to your personal and professional goals
• How the Fort Lewis College graduate program you apply to will help you meet your goals. 

4. Résumé

5. Conditional Requirements

Grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher 

You need a 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 GPA scale for undergraduate and prior graduate coursework.

*Note: This is true for coursework, even if it did not lead to a degree. We will calculate a cumulative GPA if you have multiple transcripts. 

GPA exceptions

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

• Why you did not meet the 3.0 GPA requirements.
• An action plan addressing those reasons with specific strategies to balance coursework (including class time and homework) and personal commitments. Your strategy may include:
• Creating and adhering to a schedule
• Using FLC’s writing support program and other campus resources
• Setting regular meetings with faculty
• Following specific study plans 

Special Education and Teacher Licensure only: Content tests

Take the Praxis test in your content area. The test cost is non-refundable, but Teacher Licensure applicants may qualify for reimbursement from Teach.org.

Anyone seeking Alternative Licensure (already hired without certification) for initial license in a content area or Special Education

Download this statement of assurance form and complete the top section. Your employer must also sign.

Principal Leadership Only: Two Letters of Recommendation

• Have a potential mentor principal or current school principal give insights into your leadership skills and ability to succeed as a principal.
• Have a peer or colleague address your leadership experience and professional skills to make you succeed as a principal.

Transferring graduate credits

You may be able to transfer graduate-level credits to fulfill comparable requirements in our Master of Arts or Certificate programs under these conditions: 

Credit transfer rules

The maximum number of credits accepted for transfer will be: 

• 12 credits for a 36-credit hour program 
• 9 credits for a 30-credit hour program 
• 6 credits for the 18-credit hour Teacher Leadership Certificate program 

Credits may not be accepted for transfer if: 

• The course was not completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a comparable program 
• The course grade was less than a B 
• The course was more than 6 years before your date of admission 
• The course fulfilled the requirements for a previously earned degree at FLC

The Fort Lewis College grade point average calculation will not include transfer credit grades. 

Departmental evaluation 

The Department of Teacher Education evaluates prior coursework on a student-initiated case-by-case basis. The departmental reviewers may require a course syllabus and a course description to make a recommendation. The Department’s recommendation will be emailed to your FLC email account. 

Questions?

Contact our office at gradstudies@fortlewis.edu.