Admission Information

In determining admission of students to teacher education graduate programs, several criteria are used:

1. The undergraduate record. The undergraduate overall minimum grade point average for admission is 3.0.  The undergraduate grade point average of students admitted to the graduate programs in teacher education is approximately 3.52 (based on 2016 admissions).
2. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam scores are required. Applicants must obtain, at a minimum, a qualifying score (as set by the state of New Hampshire at the time of testing) on all three (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) Core exams in order to be considered for admission. Current NH qualifying scores may be found at the ETS Praxis Website under the “Tests required for all licensure areas” page.
3. Positive recommendations from EDUC 500, Exploring Teaching, EDUC 935 or the equivalent and from those able to relay information about a candidate's performance in teaching situations or related areas.
4. Positive recommendations regarding academic ability, motivation, and interpersonal skills.
5. The results of a state background check.

In our admission process, we seek evidence that our students have the following knowledge, abilities, and dispositions:

1. motives to teach that include a strong social commitment to contribute to society through education;
2. a disposition to care for their students-each and every one;
3. an ability to interact positively with children and adults;
4. a capacity to win the respect of their peers and be effective in group interaction, showing openness to the needs and views of others;
5. well-developed communication skills, including speaking, writing, and listening skills as well as an ability to engage others in both the giving and receiving of information and feelings;
6. perceptiveness-the ability to identify and process the relevant details in their environment, especially in the context of a classroom;
7. the ability to make reasonable judgments in a context of complex situations that change from moment to moment;
8. the capacity for clear thinking and an ability to translate their thoughts into simple and clear explanations;
9. superior academic skills, extensive knowledge of at least one major discipline, intellectual curiosity, the ability to be open to the unknown;
10. a disposition to take charge of their own learning, which includes the active pursuit of feedback and the willingness to take thoughtful risks.

Application Details

Applicants to the Graduate School must submit the following materials:

• official UNH application from the UNH Grad School
• one copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate academic work
• at least three letters of recommendation from persons able to assess an applicant's experience and preparation for graduate work in teacher education
• nonrefundable application fee
• a personal statement as follows: in no more than two pages, describe the reasons you wish to become a teacher; relevant personal qualities, and how your life experiences have shaped your beliefs about teaching and learning.
• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam scores are required.
• The results of a state background check.

Supporting materials should be sent to the Graduate School at: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824

Educational Testing Servicel www.ets.org

Deadlines

Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been submitted.

Application deadlines:

• Spring admissions: Applications due by November 1st
• Summer/Fall admissions: Applications due by April 15th

Applications received after the above dates will be considered only under special circumstances.

Note: Students who plan to begin their internship Fall semester must have a completed Graduate School application by March 1st and have taken all prerequisite coursework.

Early Admission

Undergraduate seniors should apply to the Graduate School by November 1 in the first semester of the senior year for the final phase of the teacher education program. Students with an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.2 or better admitted into the accelerated master's program may be allowed to begin the program in the second semester of the senior year, earning a maximum of  twelve graduate credits.

Undergraduate juniors with an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.2 or better should apply to the Graduate School in early February in the second semester of the junior year for the final phase of the teacher education program. Students with an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.2 or better admitted into the accelerated master's program may be allowed to begin the program in the first semester of the senior year, earning a maximum of twelve graduate credits during the senior year.

Application Procedures

Each applicant must submit to the University of New Hampshire Graduate School, the following materials:

• An official application from the UNH Grad School
• Two copies of official transcripts for all previous academic work, both undergraduate and graduate
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's ability to undertake graduate study (at least one must be an academic reference)
• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam scores are required.
• A statement of intent describing the applicant's educational and career goals and objectives. (This statement will be viewed as a writing sample. See Admission Criteria below.)
• A personal interview is required.
• The program core faculty will recommend acceptance of those applicants who meet the admissions criteria. The Graduate School will inform applicants of action taken on their applications.
• Complete forms and submit to a background check
• Supporting materials should be sent to the Graduate School at: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824

Admission Dates

Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been submitted.

Application Deadlines

• Spring admissions: Applications due by November 1st
• Summer/Fall admissions: Applications due by April 15th

Applications received after the above dates will be considered only under special circumstances

Note: Students who plan to begin their internship Fall semester must have a completed Graduate School application by March 1st and have taken all prerequisite coursework.

Admission Criteria

The program core faculty will evaluate all applications with reference to the following criteria:

• Undergraduate grade point average consistent with the middle 50th percentile of all students admitted to the Special Education Program for the prior three years.
• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) exam scores are required. Applicants must obtain, at a minimum, a qualifying score (as set by the state of New Hampshire at the time of testing) on all three (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) Core exams in order to be considered for admission. Current NH qualifying scores may be found at the ETS Praxis Website under the “Tests required for all licensure areas” page.
• A well-written and sound statement of educational and career goals and objectives
• Strongly supportive letters of academic recommendation
• Successful experience working with individuals with disabilities
• An effective presentation of philosophy and goals during the personal interview.
• The results of a state background check.

Priority for admission is given to those applicants with previous successful experience with individuals with disabilities.

Enrollment Limits

Enrollments will be limited and will vary from time to time depending upon program and faculty resources.