Admission Information for the Teacher Education Programs

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

(1) The undergraduate record. The undergraduate grade point average of the middle 50 percent of students admitted to the graduate programs in teacher education falls in the range of 2.93 to 3.48.
(2) Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The Graduate Record Examination scores of the middle 50 percent of students admitted to the graduate programs in teacher education fall in the following range: Verbal-440-560; Quantitative-460-620; Analytical-500-650.
(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.

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.

Applicants to the Graduate School must submit the following materials:

* official UNH application
* 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.
* Graduate Record Examination General Test scores taken within five years

Information on the GRE is available from Career Services in Hood House, the Graduate School or from:
Educational Testing Service
Box 600
Princeton, NJ 08541
(609) 771-7595

Applicants should realize that four to six weeks from the date of testing are typically required for GRE scores to be received by the Graduate School unless tests are taken on the computer.

The application** and supporting materials for admission must be received at the Graduate School by the following deadlines for your desired semester of acceptance:*

November 1 for spring, summer or fall admission, and
February 1 for summer or fall semester admission.
(programs may continue to review applications on a rolling basis after this date; please consult the appropriate program coordinator for additional information)

*Note that UNH undergraduates are strongly encouraged to apply by November 1 for admission for the following fall. The earlier deadline allows for necessary lead time to plan for the full-year internship. Also, many decisions for various sources of financial aid are made during the spring. Once admitted, a graduate student may attend either part- or full-time.

**Note that the application fee for using the online application is $60, and the application fee for submitting a paper application is $75.

Early Admission

Provision exists for UNH seniors to apply for "early admission" to the Graduate School, i.e., admission for the second semester of the senior year. Such candidates may petition to have up to twelve credits in graduate course work simultaneously count toward the bachelor's and master's degree. A student must be admitted to the Graduate School before the start of the semester in which the course(s) will be taken in order to receive graduate credit. One would typically need to have a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative grade point average to qualify for early admission.
A student would apply for early admission on the regular graduate school application.

Admission to the M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership

Admission is based upon an assessment of academic abilities, accomplishment as a teacher, recommendations, and career goals. The Graduate Record Examination is required.

Admission to the Certificate in Mentoring Teachers Program

There are no additional requirements for admission other than the standard graduate school requirements. However, the graduate school does have a special application form for certificate programs.

Click here for the Graduate School certificate program application form and information