Admission Information
Application and Admission for M.Ed.
A. Application Procedures
Each applicant must submit to the University of New Hampshire Graduate School, the following materials:
- An official application form in duplicate
- 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)
- An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination
- 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.
B. Admission Dates
On a rolling admissions basis. Applications are not reviewed during the summer sessions.
C. 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.
- Graduate Record Examination scores in the verbal, quantitative and writing sections consistent with the middle 50th percentile of all students admitted to the Special Education Program for the previous three years
- 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.
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.
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 eight 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.
Financial Assistance
Graduate students who are seeking certification in special education should contact the Financial Aid office for specific information related to teachers in critical shortage areas. The federal government has identified teachers in special education as a group who qualify for significant loan forgiveness. You will need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for some loans.
Application for Certification-Only Programs
Upon receipt of a complete application, faculty will call to arrange for an interview. Applications for the Certification-Only programs are accepted in the fall (November 1) and spring (February 1).
Application For Special Education Certification-Only Programs
Application to Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders Program