Criteria for Admission

The following are considered minimum requirements for admission to the special education master's program: (1) Grade point average of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of college work; (2) Graduate Record Examination test with scores at or above the 40th percentile; and (3) recommendations for graduate study from people well acquainted with the applicant's academic and/or professional experience or potential. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have had teaching experience.

Procedure

Applications for admission are available online at http://www.usu.edu/graduateschool/prospective/test_index.cfm.  Students seeking admission to the master's program must have a completed application to the graduate school by October 15 for Spring, March 15 for Summer, or June 15 for Fall Semester to be considered. Files not complete by these dates will not be considered unless program openings are available.  The information required by the School of Graduate Studies includes (a) application for admission, part of which is a statement of personal goals and reasons for seeking admission; (b) three letters of recommendation (Two of the letters must be from faculty if attended a university within the last five years.  The third letter can be from a special education director, colleague, supervisor, principal, etc.) from persons familiar with the applicant's scholastic and/or professional experience and potential; and (c) a record of the applicant's score(s) on the Graduate Record Examination. Transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended are required. When all application material has been received in the School of Graduate Studies, the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Graduate Committee makes a recommendation to admit, hold file for the next review, or deny.  Students admitted must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

Letter of Intent

As part of the master's application, you are required to write a letter of intent.  Your letter must detail your specific reasons for wanting to attend graduate school, and also list and describe experiences and qualifications that you believe prepared you for advanced study.  Letters of intent are considered a vital element of the selection process and are carefully reviewed.  Finally, letters characterized by clear organization, attention to requested information, and mechanical accuracy allow selection committee members to better evaluate your request for graduate training.  Type your letter and email or mail it to Kris (Sharon Melton, Special Education & Rehabiliation, Utah State University, 2865 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT  84322-2865).  If you have questions, please contact Sharon Melton at 435-797-3621 or sharon.melton@usu.edu.

Testing Site Information

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Testing Information

The general test is given year-round. Appointments are scheduled by the testing centers. The GRE is a computer-based test. The cost is $140.00.