Admission Procedures
The following items must be submitted to the Office of Academic Programs before an application for admission will be processed:
- Official graduate application form. (Online)
- Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work. Unofficial or student copy transcripts will not be considered for admission purposes.
- Official test scores, not more than 5 years old, from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for most programs, or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for the The Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership programs and the Literacy Leadership, Gifted, and Special Education programs within the Curriculum & Instruction area only. Applicants whose home language is other than English must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL/IELTS scores are required for all native speaking applicants to the Secondary Foreign Language program.
- Letters of recommendation (completed online) from 3 persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s personal, ethical, and academic or professional qualifications for graduate study. It is suggested that the applicant present a combination of professional, academic, and personal references. The written references will be used exclusively for purposes of admission to the School of Education.
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
- Essay with focus on personal and professional goals.
- Résumé.
- Curriculum & Instruction - Secondary Education Applicants only: Unofficial transcript of in-progress coursework. This is needed to verify completion of content area licensure requirements.
- Research Paper- EPPL Doctoral applicants only.
- Any additional materials or documentation required by specific programs.
- Interview (required at discretion of the faculty).
Applications and all supporting materials should be sent to:
Regular Mail
The College of William and Mary
School of Education
Office of Academic Programs
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Overnight Express
The College of William and Mary
School of Education
Office of Academic Programs
301 Monticello Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185
All materials required for consideration must be received within one year and become the property of the School upon receipt. If more than a year elapses, one must reapply, update recommendations and test scores if necessary, and submit another application fee. After the Fall and Spring deadlines, completed applicant files will be reviewed by the program faculty and the Office of Academic Programs.
Admission notification for October 1 applicants occurs by mid-November, while January 15 applicants are apprised of their status in March. Students who are admitted to a master’s program while they are in their final semester of their senior year or graduate degree program need to submit a “final” college transcript with degree conferral on it to the Office of Academic Programs before commencing their academic studies at the School of Education.
Review of Off-Cycle Admissions
The Associate Dean for Academic Programs can recommend to the faculty a review of candidates for off-cycle admission only upon the presentation of a compelling need for such a review. Off-cycle review of applications will be considered only when warranted by extenuating circumstances such as: (a) receipt of externally-funded grants/contracts that provide financial assistance to or require admission of graduate students; (b) documented compelling need for off-cycle admission by either the program faculty or the student seeking such a review. Students seeking an off-cycle review must provide evidence that postponing the review until the next admissions cycle would create a severe hardship. Program faculty seeking an off-cycle review of a student must provide documentation in support of the review (e.g., evidence on how the decision would enable the program area to better achieve its mission).
Admission Examination Requirements
All applicants for admission to a graduate program in the School of Education must submit official results from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students applying to the Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership programs and the Literacy Leadership, Gifted, and Special Education programs in Curriculum and Instruction only have the option of submitting official results from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) in lieu of GRE scores. Computer-based GRE testing occurs year-round at more than 600 test centers. Call 1 (800) GRE-CALL for details or visit their web site at http://www.ets.org/gre/. Educational Testing Service also administers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The MAT is administered by most colleges and universities. At The College of William and Mary, the test is administered by the School of Education, Office of Academic Programs. Call (757) 221-2317 for test dates and fees.
Admission Review
Faculty in each area will review applications and recommend applicants for admission, wait list, deferred admission, or denial of admission.
Program Area Admission Policies
An individual may not be enrolled in two degree programs simultaneously. A student may take second-program courses, but he/she cannot officially start the next program until he/she has graduated or has been withdraw from the first program. Courses taken toward the second program while still in the first program must adhere to the policies pertaining to transfer credit.
Curriculum and Instruction (C&I)
The College offers M.A.Ed. programs in Curriculum and Instruction which include concentrations in Elementary Education; Secondary Education; Literacy Leadership; Gifted Education; and Special Education (initial certification and Collaborating Master Educator). The C&I area accepts applications during two admission cycles each year. The deadline for application for summer/fall enrollment is January 15. All C&I programs admit to the summer/fall semester. The Literacy Leadership, Special Education and Gifted programs also accept applications for Spring semester matriculation. The deadline for application to these specific programs for the spring semester is October 1.
While not required for admission to the programs, Praxis I and Praxis II exams are required as part of the of the Master of Arts in Education programs for Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education Initial Licensure programs. See the Praxis sections in the Curriculum and Instruction section of this catalog for testing details.
General Admission Guidelines
In general, students are selected on the basis of their academic preparation [quality of their undergraduate institution, undergraduate GPA, and letters of recommendation], scholastic ability [Graduate Record Examination], professional work or volunteer experience [documented description and/or letters of recommendation], and commitment toward a career in education [personal essay]. The Special Education concentration also requires experience in teaching or working with special populations.
Although these admissions requirements do not state a minimum grade point average or standardized entrance examination score cutoff to be considered for admission, the program area faculty will review the pool of applicants to select the students with the most competitive characteristics on all admissions criteria.
Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership (EPPL)
M.Ed. programs in Educational Leadership with concentrations in K-12 Administration and Supervision and Higher Education Administration; Ed.D./Ph.D. programs with concentrations in General Administration (K-12), Gifted Education Administration, Higher Education, Curriculum Leadership and Curriculum & Educational Technology.
The EPPL area accepts applications only one time each year. The deadline for application for summer/fall enrollment is January 15.
General Admission Guidelines
Master’s applications - undergraduate grade point average > 2.5 and standardized entrance examination score > 40th percentile;
• Ed.D./Ph.D. applications - master’s grade point average > 3.5 and standardized entrance examination score > 60th percentile.
Please note that the above norms are intended to serve as a general guideline for admission decisions. However, all applications will be reviewed holistically, taking into account grade point average and entrance examination scores, and such factors as demonstrated performance in advanced graduate coursework, career goals, relevant work experience, and potential for success in a position of leadership in education.
School Psychology and Counselor Education (SPACE)
M.Ed. programs in Counseling (School, Community; Community & Addictions; Family); School Psychology with an Ed.S. option; Ph.D. program in Counselor Education.
The SPACE area accepts applications only one time each year. The deadline for application for summer/fall enrollment is January 15.
General Admission Guidelines
MASTER’S DEGREE
Students are selected on the basis of their academic preparation, work or volunteer experience in counseling or related fields (e.g., human services), and scholastic ability. The general admission guidelines are as follows:
- Undergraduate grade point average > 3.0 and standardized entrance examination score >40th percentile [For School Psychology, grade point average > 3.0 and GRE scores > 50th percentile].
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE (SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY)
Graduate students currently enrolled in the Master’s degree program in School Psychology at The College of William and Mary may apply for elevation to the Educational Specialist Program. Students are required to submit a portfolio to the Office of Academic Programs by January 15, and must have completed at least twelve hours of the Master’s degree program. The portfolio must include the following sections: 1) statement of personal and professional goals that conveys an understanding of current trends in the field, 2) graduate transcript, and 3) five examples of graded work products from key assignments that demonstrate ability to successfully perform at the graduate level. These work products should be a representative sample of various classes (e.g., school psychology, educational foundations, counseling, and special education). The portfolio will be reviewed by SPACE faculty, and a decision will be rendered concerning elevation to Ed.S. status. Final decisions will be signed by the Area Coordinator and forwarded to the Office of Academic Programs. There will be no fee for this application. Individuals with previously earned Master’s degrees can apply to the Educational Specialist degree program in School Psychology by submitting a formal application to the Office of Academic Programs. Students’ previous academic records should be strong. The admission guidelines include a 3.5 cumulative GPA from previous graduate work and a 60th percentile score on the quantitative and verbal subtests of the GRE.
DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAM
Applicants interested in pursuing admission to the doctoral degree program in Counselor Education must follow these general admission guidelines that include:
- Master’s grade point average > 3.5 and a standardized entrance examination score >60th percentile.
International Student Admission
International students are encouraged to apply for graduate study in the School of Education at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. The admission process of foreign students considers English language proficiency, academic qualifications, and student financial support for graduate study. This process is designed to ensure that the above concerns are satisfied and completed according to admission deadlines.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must have ETS submit the results of the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System ( IELTS) scores to the Office of Academic Programs. Although a minimum score for admission has not been issued, international students who are typically admitted score at least 100 on the internet version of the exam (or comparable score on other versions of the exam). Scores more than 2 years old cannot be reported or verified by ETS.
Required Academic Qualifications
If you are an international student and have been awarded the baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from any institution other than a U.S. regionally accredited institution of higher education, you must submit official copies of all transcripts from every college or university attended and certified literal translations where needed. These transcripts must show courses, grades received, annual mark sheets, examination sheets, and leaving certificates as they apply in the student’s home country. Official copies must bear the seal of the issuing institution and the actual signature of your college or university registrar.
Student Visas
Once an offer of admission is extended by the School of Education, the student must complete and submit a financial certification form. The Office of Global Education will arrange for issuance of the appropriate certificate of eligibility (I-20). This process may take several months. Please observe the deadlines for submission of documents and do not attempt to enter the United States before the process has been completed. If located outside the United States, take the I-20 form to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for the appropriate visa. You will need to show proof of the finances that are indicated on the form. If the consul determines that you have the appropriate financial support and that you meet all other requirements for issuing the visa, you will be given an F-1 visa. Be sure that you obtain a visa with the designation of “College of William and Mary” on it. You must attend the institution marked on that visa before you can apply for a transfer. Do not under any circumstances use another school’s I-20 to obtain a visa if you plan to attend the College of William and Mary. If you are transferring from, or have recently graduated from, another U.S. institution, do not attempt to travel outside the United States before obtaining the I-20 or IAP-66 from the College of William and Mary. Re-entering the United States without the proper documents from the College of William and Mary, and/or without the appropriate visa in your passport, could result in life-long restriction of your visa privileges. For more information regarding student visas , please visit the website for International Students, Scholars & Programs at http://www.wm.edu/offices/revescenter/issp/visasandimmigration/index.php.
Deferral Procedures
In cases where action on an application is deferred by the program area, the file will be resubmitted for consideration at a future meeting of the program area committee at the request of the applicant. In the interim, applicants will be required to furnish additional evidence of their aptitude for graduate study on the level for which they have applied or other additional, pertinent information.
Appeal Procedures
An applicant may request an exception to application policies and procedures by addressing an appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs. For example, in the event that an official transcript is delayed, the student may petition in writing that his/her file be considered with an “unofficial” transcript. The student must present evidence that the official transcript was requested. A student whose file has an “unofficial” transcript may be admitted contingent upon receipt of the official transcript. If an applicant is denied admission, he/she may request reconsideration by addressing an appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs. The appeal should include all available evidence and/or documentation that might indicate that the application decision may not have represented an accurate evaluation of demonstrated ability.
Confirmation of Admission
All applicants will receive official notification of admission decisions from the Office of Academic Programs immediately following action by the program faculty. Students admitted will be sent a letter of acceptance, and a Notice of Intent form.
Formal admission is incomplete until the Notice of Intent form and enrollment deposit are returned. Students are assigned an advisor and are advised to contact their advisor as soon as possible following notice of admission.
A deposit is required with acceptance of an admission offer. Students interested in deferring their admission for one year must make the appropriate notation on their Notice of Intent form that is returned to the Office of Academic Programs by the specified deadline. A student can defer admission for no more than one year, after which time his/her admission to the School will be withdrawn.
Students who accept an offer of admission but who fail to matriculate within two semesters after their formal date of entry will be withdrawn from their respective degree program. If a student wishes to pursue a graduate education degree at a later time, he/she will need to reapply through the standard application and admission review process.
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