Dec 09, 2024  
2024 - 2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024 - 2025 Graduate Catalog

Admission to Certificate Programs


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Application for Certificate Seekers (not currently enrolled in a School of Education Program)

The following items must be submitted to the Office of Academic Programs before an application for admission to a certificate program will be processed:

  • Online graduate application form (Online application can be found on the School of Education website)
  • Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work. Applicants may provide unofficial transcripts for initial review, but official transcripts will be required if admitted.
  • Letter(s) of recommendation (completed online) from a person qualified to evaluate the applicant’s professional, ethical, and/or academic qualifications for study in the School of Education.
  • Essay(s) with focus on personal and professional goals
  • Résumé

Any additional requirements/materials or documentation required by specific certificates:

  • Post-baccalaureate certificate: baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required.
  • Graduate certificate: baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required.
  • Post-Professional certificate: baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and licensure or national certification in a professional field is required. 

 

Application for Current W&M School of Education Students - Certificate Election

The following items must be submitted to the Office of Academic Programs before an application for admission to a certificate program will be processed for students currently enrolled in a School of Education graduate program:

  • Application - Online Certificate - W&M Current Student Election (Online application can be found on the School of Education website)
  • Recommendation of the faculty advisor

Current students should complete the election form when they begin taking courses in the certificate program, but must do so no later than when they apply to graduate from their degree program. The established deadlines for applying to graduate can be found in the Academic calendar, which is published on the School of Education’s website.

**Current students in School of Education degree programs are not eligible elect the Post-Professional Certificate in Educational Leadership.

 

International Student Certificate Program Admission

International students are encouraged to apply to certificate programs in the William & Mary School of Education. The admission process of foreign students considers English language proficiency and academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must 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 TOEFL exam (or comparable score on other versions of the exam) or at least a 7 on the IELTS. Scores more than 2 years old cannot be reported or verified by the testing center.

Required Academic Qualifications

International students that have been awarded the baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from any institution other than a U.S. regionally accredited institution of higher education, 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 completion 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 the college or university registrar. Applicants pursuing a licensure program should submit an evaluation of foreign credits from an evaluator, such as World Education Services (WES).

Admission Review

Faculty in each department will review certificate applications and recommend applicants for admission or denial of admission. In general, students are selected on the basis of their academic preparation [quality of their undergraduate institution, undergraduate GPA and graduate GPA if applicable], letter of recommendation, scholastic ability, professional work or volunteer experience, and commitment toward a career in education.

Certificate admissions requirements do not state a minimum grade point average to be considered for admission. Instead, the program faculty will holistically review all completed applications to select the students with the most competitive characteristics on the admissions criteria.

Admission Decisions

All certificate applicants will receive official notification of admission decisions from the Office of Academic Programs immediately following action by the program faculty.

Certificate-seeking students who accept an offer of admission but who fail to matriculate within two semesters after the formal date of entry will be withdrawn from the respective degree program. If a student wishes to pursue the certificate at a later time, the student will need to reapply through the standard application and admission review process.

Appeal Procedures

Appeal of Admission Policy

An certificate applicant may request an exception to application policies and procedures by addressing an appeal to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

Appeal of Admission Decision

If a certificate applicant is denied admission, the applicant may request reconsideration by addressing an appeal to the Senior 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.