Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a graduate certificate program must:

• have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so before entering the program
• present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the International Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

Resume and Cover Letter

Submit a current resume and a cover letter that outlines your professional goals.

Teaching Experience

Have completed at least one year of teaching or will be teaching in a full-time position at the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Please submit evidence from a district administrator or HR representative.

GPA/GRE

If you have less than a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, submit your official GRE scores (use institution code 1319).

Letters of Recommendation

Submit the name and email address of one reference for a letter of recommendation within the online application.

Your letters should include the following:

• How long the reference has known you
• Information about your professional work experiences
• Characteristics you possess that will make you successful in a graduate program

Ensure your reference knows enough information about you and is given enough time to write a comprehensive letter.

Credentials

You must have a valid Professional Educators License (PEL) registered with the Illinois State Board of Education or will have a PEL by the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Take a screenshot of your “my credentials” page from your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account. Make sure your name and endorsement(s) are visible. Submit the screenshot with your application.

English Proficiency Scores (International Students Only)

International students applying to this program must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5 band.

Global Access to Online Degree Programs

When applying, international students applying to a fully online program must agree to our international online and hybrid programs disclosure and disclaimer statements. Due to limited on-campus courses, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Coordinator