Transcript:
One unofficial transcript is required from each institution in which you have earned a degree and from each institution that you have attended in the last 5 years. Unofficial transcripts must be issued from the institution you have attended and include your name, institution, coursework, and degree if completed. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded in the online application. Unofficial transcripts must be smaller than 2MB and all text in scanned documents must be legible. If you are offered admission to the College of Education, the Graduate School will request an official transcript.
Curriculum Vitae:
A current academic and professional resume or vita is required. In addition to educational degrees and professional experience, the vita should include a listing of all relevant awards, publications, presentations, or other achievements that will help us evaluate your application.
Personal Statement:
The goal statement or Statement of Purpose is a very important part of the application process. Admissions committees use the goal statement, along with other evidence, to determine whether your goals and our programs are well-matched. In general, the goal statement should address your goals, relevant experience, future plans, and why the specific program to which you are applying meets your needs. Be sure to include personal experiences that have prepared you for the challenge of graduate school (a character-defining moment, a personal challenge faced, a hardship overcome, or the cultural awareness you’ve developed). Goal statements range from 1-2 pages (MIT program) to 2-5 pages depending on the Master's degree program. Please refer to your specific program’s requirements for how long the statement should be.
Recommendation Letter:
Most Master of Education programs require two letters of recommendation with the exception of the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and Educational Specialist programs in which they require three. As part of the online application process, you will be given instructions for having letters of recommendation submitted electronically. If your recommender cannot submit his or her letter online, a letter may be submitted on letterhead by mail. All recommenders must be entered in the online application in order to match letters with applications.
Writing Sample:
If your program requires it, you must submit one or more samples of scholarly writing (e.g., course papers, articles, essays). The sample should demonstrate how well you can analyze or synthesize and critically reflect on information. At least one writing sample must have been written by you alone. If you have no appropriate examples of scholarly writing, we urge you to consider preparing a medium-length (10-12 page) critical essay review of a book that you feel is central to your interests in education. The writing sample will be uploaded in your online application. The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies programs require a writing sample. The other Master of Education programs do not.