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Graduate Admissions

Graduate program applications are handled through the School of Education.ÌýThe undergraduate admissions process at American University is handled separately by the Office of Admissions.

Graduate Open Houses

Join our next virtual houseÌýfor an exploration of graduate school. Our Graduate Open Houses give prospective students an opportunity to talk with program staff and faculty, ask questions and learn more about the program.Ìý

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Sign up for an advising appointment orÌýchat with a currentÌýstudent aboutÌýany School of Education program.

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Apply to a Graduate Program

Step 1: Create Account

Once you have created an account you will be able to complete the application form. You do not need to complete the form in one sitting.

Step 2: Pay Fee

Pay the application fee of $55. During checkout be sure to indicate if you have attended an event at AU. You may be eligible for an application fee waiver.

Step 3: Upload Required Materials

Submit your supplemental materials as early as possible to allow time for them to be received before the application deadline. After admittance, you will be required to mail all official transcripts.

Below are the Graduate Admissions Deadlines for upcoming cohorts.

Spring 2024

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Graduate Program Priority Deadline Final Deadline
MA in International Training and Education October 14 November 18
MEd in Education Policy and Leadership (Online) October 14 December 13
Administration Supervision and Leadership Certificate October 14 November 18

Summer 2024

Ìý

Graduate Program Priority Deadline Final Deadline

MA in Teaching (Early Childhood Education,ÌýElementary Education, and Secondary Education)

February 24

March 24

MA in Teaching Elementary Education (Online)

February 24

March 24

MEd in Education Policy and Leadership (Online)

February 23

March 22

MA in International Training and Education February 24 March 24
MA in Special Education: Learning Disabilities February 24 March 24
Administration Supervision and Leadership Certificate February 24 March 24

Fall 2024

Ìý

Graduate Program Priority Deadline Final Deadline
MA in Teaching (Early Childhood Education,ÌýElementary Education, and Secondary Education)

June 9

July 7

MA in Teaching Elementary Education (Online)

June 9

July 7

MA in International Training and Education June 9 July 7
MA in Special Education: Learning Disabilities June 9 July 7
MEd in Education Policy and Leadership (Traditional and Hybrid) June 7 July 5
MEd in Education Policy and Leadership (Online) June 7 July 5
Administration Supervision and Leadership Certificate June 9 July 7

EdD in Education Policy and Leadership Program

Application Deadline Virtual Interviews Decision to Candidates
January 8 February 1 March 1

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Required Materials

Selected
Statement of Purpose
Resume or CV
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation

A successful statement will illustrate a candidate's goals, highlight their research interests, and explain how their experience is relevant to the academic research conducted by faculty in their program of interest. Please try to limit your statement of purpose to 500-1,000 words.

The resume should list a candidate's relevant work experience, internships, research, awards, and/or publications, as well as educational history.

A curriculum vitae (CV) is also accepted.

All applications require transcripts from degree-seeking college institutions. A bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) earned at an accredited college or university is required. AU standards ask for a minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate work. For students who received under a 3.0 GPA, a supplemental statement will be required during application.

A transcript uploaded by a student is considered "unofficial." Departments use these during their review period. Official transcripts are required only after the applicant has accepted admission to American University. Official transcripts must be sent and received by a university representative and should confirm the earned degree when applicable.

International transcripts will need to be evaluated and show equivalency of the US 4-year degree. Please include a WES evaluation with your transcript.

Recommenders will evaluate a candidate based on academic performance, motivation for program of study, intellectual capacity and/or research and writing ability.

Fill out the Recommendations page on the application to send your recommender a notification. Your recommender will receive a form to fill out asking specific questions and have a change to upload a letter of recommendation, if they wish.

If you experience any errors with the Recommendation Request form or if you need to submit a new request to a new recommender, contactÌýsoeadmissions@american.edu.

Additional Materials

Selected
General Record Examination
English Language Proficiency
Praxis
Portfolios/Writing Samples

Not required for any programs but students may upload scores if they wish.

To submit GREs, use school code: 5007 (no department code). GRE scores can take up to six weeks to arrive after the test date.

Proof of English Proficiency is required fromÌýallÌýapplicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. accredited college/institution.

To meet the English Language Requirement, students must submit scores from one of the following three tests for admission

  • : Due to recent English language testing and travel restrictions related to COVID-19, American University is temporarily accepting the Duolingo English Language Test as part of our admissions process. The minimum required Duolingo score is aÌý120.

    Please email admissions directly atÌýsoeadmissions@american.eduÌýto indicate that you will be submitting a Duolingo score in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Ìý(TOEFL): You must achieve a required score of at least 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT). Combined scores will not be accepted, nor will SOE accept the ETS MyBestScore results. The TOEFL is administered by theÌý, and the ETS code for the School of Communication isÌý5007. The test cannot be more than two years old.
    Ìý
  • Ìý(IELTS). You must achieve a minimum score of a 7.0 or higher; combined scores will not be accepted. The test cannot be more than two years old.

With permission from the SOE Office of Graduate Academic Services, students may request an English Language Waiver, emailÌýeducation@american.eduÌýfor information.

For more information, visit theÌýInternational Student and Scholar Services website.

Praxis CORE (or equivalencies) is not required for admission.Ìý

All admitted students are required to take Praxis CORE (or equivalencies) by graduation with the strong recommendation to take by end of first semester.ÌýThe DC teacher licensing agency sets passing scores as: Reading 156, Writing 162, and Math 150. To submit Praxis, use school code: 5007 (no department code). Praxis scores can take up to six weeks to arrive after the test date. See Educator Testing Flyer or visit the OSSE website for additional test types.

Some programs require portfolios or writing samples. See application for program specific requirement.