Education Apply to the School of Education

• Undergraduate students must submit a separate application for admission than that used for admission to the University. Undergraduate students may enroll in Phase I education courses without being formally admitted, however, some application materials are required when enrolled in Phase I education courses.
• Schedule an appointment with a Center for Educator Preparation Adviser (cep-info@colostate.edu) to get your application packet and instructions.
• For free application support and fee reimbursement (up to $100), sign up for an undergraduate account with our friends at TEACH Colorado.

Application deadlines

Deadline to apply to the undergraduate (non-ECE) program

• Fall semester: June 1
• Spring semester: Oct. 1 

• Students wishing to be considered for admission to the Early Childhood Education major must submit an ECE application. The ECE application materials and deadlines are different than those for the undergraduate and post bachelor programs referenced above. Note also that admission to the ECE major is required before enrollment in Phase I education courses is granted.
• Schedule an appointment with a Center for Educator Preparation Adviser (cep-info@colostate.edu) to get your application packet and instructions.
• Applications for the Early Childhood Education major are considered in the spring only for a fall admission.

Application deadlines

Deadline to apply to the ECE program

• Last Friday of January

• Post bachelor students are classified as having completed a degree at CSU or at another accredited college/university. Post bachelor students submit an application for admission to the University through the Teacher Preparation Program, as well as additional application materials for consideration of admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. Post bachelor students may enroll in Phase I education courses by submitting a portion of the application and having a 2.75 GPA, except for social studies where the GPA must be 3.0 for all candidates. Additional admission requirements apply to receive formal admission.
• Schedule an appointment with a Center for Educator Preparation Adviser (cep-info@colostate.edu) to get your application packet and instructions.
• For free application support and fee reimbursement (up to $100), sign up for a post bachelor program account with our friends at TEACH Colorado.

Application deadlines

Deadline to apply to the post-bachelor (non-ECE) program

• Fall semester: June 1 
• Spring semester: Oct. 1 
• Summer session: April 1 

Teacher Licensure and Master of Education admission and application information

• For free application support and fee reimbursement (up to $100), sign up for a teacher licensure and master of education account with our friends at TEACH Colorado.

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the School of Education. Admission is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience, your personal statement, and fit with the program.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited post secondary institution or a CSU-recognized international institution is required.

• Minimum 3.00 GPA

Applicants whose GPA is lower than 3.00 are still encouraged to apply. You may be required to demonstrate your potential for academic success by providing additional evidence. Please contact our graduate programs office to discuss your options.

Visit our online application to apply.

After submitting your online application and paying your application fee, begin submitting your supporting materials to complete your application.

• Upload the required supporting documents directly to your application. Be sure to submit your application after these documents are uploaded, even if your application is missing recommendation letters or transcripts. Submitting your application will generate your application checklist, which allows you to check the application status at any time.
• To submit official transcripts, contact your previous institutions to request official transcripts to be sent to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075).
• To submit test scores, contact the testing agency to request scores be sent to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075).
• For any documents that cannot be uploaded, submit paper copies directly to the Office of Admissions at:
  Graduate Admissions
  Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
  1062 Campus Delivery
  Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

View the status of your application at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Statement of Purpose

Submit an academic writing sample for the faculty to determine your readiness for graduate-level writing, to learn more about you, and to ascertain how your goals align with the adult education and training specialization.

Please address all of the following in your statement:

• Reasons for seeking the adult education and training specialization;
• What you bring to our community of learners;
• A summary of your long-term professional, educational or personal goals, and how the adult education and training specialization will meet your goals;
• Your expectations for the program; and
• The factors that led you to consider Colorado State University and the School of Education.

Resume

Include job duties and dates of all professional employment

Three recommendation letters

• Professional recommendations are required.
• References should share how they know you and why they believe you will succeed in graduate studies, specifically the adult education and training specialization.

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadlines

• Fall admission deadline: July 31
• Spring admission deadline: Oct. 31
• Summer admission deadline: March 31

Selection timeline

• Complete, submitted applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis.
• Faculty review of applications takes approximately 6-8 weeks.

Statement of Purpose

Submit an academic writing sample for the faculty to determine your readiness for graduate-level writing, to learn more about you, and to ascertain how your goals align with the adult education and training specialization.

Please address all of the following in your statement:

• Reasons for seeking the Graduate Certificate in Adult Basic Education or Facilitating Adult Learning;
• A summary of your long-term professional, educational, or personal goals and how the certificate will meet your goals; and
• Your expectations for the certificate program.

Resume

Include job duties and dates of all professional employment

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadlines

• Fall admission deadline: July 15
• Spring admission deadline: Jan. 2
• Summer admission deadline: April 15

Selection timeline

• Complete, submitted applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis.
• Faculty review of applications takes approximately 6-8 weeks.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose statement assists faculty to learn more about you, to ascertain how your goals and confirming experiences align with the Counseling and Career Development degree program, and helps determine your writing skills.

In a purpose statement of no more than 1200 words, please address all the following:

1. Discuss how you have developed your interest in/motivation for counseling and, more specifically, your chosen specialization (career, clinical mental health, or school counseling). Include specific experiences (e.g., work, volunteer, informational interviews, job shadows) that you have had regarding your chosen specialization and how those experiences helped you learn about that specialization and confirm your interest in it.
2. What experiences have you had with working with people that have helped confirm your interest in/aptitude for the counseling field?
3. Discuss your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion using specific examples that exemplify this commitment.
4. Share strategies you have used to cope with a challenging experience in your academic or professional journey. Please include examples of how you think you will manage the rigor of graduate studies.
5. What do you know about the Counseling and Career Development program at Colorado State University that indicates this program is a fit for you?

Resume
Include job duties and dates of all professional employment

Judicial Proceedings form

The Counseling and Career Development Judicial Proceedings form must be completed and submitted.

Three recommendation letters

• Must be professional and/or educational references
• Should include information regarding work ethic, academic diligence, and evidence for fit with the counseling profession.

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadline

• Applications are considered for summer (highly encouraged) or fall admission only.
• Application deadline (both summer and fall): Jan. 17

Selection timeline

• Select applicants will be invited for a half-hour interview, scheduled near the end of February.
• Admission decisions are made during the first and second weeks of March.
• All invited candidates are required to relay their intent to enroll by April 15.

Additional minimum admission requirements

• Applicants whose GPA is lower than 3.00 must demonstrate their potential for academic success by providing additional evidence such as:
  • Additional recommendation letters showing strong potential for graduate studies;
  • Completion of six credits of graduate level coursework; or
  • GRE scores.
• Completion of all content prerequisite coursework required for licensure in one of the following areas:
  • Early Childhood Education: Ages 0-8
  • K-12 Licensure:  Art, World Languages (French, German, Spanish), Instructional Technology
  • Secondary Licensure (Grades 7-12): Agricultural Education, Business, English, Family and Consumer Sciences, Marketing, Science, Social Studies, Speech, Technology Education

Contact Juliana Searle to review your unofficial transcripts and determine if additional coursework is required.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is a summary of long-term professional or personal goals and is required for all applicants. Your statement should be 2-3 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, and include the following:

• Your purpose for pursuing graduate education and how it will contribute to your long-term goals and career plans
• Why you have selected Colorado State University and the School of Education as the place to pursue your graduate studies
• A description of teaching, research/creative, or other academic work you have engaged in relevant to the qualifications

Resume

Professional recommendations

Three professional recommendations are required. References should speak to your current or potential abilities as a teacher, plus your potential success in graduate studies.

You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

Supplemental documents

When you begin your application, you will be asked to complete additional forms related to your teaching experience. The application process will provide these documents and allow you to upload your responses. You will also need to meet with Juliana Searle to receive the Coursework Contract and the Curriculum Check Sheet.

You will then scan and upload these documents to include with your application:

• Education Sciences Judicial Proceedings form
• Twenty-Hour form, verifying experience working with children/youth

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadline

• Applications are considered for summer admission only.
• Application deadline: April 25

Selection timeline

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Admit decisions will be made approximately 3-6 weeks after application completion.

Follow-up forms

The following forms will be due upon acceptance into the Education Sciences – Teacher Licensure program. Once admitted, you will receive directions on how to submit these materials:

• Background check
• Admission agreement
• A passing score on the Praxis exam

Additional minimum admission requirements

• Applicants whose GPA is lower than 3.00 must demonstrate their potential for academic success by providing additional evidence such as:
  • Additional recommendation letters showing strong potential for graduate studies;
  • Completion of six credits of graduate level coursework; or
  • GRE scores.
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Valid teaching or special service provider license
• At least three years of teaching or special services provider experience

Please contact program adviser Dr. Wendy Fothergill to schedule your (required) meeting with a program adviser, either in-person or via phone/email, prior to submitting application materials.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is a summary of long-term professional or personal goals and is required for all applicants. Your statement should be 2-3 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, and include the following:

• Your purpose for pursuing graduate education and how it will contribute to your long-term goals and career plans
• Why you have selected Colorado State University and the School of Education as the place to pursue your graduate studies
• A description of teaching, research/creative, or other academic work you have engaged in relevant to the qualifications

Resume

Professional recommendations

Three professional recommendations are required. References should speak to your current or potential abilities as an educational leader, plus your potential success in graduate studies.

You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

Supplemental documents

When you begin your application, you will be asked to complete additional forms related to your teaching or special service provider experience. The application process will provide these documents and allow you to upload your responses.

• Statement of support from district supervisor
  A statement of support from your district supervisor is required – this statement is separate from a letter of recommendation. This is a brief, 1-2 sentence statement indicating their willingness to support you in obtaining experiences necessary to complete the internship component of the principal licensure program.
• Valid teaching or special service provider license

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadline

• Applications are considered for summer admission only.
• Application deadline: May 15

Selection timeline

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Admit decisions will be made approximately 3-6 weeks after application completion.

Follow-up forms

The following forms will be due upon acceptance into the Education Sciences – Principal Licensure program. Once admitted, you will receive directions on how to submit these materials:

• Admission agreement
• A passing score on the Praxis exam

Minimum five years of professional work experience

Statement of Purpose

Submit an academic writing sample for the faculty to determine your readiness for graduate-level writing, to learn more about you, and to ascertain how your goals align with the organizational learning, performance, and change specialization.

Please address all of the following in your statement:

• Reasons for seeking this degree specialization
• Your views of learning as an adult
• What you bring to our community of learners
• A summary of your long-term professional, educational, or personal goals and how the program will meet your goals
• Your professional commitment to your field of study
• Your expectations for the program
• The factors that led you to consider Colorado State University and the School of Education

Resume, including:

• Record of all collegiate work, including institution names, attendance dates, and degrees earned
• Record of all professional employment, including dates of service
• List special skills or competencies, including certificates and licensures
• List publications, exhibitions, prizes, awards, or other recognition
• List service activities, including community and/or charity

Three recommendation letters

Appropriate references are:

• Previous or current college/university instructors
• Previous or current immediate professional supervisors
• Observers, other than supervisors, who can verify the specific impact of your professional and/or intellectual expertise

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadlines

• Fall admission deadline: June 15
• Spring admission deadline: Dec. 15
• Summer admission deadline: Mar. 15

Selection timeline

• Applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis.
• Faculty review of applications takes approximately 4-6 weeks.

Statement of Purpose

The mission of the Student Affairs in Higher Education program is to prepare well-rounded, competent, and inclusive student affairs practitioners. Our mission is guided by CSU’s Principles of Community.

You’ll engage in critical analysis through reflection and action (praxis). Participating fully in the learning experience will transform you into a scholar-practitioner with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions you need to be an effective student affairs professional.

The Statement of Purpose is a personal and professional statement that demonstrates your alignment with the SAHE program’s mission, values, and intended outcomes, as well as your readiness to engage SAHE’s curriculum.

Keeping all this in mind, please write your statement responding to the prompts below.  Your statement must not exceed 1,000 words (approximately four pages), double-spaced. Please use a 12-point font.

• What do you understand to be the work of student affairs, within the college/university as well as regarding the education of students? Why does that speak to you as a professional goal?
• Describe what steps of reflection guide you personally and/or professionally as you engage others.
• Please discuss a situation that highlights your strengths and challenges when working with others (e.g., academic group project, work experience, athletic team, service project, etc.).
• How do your GPA and undergraduate program of study reflect your ability to learn, reflect, and academically succeed in a graduate program?
• Why do you believe CSU and the SAHE program would be the most appropriate space for you to achieve your professional goals in student affairs?

Resume

Include any previous experience in student affairs and other relevant work experiences, along with position titles, dates of employment, institutions, and major responsibilities.

Recommendation letters

Three recommendation letters are required, preferably one each from a faculty member, a student affairs professional, and a current or recent supervisor. If you cannot provide references from each category, select individuals who can best speak to your abilities as a graduate student or student affairs professional.

A specific format for recommendation letters is not required; most letters are 1-2 pages long.

Official transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadline

• Fall admission deadline: Dec. 1

Selection timeline

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications will be reviewed after the Dec. 1 deadline.
• Candidate interviews will take place at the CSU campus in February.
• Final admit decisions will be made by March 1; program and assistantship offers extended at this time.
• Deadline for response to offers of program admission and assistantships is April 15.

Statement of Purpose

The mission of the Student Affairs in Higher Education program is to prepare well-rounded, competent, and inclusive student affairs practitioners. Our mission is guided by CSU’s Principles of Community.

You’ll engage in critical analysis through reflection and action (praxis). Participating fully in the learning experience will transform you into a scholar-practitioner with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions you need to be an effective student affairs professional.

The Statement of Purpose is a personal and professional statement that demonstrates your alignment with the SAHE program’s mission, values, and intended outcomes, as well as your readiness to engage SAHE’s curriculum.

Keeping all this in mind, please write your statement responding to the prompts below.  Your statement must not exceed 1,000 words (approximately four pages), double-spaced. Please use a 12-point font.

• What do you understand to be the work of student affairs, within the college/university as well as regarding the education of students? Why does that speak to you as a professional goal?
• Describe what steps of reflection guide you personally and/or professionally as you engage others.
• Please discuss a situation that highlights your strengths and challenges when working with others (e.g., academic group project, work experience, athletic team, service project, etc.).
• How do your GPA and undergraduate program of study reflect your ability to learn, reflect, and academically succeed in a graduate program?
• Why do you believe CSU and the SAHE program would be the most appropriate space for you to achieve your professional goals in student affairs?

Resume

Include any previous experience in student affairs and other relevant work experiences, along with position titles, dates of employment, institutions, and major responsibilities.

Letters of recommendation
Provide three letters of recommendation, which should comment on your ability to do graduate work and your student affairs professional practice. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

We recommend selecting three references that are a current or former supervisor, a faculty member, and a student affairs professional.

Official transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadline

• Fall admission deadline: June 1
• Spring admission deadline: October 15
• Summer admission deadline: February 15

Selection timeline

• Applications will be reviewed after the June 1 deadline.
• Admit decisions will be made by late July.

Application instructions are below for our three Student Affairs in Higher Education certificates:

• Campus Crisis Management
• Student Affairs Administration
• Student Affairs Management of Auxiliary Enterprises

The online certificates require that students have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement should be written in 12-point font, double-spaced, and include the following:

• Describe why you are interested in earning the certificate; and
• Discuss your long-term professional and/or personal goals.

Resume

Include any previous experience in student affairs and other relevant work experiences, along with position titles, dates of employment, institutions, and major responsibilities.

Letters of recommendation
Provide contact information for professional and/or academic recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

Official transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadlines

• Fall admission deadline: July 15
• Spring admission deadline: Jan. 2
• Summer admission deadline: April 15

Selection timeline

• Applications will be reviewed monthly on a rolling basis.
• Faculty review of applications takes approximately 4-6 weeks.

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the School of Education. Admission is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience, your personal statement, and fit with the program.

A master’s degree from a regionally accredited post secondary institution or a Colorado State University-recognized international institution is required.

Additional requirements include:

• Minimum 3.00 GPA

Visit our online application to apply.

After submitting your online application and paying your application fee, begin submitting your supporting materials to complete your application.

• Upload the required supporting documents directly to your application. Be sure to submit your application after these documents are uploaded, even if your application is missing recommendation letters or transcripts. Submitting your application will generate your application checklist, which allows you to check the application status at any time.
• To submit official transcripts, contact your previous institutions to request official transcripts to be sent to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075).
• To submit test scores, contact the testing agency to request scores be sent to Colorado State University (use institution code 4075).
• For any documents that cannot be uploaded, submit paper copies directly to the Office of Admissions at:
  Graduate Admissions
  Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
  1062 Campus Delivery
  Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

View the status of your application at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is a summary of long-term professional or personal goals and is required for all applicants.

Your statement should be written in 12-point font, double-spaced, and include the following:

• Your purpose for pursuing graduate education and how it will contribute to your long-term goals and career plans.
• Why you chose the CSU School of Education’s Education, Equity, and Transformation specialization to pursue your doctorate.
• A description of teaching, research/creative, or other academic work you have engaged in relevant to the qualifications.
• A description of the areas of research you are interested in pursuing, and the specific School of Education faculty you believe could support that research.

Resume

Three recommendation letters

• Letters from faculty who can address your academic performance are preferred.

Writing sample

Please provide an example of scholarly writing that highlights your ability to communicate ideas and/or arguments. Submitted writing samples should be 10 pages or less.  Examples might include, but are not restricted to:

• a portion of your master’s thesis,
• a paper from a course, or
• writing completed for a professional purpose.

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadlines

• Spring admission deadline: Oct. 1
• Fall admission deadline: Feb. 1

Selection timeline

• Application review begins after the posted deadline.
• Admit decisions will be made approximately six weeks following the application deadline.

Additional minimum admission requirements

At least two years of professional post-master’s work experience in a higher education institution setting or within an organization that is engaged in work related to higher education.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission. Admission will be primarily guided by the evaluation of each applicant’s fit with the program mission, and within the context of developing each incoming cohort’s teaching and learning community based on application materials (i.e., Statement of Purpose, professional experiences, recommendation letters, academic transcripts) and interviews with finalists.

Statement of Purpose (2-3 pages)

Write a two- to three-page statement of purpose regarding your personal and professional interests and goals in higher education. Your statement should address the following questions:

• What personal and professional factors or experiences have led you to seek a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Colorado State University?
• How will this Ph.D. program advance your professional aspirations and personal goals? What do you hope to got out of your program experience?
• How have your experiences influenced your views of equity and justice in higher education?
• What are your research interests? How are they connected to principles of equity and justice? How might your interests be compatible with our Higher Education Leadership and School of Education faculty?

The statement should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and written in 11- or 12-point Times New Roman font. If your statement goes beyond the three-page limit, the admissions committee will only read the first three pages.

Resume, including:

• Record of collegiate work, including names of institutions attended, dates of attendance, and degrees earned.
• Record of all professional employment and military service, if applicable; include dates of service.
• List of publications, exhibitions, awards, or other recognitions.
• List of service activities, including professional, community, and charitable events.

Three recommendation letters

• Three professional recommendations are required.
• Recommenders should be able to speak to your ability to complete doctoral work, research and writing, and potential as a research scholar and/or scholar-practitioner.

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Post-application requirements

Interviews

• The admission committee may request an interview.
• Interviews are by invitation only, and are conducted via video conference.
• Faculty will select applicants to advance to the interview stage in mid-January.

Writing sample

• If invited to interview, applicants will be required to submit a research or scholarly paper, due within two weeks of invitation.
• This requirement is intended to provide the faculty with critical information on the applicant’s ability to frame, research/engage in inquiry, analyze, and offer a persuasive and cohesive written account of a current topic (of the applicant’s choosing) related to higher education.

Application deadline

• Summer admission deadline: Dec. 1

Selection timeline

• Application review begins after the Dec. 1 deadline.
• Admit decisions will be made by mid-May.
• Summer courses begin in mid-July.

Additional minimum admission requirements

• 10-12 years of advanced experience in a related discipline

Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose is a summary of your long-term professional or personal goals, and is required for all applicants.

Your statement will consist of two sections: the personal statement and the dissertation topic statement. The Statement of Purpose should be written in 12-point font, double-spaced, with clear headings indicating each section of your document, and include the following:

Personal Statement (2-3 pages)

• Your purpose for pursuing graduate education and how it will contribute to your long-term goals and career plans;
• Why you have selected Colorado State University as the place to pursue your graduate studies; and
• A description of teaching, research/creative, or other academic work you have engaged in relevant to the qualifications.

Dissertation Topic Statement (3 pages)

• Dissertation topics are areas of interest that may develop into the focus of your dissertation research.
• Please provide a one-page statement for each of your three areas of interest with each topic/area of interest clearly indicated.

Resume

Three recommendation letters

Official transcripts

• Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions.
• Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.

Application deadline

• Applications are accepted every other even-numbered year.
• The next application cycle is now open. Submit by March 15, 2022 for Fall 2022 admission.

Selection timeline

• Application review begins after the application deadline.
• Admit decisions will be made by June 1.